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Council adopts capital budget; approves dog-park, Waimea trail and district reappropriation amendments
Summary
The Hawaii County Council approved Bill 32 (capital improvements program for FY2025—6) June 5, adopting three council amendments that add district reappropriations, dog-park funding requests, and initial funds for the Kealakek—ke Kahawai (Waimea) streamside trail.
The Hawaii County Council adopted Bill 32, the capital improvements budget for fiscal year 2025—6, on second and final reading June 5 after the council approved three amendments addressing district projects, dog-park requests and a trails-and-greenways project in Waimea.
Bill 32 requires a total appropriation of $621,515,000, including planned bond funding of about $550,086,000 and federal and state grants. The council amended the capital budget with three items: reappropriations and district project adjustments (Communication 159.47), a South Kohala dog-park mirror amendment (Communication 159.48) and a reappropriation for the Kealake Kahawai Waimea Trails & Greenways initiative (Communication 159.49).
Why it matters: The capital budget directs large bond and grant-funded projects island-wide. The Waimea Trails amendment advances a long-standing community proposal to finalize design and begin construction on a streamside trail; the dog-park amendments respond to repeated constituent requests for legal, fenced canine recreation spaces in multiple districts.
Key amendments and debate - Communication 159.47 (district reappropriations): Introduced by Council member Eustace, the changes reallocate lapsing CIP funds for District 9 and related projects. The amendment passed unanimously (8 Aye, 1 excused).
- Communication 159.48 (South Kohala dog-park): Also moved by Council member Eustace, this amendment mirrors a dog-park request already proposed for another Kohala site. Vice Chair Onishi and several council members supported dog-park funding while acknowledging operational responsibilities for Parks & Recreation, including size-separated enclosures, double-gate entry and enforcement of vaccination and behavior rules.
- Communication 159.49 (Waimea Trails and Greenways — Kealake Kahawai Waimea): Moved by Council member Houston, this amendment adds funding to finalize design and initiate construction for a long-standing community trail project in Waimea. Houston said the project had community support and earlier federal grant attempts had failed; the design was about 80% complete and required additional funding to move into construction.
Council discussion touched on maintenance, public-safety issues and liability for fenced dog parks, with representatives and council members noting the need for clear rules and enforcement. Council member Villegas referenced a successful, privately run dog-park facility in his district to illustrate potential program models and emphasized public education and enforcement to reduce health and safety risks.
Final passage All three amendments carried (each recorded as 8 Aye, 1 excused) and Bill 32 as amended passed on second and final reading by voice vote (motion carried 8 Aye, 1 excused). Council members directing the amendments said the measures respond to constituent requests and long-running community projects.
Votes at a glance - Motion: Amend Bill 32 draft 3 with Communication 159.47 (district reappropriations). Outcome: Passed (8 Aye, 1 excused). Mover: Council member Eustace. - Motion: Amend Bill 32 draft 3 with Communication 159.48 (South Kohala dog-park mirror). Outcome: Passed (8 Aye, 1 excused). Mover: Council member Eustace. - Motion: Amend Bill 32 draft 3 with Communication 159.49 (Waimea Trails & Greenways - Kealake Kahawai Waimea). Outcome: Passed (8 Aye, 1 excused). Mover: Council member Houston. - Motion: Pass Bill 32 draft 3 (CIP budget) as amended. Outcome: Passed (8 Aye, 1 excused).
Background and implementation notes Council members and Parks & Recreation staff said dog-park implementation requires site design, rules (including vaccination and size separation), maintenance and enforcement plans. The Waimea Trails amendment will require interdepartmental coordination (Parks & Rec, Planning and possibly state or federal permitting) before construction can begin.
Ending note With both operating and capital budgets adopted, council members said the focus will return to implementation details, procurement plans and opportunities for multi-year funding strategies for community priorities.
