Votes at a glance: Hawaii County Council approves telecom ordinance and a package of budgets, leases, grants and equipment purchases

Hawaii County Council members on June 18 approved a group of bills and resolutions covering telecommunications siting, budget transfers, multi‑year leases for equipment, stewardship grants and other county business.

The meeting’s most contested item in public comment was Bill 24 (Draft 6), the telecom ordinance (covered in a separate article). Alongside that measure the council took routine and budgetary actions that will affect county operations and community programs.

Key outcomes

- Bill 59 (first reading): A bill amending Chapter 24, Article 9 of the Hawaii County Code to prohibit receiving, soliciting or delivering goods or services while in the street passed first reading. The motion to approve first reading was moved by Councilmember Kirkwood, seconded and carried with seven ayes and two no votes; Councilmember Galimba and Councilmember Kaguata (names as recorded in the clerk’s roll call) voted no. Councilmembers noted planned amendments to align fines and community service hours.

- Resolution 197-25 (road dedication): The council adopted an amended resolution accepting dedication of Roadway Lot 8 (Tax Map Key 35008009) at Papaloa, North Hilo; the amendment corrected clerical errors. The motion to adopt was moved by Councilmember Kimball; the council approved the amended resolution by voice vote (nine ayes).

- Resolution 185-25 (special counsel retention): The council approved extending retention of special counsel for the Department of Human…