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Council confirms nominees, approves shelter lease, accepts donation and passes construction‑code commission and property‑tax tier
Summary
At its March 4 meeting the council confirmed several nominations, approved a one‑year lease to Hope Services for a 31‑bed emergency shelter at $10 per year, accepted a donated trained narcotics canine, and passed Bill 127 establishing a county construction code commission and Bill 128 creating a new high‑value residential tax tier.
Beyond the recovery grants and the wastewater contract postponement, the Hawaii County Council handled several other items on March 4.
Nominations and confirmations: the council confirmed Duane T. Mukai to the Liquor Control Adjudication Board and confirmed Lokelani Brandt to the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission. The council approved nominations by voice vote with the clerk recording the confirmations.
Hope Services lease: the council approved Resolution 462-26 directing the director of finance to negotiate a one‑year lease (with a one‑year renewal option) of county property (TMK 74010044) to Hope Services Hawaii Inc. for homeless assistance. Administrator Hal Costa said the site will continue to be used as a 31‑bed congregate emergency shelter managed through the coordinated‑entry process; the approximate annual cost in the resolution is listed as $10. Council approved the resolution by recorded voice vote (8 ayes, 1 excused).
Donation to police: the council accepted a donated, pre‑trained narcotics canine and handler training valued at about $31,000 from the Hawaii Island Canine Association for the West Hawaii Police canine program. Members discussed prior canine care and acknowledged community donors and foundations that supported the acquisition.
Bills and ordinances: the council passed Bill 127 (as amended) to create a county construction code commission to advise the mayor, council and DPW on code adoption and technical guidance. The building division expressed concerns about duplication of functions and staffing; proponents said the commission will increase transparency and industry engagement. The council recorded a final vote in favor: the measure passed second and final reading with seven votes in favor, one no and one absent.
The council also passed Bill 128 to create a new residential Tier 3 tax class for properties with net taxable values above $4,000,000. Sponsors said the new tier gives the county additional policy flexibility to address high‑value properties. The bill passed second and final reading.
Votes at a glance: Approvals included the Kīlauea Recovery grants (Resolution 459-26), lease to Hope Services (Resolution 462-26), a set of small appropriations and donations, Bill 127 (construction code commission) and Bill 128 (new property tax tier). The council postponed Resolution 461-26 (construction‑management contract) to March 18 to allow staff to supply additional financial detail.
