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DPW presents FY27 status-quo budget, details Kona-low storm response and hiring shortfalls
Summary
Hawaii County Department of Public Works outlined a status-quo FY27 budget, described post-Kona low emergency work documented for FEMA reimbursement, and fielded council questions about permit backlogs, certificate-of-occupancy procedures and dozens of vacancies across divisions.
The Department of Public Works presented its FY2027 status-quo budget on April 17, telling the Hawaii County Council the department will continue to prioritize customer service, project delivery and safety while managing cost pressures from utilities and materials. Director Wes Seagawa said the department’s general fund budget totals $31,213,676 and is weighted toward salaries and other current expenses; the highway fund, financed largely by fuel, public utilities and vehicle-weight taxes, totals about $62.1 million.
The presentation emphasized recent accomplishments: DPW said it processed and issued half of residential building permits within 60 days, completed more than 33.94 miles of resurfacing islandwide and delivered $26.5 million in federal‑highway funded construction projects. Seagawa said the department completed routine preventive maintenance for traffic signals and launched a countywide automotive work-order system.
A major focus of the hearing was DPW’s response to the recent Kona low storm. Deputy Director Neil Azevedo described heavy rainfall and plugged culverts in Kona that brought down trees and boulders, blocked drainage and damaged roadways. “When the culverts blocked, that’s what went over the road,” Azevedo said, adding DPW crews cleaned and reopened culverts in stages and used GIS mapping to document damage for FEMA. He said DPW has begun an RFA for federal assistance and is coordinating with civil defense, finance and FEMA to pursue reimbursement for emergency protective measures, debris cleanup and damages.
Council members pressed DPW on sticking points raised by residents: lost certificates of occupancy (CFOs), backlog in building inspections, and a lack of clarity in some budget “miscellaneous” lines. Acting building chief Aaron Spielman explained the current practice for missing CFOs—courtesy follow-up inspections to detect unpermitted work—and urged a countywide, consistent process between Hilo and Kona offices. Councilors asked about an AI “precheck” idea to reduce incomplete submittals; Spielman said staff supported an augmented-intelligence tool to reduce repetitive intake corrections.
Recruiting and vacancies drew repeated attention. DPW reported roughly 480 positions with 71 vacancies across divisions, concentrated in building (24), traffic (16) and highway maintenance (15). Seagawa and Azevedo said the department is working with Human Resources and Hawaii Community College, and considering lowering some minimum qualifications to create a promotion pipeline. Several councilors urged more aggressive recruiting incentives and apprenticeship partnerships to fill skilled trades and inspector roles.
On capital projects and maintenance, DPW said it aims to resurface 36 miles in FY27 and noted equipment purchases — including $170,000 for new shop lifts for the Hilo automotive shop — would be lower because of prior-year buys. The beautification fund, supplied by a $1-per-vehicle fee, will share $53,565 with Parks & Recreation for island-wide projects.
Next steps: DPW said it will provide follow‑up information on the CFO process, timelines for the Hilo Public Safety building painting award once the contractor signs, and further breakdowns of miscellaneous highway‑fund items at council request. The council voted to forward the operating and capital budgets to the full council for first reading on May 21.
Ending: The hearing moved on after roughly two hours of DPW presentation and council questions; DPW staff said they will continue FEMA coordination and return requested clarifications to council staff.
