Committee approves three intergovernmental MOUs and two mayoral nominations; forwards charter amendment to full council

The Hawaii County council committee voted on several consent and action items on Sept. 8, approving three intergovernmental memorandum-of-understanding (MOU) resolutions, forwarding two mayoral nominations to the full council with positive recommendations, and sending a charter amendment on the public works director to the full council with a favorable recommendation.

Nominations and committee votes

- Steve Morifuji — Liquor Commission: The committee closed the file on communication 488 and forwarded the mayor’s positive nomination of Steve Morifuji to the full council. Erin Samura of the mayor’s office introduced Morifuji as a Hamakua native and a former administrative officer for licensing and enforcement in the Department of Liquor Control; if confirmed by the council he would serve a term to expire Dec. 31, 2029. Motion: Council Member Galimba; second: Council Member Inaba. Vote: 8 ayes, Connie Lee Kleinfelder excused.

- Guy S. Alameda — Water Board: The committee closed the file on communication 489 and sent a positive recommendation for Guy S. Alameda to the full council. Miss Zamora introduced Alameda as a retired Hawaiian Electric power plant senior supervisor who retired in January 2025; he described his ties to Keaukaha and DHHL beneficiary status and told the committee he would learn water-rights issues as needed. If confirmed his term would expire Dec. 31, 2027. Motion: Council Member Galimba; second: Council Member Villegas. Vote: 8 ayes, Connie Lee Kleinfelder excused.

Intergovernmental agreements (resolutions)

- Resolution 303-25 (multi-jurisdictional drug task force): The committee approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the State of Hawaii and other counties to participate in a statewide multi-jurisdictional drug task force and authorizing the Hawaii Police Department to enter into a related MOU to interdict illicit narcotics. Captain Ed Beighton of the Hawaii Police Department’s vice division briefed the committee and said Hawaii County accounted for roughly 70% of narcotics recoveries in the state and that methamphetamine was the county’s largest current drug problem. Motion: Council Member Galimba; second: Council Member Eustace. Vote: 8 ayes.

- Resolution 304-25 (VA coordination MOU): The committee approved an MOU authorizing coordination between the Hawaii Police Department and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Pacific Islands Health Care System concerning law enforcement, emergency response and security at community-based outpatient clinics in Hilo and Kailua‑Kona. Major Jeremy Evangelista (HPD) explained the VA clinics are federal property and the MOU clarifies requests for assistance and mutual aid. Motion: Council Member Galimba; second: Council Member Eustace. Vote: 8 ayes.

- Resolution 305-25 (Honolulu PD forensic lab MOU): The committee approved an MOU with the Honolulu Police Department Scientific Investigation Section for use of Honolulu’s full-service forensic testing laboratory. Captain Rio Iman Wilkins of the Hawaii Police Department explained the MOU would streamline requests for lab work Honolulu PD already performs for the county; she said Honolulu currently does not charge Hawaii County for that work but items requiring mainland testing can be costly. Motion: Council Member Galimba; second: Council Member Eustace. Vote: 8 ayes.

Bill 64 (charter amendment on public works director)

The committee also voted 5-3 to recommend passage of Bill 64 (draft 2) on first reading; the roll call is listed in the Bill 64 article. Because Bill 64 amends the county charter it would go to voters if the council approves it.

What the votes mean

Most motions on the Sept. 8 committee agenda passed unanimously among the eight members present; Council Member Connie Lee Kleinfelder was excused from the meeting. The committee’s approval of the three MOUs authorizes the administration and the Hawaii Police Department to finalize intergovernmental agreements that will be sent to the full council. The positive recommendations on the two mayoral nominations move both nominees to the full council for confirmation votes.