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Hawaii County Council confirms nominees, approves zoning and budget items, and okays small grants in routine session
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Summary
At its April 8 meeting the Hawaii County Council confirmed multiple nominations, approved a package of zoning and budget bills at first and final reading, and passed more than a dozen small grant resolutions and procurement authorizations, mostly by unanimous or near-unanimous votes.
The Hawaii County Council used its April 8 meeting to confirm a slate of nominees, pass a mix of zoning and budget bills, and approve numerous small grants and program funding transfers.
Confirmations and appointments: The council confirmed multiple nominees, including Alan Okamoto to the Liquor Commission and David G. Okamura to the Game Management Advisory Commission (term to expire Dec. 31, 2030). Stephen Pawel and Maile Lou were confirmed to the Cost of Government Commission and Doreen L. Raymond to the Veterans Advisory Committee. Most confirmations carried on voice vote, with the common recorded result noted as 8 ayes, 1 absent or unanimous depending on the item.
Procurement and contracts: The council approved Resolution 480-26 to enter a three-year contract with NeoGov for human resources recruitment and examination software, with estimated annual costs of about $34,100 in year one, $36,570 in year two and $39,230 in year three.
Zoning and land-use: Bills 130 and 131, both zoning amendments related to Waikia properties to allow a new credit-union branch and associated parking, passed at second and final reading. Councilmember Kimball recused on both matters; final tallies cited '8 ayes, 1 recusal.' Bill 129 (no parking at portions of Lee Drive in Kahului Beach Park) passed second and final reading; several other bills (137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142) were advanced at first reading.
Budget and small grants: The council approved a package of small grant resolutions and budget amendments, including grants to the Puna Community Medical Center Kupuka Pharmacy Project ($1,000), World Bee Day Hawaii (invitation/support), Abled Hawaii Artists ($4,400), Eva Sofia Foundation ($1,600), Hospice of Hilo ($3,040), Ocean View Skate Park Association ($2,000), Hawaii Saddle Club ($9,500) and others. The council also approved budget adjustments for housing programs (Bills 139, 140, 141, 142 and others).
Public safety and staffing: Bill 133, which appropriates $271,447 in federal staffing funds to create 12 temporary firefighter positions in wildfire-vulnerable communities, passed second and final reading; sponsor Councilmember Kirkowitz urged future efforts to make those positions permanent.
Outcome and next steps: Nearly all items were approved by voice vote without extended debate, apart from several recusals and the earlier discussion on Konawaena schools. The council recessed briefly for presentations and photos before returning to conduct the public testimony and business items; it adjourned at 10:18 a.m.
