Hawaii County council advances $953 million operating budget after debate on reserves and services

The Hawaii County Council on May 22 approved Bill 31 on first reading, adopting an amended operating budget for fiscal year 2025–26 that the administration said contains estimated revenues and appropriations of $953,268,869.

The budget, transmitted by Mayor Sekimo Alameda and presented by Managing Director William Buranti and Finance Director Diane Nakagawa, reflects a proposed increase in estimated revenues and appropriations from the mayor's draft and adds about $15.5 million over the first draft. The administration described the plan as fiscally conservative, with a 3.5% increase in total appropriations and a projected general fund balance equal to about 10.4% of general fund expenditures.

Why it matters: The operating budget determines staffing, public safety, maintenance of county facilities and the county's immediate fiscal posture. Council members focused questions on the administration's proposal to limit reliance on the current-year fund balance, the county's ability to respond to potential federal benefit…