Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Council Votes Roundup topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Votes at a glance: Hawaii County Council actions and local grants on Sept. 17, 2025
Summary
The council approved a set of routine resolutions, grant transfers and appointments, postponed a handful of items and took other administrative votes. This roundup lists each formal action and outcome from the Sept. 17 meeting that were not the subject of extended debate.
The Hawaii County Council conducted a number of routine confirmations, grant approvals, public‑works dedications and budget transfers at its Sept. 17 meeting. Below are the formal actions the council took during the session beyond the multi‑agenda topics covered separately.
Key approvals and outcomes
- Resolution 2 8 4–25 (wide area network services for the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney): Approved. Moved by Councilmember Connolly E. Kleinfelder; seconded by Councilmember Galimba. The resolution authorizes a three‑year agreement with an estimated cost of $49,200 per year for wide area network services.
- Resolution 2 8 5–25 (VoIP services for Prosecuting Attorney): Postponed to Oct. 22, 2025 at the department’s request. Motion to postpone made by Councilmember Kanyeli Kleinfelder and carried by voice vote.
- Resolution 2 8 7–25 (acceptance/dedication of roadway — Mailani development): Approved. Moved by Councilmember Kimball; seconded by Councilmember Galimba. Council discussed existing easements and potential future connectivity; deputy public works staff said improvements would depend on future development status.
- Resolution 2 8 8–25 (intergovernmental agreement re: Act 96 and cruise‑ship transient accommodation tax administration): Postponed to the call of the chair. Deputy Corporation Counsel and finance staff advised that litigation in state court (a motion for preliminary injunction scheduled for Nov. 5) and coordination needs advised postponement. Motion to postpone carried unanimously.
- Resolution 3 0 6–25 (extension of retention of special counsel for Workers’ Compensation): Approved by required supermajority vote; clerk announced 8 in favor, 1 absent. Moved by Councilmember Kaguata; seconded by Councilmember Huestis. Council received a briefing that retention had helped reduce open claims and costs.
- A series of small grant appropriations and contingency transfers to nonprofit events and community programs were approved (Resolutions 3 0 8–25 through 3 1 6–25 and 3 1 0–25 through 3 1 5–25), including grants for the Hawaii Farmers Union Foundation convention, the Smoke It Up festival (Malama O Puna), Cicada Day and local kupuna events. These measures were authorized by voice votes; the council recorded no objections for the listed grant transfers.
- Bills passing first reading: Bill 75 (extension of temporary suspension of transit fares through 12/31/2028) passed first reading. Bill 76 (community financial counseling appropriation), Bill 77 (Kuuleimano elderly housing operations appropriations), Bill 78 (land acquisition account correction; amended) and Bill 79 (Kaleikahi wastewater R1 upgrade appropriation) passed first reading as noted by the clerk; several require two‑thirds votes at final reading and later appropriation ordinance steps.
Votes, procedural notes and administrative confirmations
- The council confirmed nominations to boards and committees (e.g., Macy Wilson to the Board of Appeals; David N. Kuaherinui to the Kau CDP Action Committee) by recorded voice votes with the clerk announcing the tally.
- Meeting minutes of June 5, 2025 were approved with no amendments.
What was postponed or continued
- Resolution 2 8 5–25 (VoIP) was postponed to Oct. 22 at the department’s request. - Resolution 2 8 8–25 (Act 96 transit MOU) was postponed to the call of the chair because of pending litigation over Act 96 and coordination with other counties. - Bill 38 (private‑road tax credit) had an amendment adopted but suspension of rules to finish second reading failed, so the measure was held over to Oct. 8 (see separate article). - Bill 72 (DEM director charter amendment) was postponed to Oct. 8 for staff to prepare alternate language (see separate article).
Routine administrative work
The meeting also included housekeeping and clerk matters: closing files on several communications, approving routine budget transfers for community events, and motions to accept roadway dedications and other ministerial actions.
