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Hawaii County Council confirms nominees and approves a package of budget, zoning and small grants
Summary
On April 8 the council confirmed multiple nominees to advisory boards, approved several small grant resolutions and passed zoning and budget bills including two credit union site changes (bills 130, 131) and a $271,447 federal grant to fund 12 temporary firefighter positions (Bill 133). Many items passed unanimously; two zoning approvals recorded an 8‑0 vote with one recusal.
The Hawaii County Council approved a series of nominations, budget adjustments, grants and land‑use changes during its April 8 meeting in Hilo.
Nominations and confirmations: The council confirmed several nominees to county boards and commissions, including Alan Okamoto to the Liquor Commission, David G. Okamura to the Game Management Advisory Commission, Stephen Pawel and Maile Lu’uwai to the Cost of Government Commission, and Doreen Raymond to the Veterans Advisory Committee. The motions to close files and confirm nominees were moved and seconded as recorded; votes were announced as carrying with eight aye votes and one absent member for many of the confirmations.
Budget and grant measures: The council approved a set of small grants and budget adjustments that fund community events and programs across districts, including: - Resolution 501-26: $1,000 grant to Puna Community Medical Center Foundation (Kupuna Pharmacy Project). - Resolution 502-26: $5,000 grant for Kona Town Night Market event. - Resolution 505-26: $4,400 to support an Abled Hawaii Artists exhibit at the Wailoa Art Center. - Resolution 506-26: $1,600 grant to the Ava Sofia Foundation to support a Light It Up Blue awareness effort. - Resolution 509-26: $2,000 to Ocean View Skate Park Association for building supplies. Each of these measures was moved, seconded and approved as recorded in the meeting; most were adopted unanimously.
Zoning and major bills: Two related zoning petitions from CU Hawaii Federal Credit Union advanced at second and final reading. Bill 130 (zone change to allow a new credit union branch at 533 Monono Street) and Bill 131 (change to allow a parking lot at 494 Hinano Street) were approved at second and final reading. Council member Kimball recused herself from those votes; the chair announced the motions carried with eight ayes and one recusal.
Public safety funding: Bill 133, which increases operating budget revenue and appropriates a federal grant of $271,447 for the Staffing for Adequate Fire Emergency Response program, passed on second and final reading. Council members said the funds will support 12 temporary firefighter positions targeted at at‑risk wildfire communities; the motion carried unanimously.
Other business: The council approved IT software maintenance (Resolution 480-26) for human resources recruitment and examination functions under a three‑year contract with NeoGov, with an approximate first‑year cost of $34,100.
Procedure and votes: Where roll‑call tallies were announced, the transcript records outcomes such as unanimous approvals or the specific counts (for example, “Motion carries 8 ayes, 1 recusal” on the two credit union zoning items). The meeting recorded a quorum and adjourned at 10:18 a.m.
What’s next: Most items were final actions; confirmation letters and contract documents will proceed through normal administrative channels. Several community events funded by the resolutions were scheduled for the coming weeks and months as noted by presenters during testimony.
