HomeMy WebLinkAbout 10/09/2013 Council Meeting Minutes COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 9, 2013
The Council Meeting of the Council of the County of Kaua'i was called to
order by the Council Vice Chair Nadine K. Nakamura at the Council Chambers,
4396 Rice Street, Room 201, Lihu'e, Kaua'i, on Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at
9:38 a.m., after which the following members answered the call of the roll:
Honorable Gary L. Hooser
Honorable Ross Kagawa
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Honorable Mel Rapozo
Honorable JoAnn A. Yukimura
Excused: Honorable Tim Bynum
Honorable Jay Furfaro
Ms. Nakamura: Good morning. I am going to call this
meeting to order. I just want to say that we have two (2) excused absences this
morning from Chair Furfaro and Councilmember Bynum, so it will be just the five
(5) of us this morning. May I have an approval of the agenda, please?
APPROVAL OF AGENDA.
Mr. Rapozo moved for approval of the agenda as circulated, seconded by
Mr. Kagawa, and carried by a vote of 5:0:2 (Mr. Bynum and Mr. Furfaro were
excused).
PUBLIC COMMENT.
Pursuant to Council Rule 13(e), members of the public shall be allowed a total of
eighteen (18) minutes on a first come, first served basis to speak on any agenda
item. Each speaker shall be limited to three (3) minutes at the discretion of the
Chair to discuss the agenda item and shall not be allowed additional time to speak
during the meeting. This rule is designed to accommodate those who cannot be
present throughout the meeting to speak when the agenda items are heard. After
the conclusion of the eighteen (18) minutes, other members of the public shall be
allowed to speak pursuant to Council Rule 12(e).
Ms. Nakamura: Under "Public Comment," would anyone like
to comment? Seeing no one, we will go to the next item. Can you please read the
minutes?
MINUTES of the following meetings of the Council:
July 9, 2013 Special Council Meeting
July 10, 2013 Special Council Meeting
July 31, 2013 Public Hearing re: Bill No. 2491
Ms. Yukimura: Madame Chair, may I ask for one (1) more
deferral on the July 31, 2013 Public Hearing minutes?
COUNCIL MEETING 2 OCTOBER 9, 2013
Ms. Nakamura: Okay. We would like to approve July 9, 2013
Special Council Meeting minutes and the July 10, 2013 Special Council Meeting
minutes.
Mr. Kagawa moved to approve the Minutes of the July 9, 2013 Special
Council Meeting and July 10, 2013 Special Council Meeting as circulated,
seconded by Ms. Yukimura, and carried by a vote of 5:0:2 (Mr. Bynum and
Mr. Furfaro were excused).
Ms. Yukimura moved to defer the Minutes of the July 31, 2013 Public
Hearing re: Bill No. 2491, seconded by Mr. Kagawa, and carried by a vote of
5:0:2 (Mr. Bynum and Mr. Furfaro were excused).
Ms. Yukimura: Thank you.
Ms. Nakamura: May we go to the Consent Calendar?
CONSENT CALENDAR:
C 2013-332 Communication (09/04/2013) from the County Engineer,
transmitting for Council consideration, amendments to the Fiscal Year 2013-2014
Capital Improvements Budget, by Revising the Amounts Estimated in the Bond
Fund and Sewer Trust Fund. (Islandwide SCADA System - $371,213.00 (Bond
Fund), $365,029.00 (Sewer Trust Fund)): Mr. Kagawa moved to receive C 2013-332
for the record, seconded by Mr. Rapozo, and carried by a vote of 5:0:2 (Mr. Bynum
and Mr. Furfaro were excused).
C 2013-333 Communication (09/04/2013) from the County Engineer,
transmitting for Council consideration, amendments to the Fiscal Year 2013-2014
Capital Improvements Budget, by Revising the Amounts Estimated in the Bond
Fund. (Waimea R-1 Water Distribution System Improvements - $209,450.00):
Mr. Kagawa moved to receive C 2013-332 for the record, seconded by Mr. Rapozo,
and carried by a vote of 5:0:2 (Mr. Bynum and Mr. Furfaro were excused).
There being no objections, C 2013-337 was taken out of the order.
COMMUNICATIONS:
C 2013-337 Communication (09/18/2013) from the Fire Chief, requesting
Council approval to accept a donation of a 2008 Shopbuilt jet ski trailer valued at
$1,500 from the Kaua`i Lifeguard Association (KLA) to be used by the Kaua`i Fire
Department's (KFD) Ocean Safety Bureau: Mr. Kagawa moved to approve
C 2013-337 with a thank-you letter to follow, seconded by Mr. Rapozo.
There being no objections, the rules were suspended.
KALANI VIERRA, Ocean Safety Bureau: Good morning. My name is
Kalani Vierra, Ocean Safety Bureau of the Kaua`i Fire Department.
Mr. Kagawa: Kalani, who did this come from? The Kaua`i
Lifeguard Association (KLA)?
Mr. Vierra: Yes.
Mr. Kagawa: Is the trailer in pretty good shape?
COUNCIL MEETING 3 OCTOBER 9, 2013
Mr. Vierra: I have pictures here if you guys want to see.
Mr. Kagawa: Okay.
Mr. Vierra: The trailer is in excellent condition.
Mr. Kagawa: Thank you for getting that donation because
any time we save money here at the County, it is very much appreciated. A lot of
times, people will not donate because they can sell it for money. In this case, thank
you very much for that. I just want to commend you because I got to see the videos
that you guys have when you come into the airport. To me, it is played loud, it is
very good, and it gives people awareness. We are having recent drownings because
of people not knowing about the strong currents around Kaua`i. A lot of times, the
people in the water are inexperienced. The commercials that play as you wait for
your luggage really grabs your attention. I think it is a good thing to let the visitors
know that have not been here before, that right away, they better pay attention to
this and there are some dangers if they are not careful. I want to thank you for that
because it definitely does not look good for our island when we have visitors who
drown. I know it is not because you guys are not trying your best, but any way we
can educate the public is always the best. Thank you for all of your good work with
this donation. Mahalo, Kalani.
Mr. Vierra: Thank you.
Ms. Nakamura: Are there any more questions?
Councilmember Yukimura.
Ms. Yukimura: Good morning, Kalani. I want to thank
Kapa'a Rotary for their work and your work to get that video at the airport. In
here, it mentions the name "Dan Lord."
Mr. Vierra: Dan Lord is an Electricial Contractor that
approached one (1) of our lifeguards on the South Shore and mentioned that he had
this trailer sitting around his yard and he has no use for it, so he wanted to donate
it to the lifeguard staff. That particular lifeguard called Monty Downs, President of
KLA and this is where we are at today.
Ms. Yukimura: I happen to know Dan Lord and I just want
to acknowledge and thank him for his generous donation to KLA, and then your
donation to the County because that is a wonderful gesture, too. It is going to help
us all.
Mr. Vierra: Yes. How I can see this particular
equipment working for us... it will not be used on day-to-day operation, but it will
definitely help us out during our training purposes and our repair jobs. It will save
the driver a trip so he can take two (2) pieces of equipment out at one (1) time
instead of doing two (2) trips, especially out to the North Shore.
Ms. Yukimura: That sounds like a great deal.
Mr. Vierra: Yes.
Ms. Yukimura: Thank you. Is it built in to have upkeep of
this trailer?
COUNCIL MEETING 4 OCTOBER 9, 2013
Mr. Vierra: We will put it into our inventory and then we
will have our periodical inspections, servicing, and repairs done through our County
system.
Ms. Yukimura: Okay, because we want to make this
donation last as long as we can.
Mr. Vierra: Yes, I agree.
Ms. Yukimura: Very good. Thank you and mahalo to Dan
Lord.
Ms. Nakamura: Are there any other questions or comments?
Councilmember Rapozo.
Mr. Rapozo: By the looks of your fire trucks and
equipment, I do not think we will have a problem taking care of the trailer. You
guys have the best looking equipment around. I also want to thank the donors, but
I do want to offer a special mahalo, Kalani. I was able to go to your Junior
Lifeguard Awards Banquet. It was an eye opening experience watching those kids
and the videos that were professionally put together. Kalani does a fantastic job
with that program and he is a humble guy, so now that we have you up here and we
have an opportunity— she is probably going crazy thinking, "Mel, ask a question or
give it up because we are stalling time." But this is an opportunity to say thank
you, Kalani, for what you have done with that program and with the water safety
program in general, as well. Just your commitment to ocean safety— you are one
(1) of those who is silent, humble, and quiet, but the public needs to know that face
and your contributions to this island. Thank you very much and keep up the good
work. Good luck next year at the competitions.
Mr. Vierra: Thank you.
Ms. Nakamura: Thank you very much. If there are no
further comments or questions, we will come back to our regular session.
There being no objections, the meeting was called back to order, and
proceeded as follows:
The motion to approve C 2013-337 with a thank-you letter to follow was then
put, and carried by a vote of 5:0:2 (Mr. Bynum and Mr. Furfaro were
excused).
Ms. Nakamura: Thank you very much for your good work.
Let us go to the top of page two (2).
C 2013-334 Communication (09/19/2013) from the Salary Commission,
transmitting for Council information, the Salary Commission's
Resolution No. 2013-01, Relating to the Salaries of Certain Officers and Employees
of the County of Kaua`i: Mr. Rapozo moved to receive C 2013-334 for the record,
seconded by Mr. Kagawa.
Ms. Nakamura: We will suspend the rules. I see Paula
Morikami and Amy Esaki here. Can you please introduce yourselves for the record?
COUNCIL MEETING 5 OCTOBER 9, 2013
There being no objections, the rules were suspended.
PAULA MORIKAMI, Boards and Commissions Administrator: Paula
Morikami, Office of Boards and Commissions. With me, I have First Deputy
County Attorney, Amy Esaki and in the back I have Teresa Tamura, Administrative
Aide. Good morning, members of Council and Vice Chair.
Ms. Nakamura: Would you like to briefly summarize the
Resolution?
Ms. Morikami: First of all, I would like to say that I
apologize that the Chair and Vice Chair were not able to make it from the Salary
Commission today. What this Salary Resolution does is clarifies what is included in
the salaries and what is not, just so that we have an authorizing document that
specifies benefits other than salaries in one (1) document. The Commission felt that
the Salary Commission Resolution was an appropriate place to put it.
Ms. Nakamura: Okay. Thank you very much. Are there any
questions for Amy or Paula? Councilmember Kagawa.
Mr. Kagawa: I am looking at "Article 4, Car/Cell Phone
Allowance for Mayor and Councilmembers." In the second paragraph, "In addition
to their respective salaries, Councilmembers shall be paid an annual amount of
$6,000 for car/cell phone allowance in lieu of mileage and cell phone reimbursement
for the use of their personal automobiles and cell phones for official county
business." Is that to make it how it was before?
AMY I. ESAKI, First Deputy County Attorney: Yes. You will have to
provide receipts.
Mr. Kagawa: I said this at the outset. Obviously, you do
not run for County Council for the money but when I did run, I knew the salary was
fifty-five thousand dollars ($55,000) and I knew there was five hundred dollars
($500) a month gas allowance. I think I called our Clerk and asked him about five
(5) months before the election was held, just to see what it was so I knew what I
would be making should I be fortunate enough to place. When I did win, we got it
for about six (6) months, and then it got taken away. For me, it was almost like— I
said it before, but it is kind of like we got something taken away that I thought was
clear to me that I would receive. That was the only reason I mentioned that. It is
not an issue for me, now that I heard that there was a ruling that said that we
should not have been getting it all of these years. It just happened to happen
during the term that I made it. I think this is good that you are putting it in and it
is clear. I think any official that decides to run should know what they are getting
paid if they win. It is what it is. It should not be "you are getting paid sixty
thousand dollars ($60,000)," and then when you win, get in office, and six (6)
months later, they tell you, "Okay, now you are getting paid fifty-five thousand
dollars ($55,000). To me, that is wrong. Do you have an answer? No answer, okay.
Ms. Nakamura: Councilmember Yukimura.
Ms. Yukimura: Good morning, ladies. I thought that this
takes effect for the next term?
Ms. Esaki: That is correct. Under the Charter,
Section 29.05, this provision will be effective for the County Council next term.
COUNCIL MEETING 6 OCTOBER 9, 2013
Ms. Yukimura: You do not have to say it in the Resolution?
Ms. Esaki: I believe the Charter already says it in
Section 29.05.
Ms. Yukimura: Okay. What exactly does the Charter say?
Ms. Esaki: The Charter says, "No change in salary of
Councilmembers shall be effective during the term in which a change is enacted or
for twenty-four (24) months after a change in enacted, whichever is less."
Ms. Yukimura: That refers to salary or any other
compensation?
Ms. Esaki: Yes.
Ms. Yukimura: You do not have to have it in this Resolution,
but in effect because of the Charter provision, this will go into effect for the next
elected Council?
Ms. Esaki: Yes, for the Councilmembers.
Ms. Yukimura: For the Police Chief— because there are
issues in this Resolution, as well, regarding the uniform and gun allowance,
Standard of Conduct compensation, and uniform allowance.
Ms. Esaki: Yes, for the Police Chief and Fire Chief,
there is no provision in the Charter which delays that.
Ms. Yukimura: Right. Okay. Did the Salary Commission
discuss the salary level for the Police Chief versus other Department Heads, given
the Standard of Conduct amount?
Ms. Morikami: They were given a comparison of the salaries
and other benefits, so they did get a report from the Department of Personnel
Services showing the breakdown of uniform, gun, as well as the Standard of
Conduct, so they were aware of it, but there was not much discussion on that.
Ms. Yukimura: The Standard of Conduct effectively gives a
higher salary level or higher compensation level versus the other Department
Heads. Can you send us copies of that analysis that was made? Thank you very
much.
Ms. Nakamura: Councilmember Rapozo.
Mr. Rapozo: Thank you. I just want clarification. The
Charter is specific to salaries, right?
Ms. Esaki: Yes.
Mr. Rapozo: It is not other compensation? My concern is
similar to Councilmember Yukimura's, which is if I read this Resolution, the
Resolution would authorize the payments to start immediately which I do not think
is appropriate. I do not feel comfortable voting on an increase and pay for myself.
COUNCIL MEETING 7 OCTOBER 9, 2013
If I read the Charter, it is specific to salaries. If you look at the Resolution, it says,
"in addition to their respective salaries," which means this is over and above the
salaries. We still have some time before we get to the actual Resolution. I am glad
had was brought up during the communication. Amy, if you could double check—
but we cannot amend the Resolution though.
Ms. Yukimura: Yes, we have to send it back.
Mr. Rapozo: Well, I do not believe we have the authority
to amend the Resolution. Could check on that for me, Amy? I just believe it is
separate from the salary. I do not think this allowance is part of the salary and the
Charter is specific to salary. My concern is that a Councilmember could file a claim
and say, "Hey, wait a minute. That is not my salary." I am not going to do that, but
someone might. I believe that they would probably prevail because it is not...
Ms. Esaki: Under Section 3.06 of the Kaua`i County
Charter, they use the word "compensation." It also says "the salary of each
Councilmember shall be established in the accordance with the provisions of
Article 29." The broader term, "compensation," is already referred in the Charter
and it is delegated to the Salary Commission.
Mr. Rapozo: Right, that is just for them to determine
compensation or salaries of the Councilmembers, but any change in the salary... if
you go to the change, the part that you read earlier, it does not mention
"compensation." I will leave it up to you folks. If you say it is fine, I am cool with it,
but I am just concerned that "salary" is limited to "salary only," and this is an
additional compensation.
Ms. Esaki: This also does not prevent you from
submitting receipts to get reimbursed. That is allowed per the Charter, as well.
Mr. Rapozo: Okay. Thank you.
Ms. Nakamura: Councilmember Yukimura.
Ms. Yukimura: Yes, but the fact that you do not have to send
receipts means that it could be considered as salary.
Ms. Esaki: Exactly, because it would be included in your
W-2 form when you receive it at the end of the tax year.
Ms. Yukimura: Maybe all we need is a County Attorney's
Opinion saying that this provision, Section 29.05, regarding the change in salaries
does apply to a car/cell phone allowance, which does not require receipts or in the
nature of not requiring receipts.
Ms. Esaki: Yes.
Ms. Yukimura: It would just be a confirmation that this
Resolution is in compliance or it should be interpreted based on Section 29.05.
Ms. Nakamura: Do you want that in a written or oral form?
Ms. Yukimura: Written, I think.
COUNCIL MEETING 8 OCTOBER 9, 2013
Ms. Nakamura: Amy, can do you that by the time we get to
this?
Ms. Esaki: Sure.
Ms. Yukimura: This is a Council Meeting, so we should defer
acceptance? We have time because I think we have sixty (60) days to receive or
reject in part or in whole. Is that right?
Ms. Esaki: Yes, that is correct.
Ms. Yukimura: I think the appropriate thing to do would be
to just defer it for another meeting to give the County Attorney's Office time to give
us this County Attorney Opinion.
Ms. Nakamura: What would be your preference?
Ms. Esaki: Yes, we can defer it for two (2) weeks. I will
have an opinion back to you.
Ms. Nakamura: Is this a time-sensitive matter?
Ms. Esaki: No, I do not believe so. You have sixty (60)
days, so you have at least until December.
Ms. Nakamura: Amy, you could prepare that opinion?
Ms. Esaki: Yes, I can.
Ms. Nakamura: Thank you. Councilmember Kagawa.
Mr. Kagawa: I just have a quick question. Not to belabor
this issue, but how long was the Councilmembers getting the five hundred dollars
($500) a month? How many terms?
Ms. Morikami: I am not sure.
Mr. Kagawa: Is it the past twenty (20) years or past ten
(10) years, maybe?
Ms. Esaki: I do not have my notes before me. I am
sorry.
Mr. Kagawa: That is all right.
Ms. Esaki: I can tell you the era of the Council.
Mr. Kagawa: More than ten (10)?
Ms. Esaki: It was during the time you had
Councilmember Kouchi here. At that point, it changed to a set amount per month.
At that time, the salary was not set or established by the Salary Commission. It
was established by the Budget of the County Council annually.
COUNCIL MEETING 9 OCTOBER 9, 2013
Mr. Kagawa: I just thought that it would have been
cleaner had it been cut before the new term started and if you established that
judgment when the new Councilmembers' terms started. It is my recommendation
for the future when you make a change where something has been done for ten (10)
years or so; do not do the change midterm, do the change prior or after the term is
up. I do not want to repeat it, but that is my recommendation. Thank you.
Ms. Nakamura: Are there any other questions for Paula or
Amy? If not, thank you very much. We will come back to our session. We would
like a deferral until October 23rd.
There being no objections, the meeting was called back to order, and
proceeded as follows:
Mr. Rapozo: It is required to defer the communication, as
well? We can receive the communication and defer the Resolution?
Ms. Nakamura: Actually, there is no separate Resolution.,
there is only a communication that we are deciding on.
Mr. Rapozo: Really? Is it because it is a Salary
Commission Resolution?
Ms. Nakamura: Yes, exactly. It is only the communication
that we will address.
Ms. Yukimura moved to defer C 2013-334, seconded by Mr. Rapozo, and
carried by a vote of 5:0:2 (Mr. Bynum and Mr. Furfaro were excused).
Ms. Nakamura: Can we go to the next item, please?
C 2013-335 Communication (09/06/2013) from the County Engineer,
requesting Council approval of the following:
• Apply for, receive, and expend Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant
Program funds in the amount of$26,500, which is 75% of the
total project cost of$36,000, for the development of new wind
amendments for the adoption of the 2012 International
Building Code (IBC) for the statewide consistency with the
design requirements of the 2012 IBC;
• Accept the remaining in-kind contributions in the amount of
$9,500 (25% match) from the County of Kaua`i, the
Structural Engineers Association of Hawai`i, the American
Institute of Architects, and participants of the State Building
Code Council.
Ms. Yukimura moved to approve C 2013-335, seconded by Mr. Rapozo.
Ms. Nakamura: Thank you. Discussion? Yes,
Councilmember Yukimura.
Ms. Yukimura: Thank you. This is bringing back memories
of Hurricane Iniki because when Hurricane Iniki hit and people were eager to
COUNCIL MEETING 10 OCTOBER 9, 2013
rebuild, we decided to propose new amendments to the Building Code so that people
would rebuild in a strong manner. I just want to acknowledge the Structural
Engineers Association of Hawaii. Within several days of Iniki hitting came...
maybe it was in the second week, but they came with a PowerPoint slideshow that
they had done overnight, stayed up all night, and made presentations to show us
the importance of these new Building Code amendments, which we proposed to the
Council. The hearing before the Council went to midnight because there was a lot
of resistance and concern about imposing new building codes on people that were
struggling. The Code passed and so people rebuilt to be hurricane-resistant. Those
engineers, as I recall, were so dedicated to this. Now, they are coming back in a
more proactive mode before a hurricane hits us again to upgrade our Building Code
based on the new wind data, I guess. Anyway, they were just astounding in their
dedication to stronger buildings. It looks like they are still at it, so I just wanted to
acknowledge them for that.
Ms. Nakamura: Do you have any questions of Larry Dill, who
is here, or can we move on? If not, let us take a vote.
The motion to approve C 2013-335 was then put, and carried by a vote of
5:0:2 (Mr. Bynum and Mr. Furfaro were excused).
Ms. Nakamura: Next item, please.
C 2013-336 Communication (09/17/2013) from Councilmember Rapozo,
requesting Council nominations to the Hawai`i Employer-Union Health Benefits
Trust Fund (EUTF) Task Force, pursuant to Section 2 of Act 268, Session Laws of
Hawai`i 2013: Mr. Kagawa moved to approve the nomination of Councilmember
Mike White, Maui County Council, seconded by Ms. Yukimura.
Ms. Nakamura: Thank you. Is there discussion?
Mr. Rapozo: I am not aware if you folks had this
discussion at the last meeting. This is the first time it is on the agenda. Mike
White is going to be nominated by Maui. Mr. Furfaro was at the Hawai`i State
Association of Counties (HSAC) meeting and he offered his support. I do not have a
problem with Mr. White, but I just wanted to make sure that no one on this Council
was interested in serving on this board because if there is someone who is willing to
serve on this board from the Kaua`i County Council, then obviously, I will put my
support behind our Councilmember. If there is no interest, then I would definitely
accept the nomination of Mr. White.
Ms. Nakamura: Councilmember Yukimura.
Ms. Yukimura: Yes, I think Mr. White is a very good person
and could probably represent us ably. Can we just review what the function of the
Hawai`i Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund (EUTF) Task Force is?
Mr. Rapozo: Ashley, do you have the legislation? It is one
(1) of those task forces that when the Legislature "kicks their can down their road,"
they set up task forces. This is just another one of those and included in the
requirement was a representative from HSAC. I can ask Ashley to provide it. If we
can come back to this later, that is fine. I do not have the legislation in front of me.
Ms. Yukimura: If he is going to represent us...
COUNCIL MEETING 11 OCTOBER 9, 2013
Mr. Rapozo: He is going to represent HSAC.
Ms. Yukimura: Okay. HSAC will have to give him input and
gather that from the other Counties regarding the Hawai`i Employer-Union Health
Benefits Trust Fund.
Mr. Rapozo: Yes.
Ms. Yukimura: It would be good to know what the task force
is assigned to do. Thank you.
Ms. Nakamura: Are we able to vote on this while you get that
information?
Ms. Yukimura: Can we put it to the end of the agenda to get
the information?
Mr. Rapozo: You might be interested in serving?
Ms. Yukimura: No, I just want to know what this task force
is going to do and what kind of person should represent us on the task force based
on the purpose.
Ms. Nakamura: We will move that to the end, but I also want
to lend my support to Mike White. I think he would be an excellent candidate.
Mr. Rapozo: My suggestion is that if there is no one here
interested or potentially interested, then we should vote because he is going to get
the nomination and is he going to get there. Can we pull that legislation, Ashley?
Thank you.
Ms. Yukimura: It is just about doing due diligence.
Mr. Rapozo: That is fine.
Ms. Nakamura: Okay. We are going to move it to the end of
the agenda. Next item, please.
C 2013-338 Communication (09/18/2013) from the Executive on
Transportation, requesting Council approval to receive, indemnify, and expend the
Federal Fiscal Year 2013 Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5339
Annual Apportionment provided to the County of Kaua`i in the amount of $400,000
to improve transit operation safety and efficiency through the purchase of a
Computer-Aided Dispatch and Automatic Vehicle Locator system for the fleet,
additional base yard space procurement and improvements, and maintenance
equipment for the transit repair shop, bus stops, and base yard facility:
Ms. Yukimura moved to approve C 2013-338, seconded by Mr. Kagawa.
Ms. Nakamura: Is there any discussion?
Ms. Yukimura: Could we have our Executive on
Transportation come up?
Ms. Nakamura: Sure, let us suspend the rules and ask our
Executive on Transportation to come up. Good morning, Celia.
COUNCIL MEETING 12 OCTOBER 9, 2013
There being no objections, the rules were suspended.
CELIA M. MAHIKOA, Executive on Transportation: Good morning.
Celia Mahikoa, Executive on Transportation with the Transportation Agency.
Ms. Yukimura: Hi, Celia. Good morning. I thought maybe
you could tell us some of the plans that you have for this money because I see some
baseyard improvements. Is that going to help us address the commuter hours
where we are having an overload and we are planning to add more buses?
Ms. Mahikoa: Yes. As far as our long-range plan that we
have in trying to carry out the goals and action items that were provided within the
Kaua`i Multimodal Land Transportation Plan (KMLTP), one (1) of them was... we
are at maximum capacity at our baseyard right now. Public Works has been
generous with us in looking for options that are short term solutions for now. This
is more of a long term solution that was recommended for our operation in, one (1),
addressing the higher demand for commuter service, as well as addressing
operating in a "greener fashion," and having vehicles located not just in Lihu`e, but
if we able to offer satellite locations for vehicle storage. That will cut down on the
amount of deadhead miles that we rack up on our fleet each year. That is more of
our long term strategy to address those goals.
Ms. Yukimura: I remember Mr. Charlier saying that if we
could have satellite baseyards, that would cut down on deadhead miles, so the
driving time and the gas costs for our drivers coming in, taking the bus out, and
starting at the end?
Ms. Mahikoa: Yes.
Ms. Yukimura: So having baseyards at the end would
really... in fact, I thought he said we could pay back our capital costs by our
operational savings.
Ms. Mahikoa: Yes, at least a good portion of it.
Ms. Yukimura: Yes. Okay, so that is part of this grant that
we are getting.
Ms. Mahikoa: Yes.
Ms. Yukimura: To the extent that it is doing computer aided
dispatch and an automatic vehicle locator system. Is that going to help us also with
eventually getting... what is that... kind of a program or...
Ms. Mahikoa: It would become very user friendly for the
public standing at the bus stop trying to do vehicle locators, knowing when the bus
is coming, and that type of information. These are not immediately purchases.
This is all part of our long term plan. We are actually hoping to be able to proceed
with that within in the next year. That would be ideal.
Ms. Yukimura: That is excellent. It is with these apps or
something that people would be able to...
Ms. Mahikoa: Right.
COUNCIL MEETING 13 OCTOBER 9, 2013
Ms. Yukimura: Sometimes when I use the bus, and I do not
know if I missed it, I will call dispatch and ask, "Did I miss it or is the bus still
coming and it is late?" People will not have to disturb dispatchers and overload the
phones there. They can just check on their own.
Ms. Mahikoa: Right, which would be ideal. Right now, it
takes the individual at the bus stop having a phone with them calling our
dispatcher, our dispatcher needs to contact the vehicle and find out where the
vehicle is, and then the dispatcher gets back on the phone and notifies the person
whether or not they have missed it.
Ms. Yukimura: Okay. Well, thank you. It is exciting to hear
that you are following the Multimodal Plan. Is there anything else that you would
like to feature in terms of us knowing what you are doing?
Ms. Mahikoa: The others are pretty much related to our
ongoing operation. They used to be considered Section 53.09 funds, and now they
are defined as Section 53.39 funds. They are for non-operational type investments,
but the ongoing type of equipment that we need like shop equipment. More of those
types of capital investments are what we are requesting funding for.
Ms. Yukimura: Thank you.
Ms. Nakamura: Are there any other questions for Celia? If
not, thank you, Celia, for being here and addressing the questions.
Ms. Mahikoa: Thank you.
There being no objections, the meeting was called back to order, and
proceeded as follows:
The motion to approve C 2013-338 was then put, and carried by a vote of
5:0:2 (Mr. Bynum and Mr. Furfaro were excused).
EDR 2013-06 Communication (09/17/2013) from Mel Rapozo, Hawai`i State
Association of Counties (HSAC) President, transmitting for Council consideration
the following proposals to be included in the 2014 HSAC Legislative Package:
1. A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC AGENCY
MEETINGS AND RECORDS (County of Maui)
2. A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO INTOXICATING
LIQUOR— H.B. 203 (County of Maui)
3. A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION
(County of Maui)
4. A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LIABILITY
(County of Kaua`i)
5. A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSIENT
ACCOMMODATIONS TAX (County of Hawai`i)
6. A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION
(County of Hawai`i)
7. A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH
(County of Hawai`i)
8. A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO
VIDEOCONFERENCING — H.B. 358, H.D. 1, S.D. 1
COUNCIL MEETING 14 OCTOBER 9, 2013
(County of Hawai`i)
9. A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HELMETS
(City & County of Honolulu)
10. A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MOPEDS
(City & County of Honolulu)
11. A RESOLUTION/CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING
THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, THE DEPARTMENT
OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND THE UNITED STATES
ATTORNEY GENERAL TO EASE VISA RESTRICTIONS
FOR THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
(City & County of Honolulu)
12. A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HAWAII
EMPLOYER-UNION HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST FUND
BOARD OF TRUSTEES (City & County of Honolulu)
13. A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE EMPLOYEES'
RETIREMENT SYSTEM (City & County of Honolulu)
14. A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO COUNTY
SURCHARGE ON STATE TAX (City & County of Honolulu)
(The Economic Development (Sustainability / Agriculture /
Food / Energy) & Intergovernmental Relations Committee
recommended approval for items 1-5; motion to approve failed
for item 6; recommended approval for items 7-8; motion to
approve tied for item 9; recommended approval for item 10;
motion to approve failed for item 11; recommended approval
for items 12-14 on October 2, 2013.)
RICKY WATANABE, County Clerk: Vice Chair, number nine (9) was
listed in error on this agenda. That should have been made the first item on the
next Committee Meeting. Let us strike out number nine (9) from today's voting.
Ms. Nakamura: Do we need a motion to delete that?
Mr. Watanabe: We can entertain a motion.
Mr. Kagawa moved to approve EDR 2013-06 as recommended by the
Economic Development (Sustainability / Agriculture / Food / Energy) &
Intergovernmental Relations Committee, seconded by Ms. Yukimura.
Ms. Nakamura: Can we do that for all except numbers two
(2), five (5), and nine (9)? Can we redo that motion, please?
Mr. Rapozo: If I may?
Ms. Nakamura: Yes.
Mr. Rapozo: Your suggestion is that we take the
Committee's recommendations for all items except for numbers two (2), five (5), and
nine (9)?
Ms. Nakamura: That is correct.
Ms. Yukimura: Number nine (9) is already out.
COUNCIL MEETING 15 OCTOBER 9, 2013
Mr. Watanabe: It will be on the next Committee Meeting
because there was a tie vote in Committee. It was listed on this agenda
erroneously.
Mr. Kagawa withdrew the motion to approve EDR 2013-06, and
Ms. Yukimura withdrew the second.
Mr. Rapozo moved to approve EDR 2013-06 as recommended by the Economic
Development (Sustainability / Agriculture / Food / Energy) &
Intergovernmental Relations Committee except for numbers two (2), five (5),
and nine (9), seconded by Mr. Kagawa.
Ms. Nakamura: Is there any discussion? Councilmember
Yukimura.
Ms. Yukimura: Number six (6) is in then?
Ms. Nakamura: The recommendation I believe for number six
(6) was not to approve.
Ms. Yukimura: Okay, so it is not part of the motion if the
motion was to approve the Committee's recommendations except for numbers two
(2), five (5), and nine (9). I just wanted to clarify that we are not voting on number
six (6).
Mr. Rapozo: Yes, I am assuming number six (6) is out.
Ms. Yukimura: And so was number eleven (11), right?
Mr. Rapozo: Yes.
Ms. Yukimura: Okay. Number nine (9) is on the next
agenda in Committee. We are looking at numbers one (1), three (3), four (4), seven
(7), eight (8), ten (10), twelve (12), thirteen (13), and fourteen (14).
Ms. Nakamura: Yes. Is there any further discussion?
Mr. Rapozo: So we are talking about all items except for
numbers two (2), five (5), and nine (9)?
Ms. Nakamura: Yes.
Mr. Rapozo: Okay, I call for the question. The motion
was to approve the Committee's recommendation.
Ms. Nakamura: Yes.
Mr. Rapozo: Okay.
Ms. Nakamura: Is there any further discussion?
Mr. Hooser: These are approving all items except for
items two (2), five (5), and nine (9).
COUNCIL MEETING 16 OCTOBER 9, 2013
Mr. Rapozo: Well, approving the Committee's
recommendation.
Mr. Hooser: Number six (6)?
Ms. Yukimura: That is not the Committee's recommendation
that is why. The motion is the Committee's recommendation minus numbers two
(2), five (5), and nine (9). It is also number six (6)...
Mr. Rapozo: If you vote "aye," it means that you are
voting to remove numbers six (6) and eleven (11) from the list.
Ms. Yukimura: It is not even on the table.
Mr. Hooser: The Committee recommended an item on
every single item.
Mr. Rapozo: Correct.
Mr. Hooser: So the motion is for all of the Committee's
recommendations.
Ms. Nakamura: Right.
Mr. Hooser: The recommendation that failed on item six
(6) would fail on this motion?
Ms. Nakamura: Correct.
Mr. Rapozo: If you vote "aye."
Mr. Hooser: Okay. So the items that were tied; what
happened to those?
Mr. Rapozo: There was only one (1).
Mr. Hooser: That was number nine (9).
Mr. Rapozo: Correct, so for that one, we just need to
remove it altogether.
Mr. Hooser: Okay. Otherwise, we are just voting to
concur with the Committee's recommendations.
Ms. Nakamura: Exactly.
Mr. Hooser: Okay. Thank you, Mr. Clerk, for that
clarification. The confusing semantics is except for numbers two (2), five (5), and
nine (9). Basically, we are voting to concur with the Committee's recommendations
on all items.
Ms. Nakamura: That is correct.
Mr. Hooser: Okay, I am ready to vote.
COUNCIL MEETING 17 OCTOBER 9, 2013
Ms. Yukimura: I have a question.
Ms. Nakamura: Yes, Councilmember Yukimura.
Ms. Yukimura: Basically, this College of Pharmacy one,
which is number six (6); we are voting that out, too? Okay. We got some testimony
in favor of it, but we are thinking that it is not timely at this point.
Mr. Rapozo: Unfortunately, I was not here at the
Committee discussion and I do not want to reopen that wound, so I will go along
with what the Committee recommends for today. I do not have any strong positions
on many of these, except for item number (5) which I am supporting that we take
that separate.
Ms. Nakamura: Okay.
The motion to approve EDR 2013-06 as recommended by the Economic
Development (Sustainability / Agriculture / Food / Energy) &
Intergovernmental Relations Committee except for numbers two (2), five (5),
and nine (9) was then put, and carried by a 4:0:2:1 vote (Mr. Bynum and
Mr. Furfaro excused;Mr. Hooser's vote is silent).
Ms. Nakamura: Let us go to item number (2). Mr. Clerk, can
you please read that Bill?
Mr. Clerk: Number two (2) is a Bill for an Act Relating
to Intoxicating Liquor, H.B. 203, County of Maui.
Ms. Nakamura: Thank you very much. I believe we have
Mauna Kea Trask, Deputy County Attorney, to address concerns raised at the
Committee Meeting. Thank you for being here. I am going to turn it over to
Councilmember Yukimura, who I believe had a question.
Mr. Rapozo moved to approve item number two (2), seconded by Mr. Kagawa.
There being no objections, the rules were suspended.
Ms. Yukimura: Thank you. Good morning, Mauna Kea.
MAUNA KEA TRASK, Deputy County Attorney: Good morning.
Ms. Yukimura: This proposed Bill would remove the cap on
expenditures for prevention and treatment. I think it is a ten percent (10%) cap
right now. It allows fees of a Liquor Commission to be used without limitation for
adolescent drug treatment. Have you seen the Bill?
Mr. Trask: I have.
Ms. Yukimura: Okay. There was just the question of
whether fees could legally be used like that. I did request an opinion, but we never
got an answer from the County Attorney's Office back in 2012. I know you have
been working with Vice Chair and I on another matter, so you are familiar with the
issue.
Mr. Trask: Correct.
COUNCIL MEETING 18 OCTOBER 9, 2013
Ms. Yukimura: Are you ready to give us an opinion verbally?
Mr. Trask: I am. I apologize for that. In a manner of
explanation, as we continue to work on this issue, both you, Councilmember
Nakamura and I, and Staff; it is my recollection that we had spoken informally and
we kind of moved away from the original request. We are looking at other issues.
Ms. Yukimura: We are looking at an alternative to this Bill.
Mr. Trask: It was my understanding that no further
opinion was needed, but I have prepared some material today. Essentially, in
further explaining the specific amendments; currently under Hawai`i Revised
Statutes, Section 281-17(a)(3), the liquor commissions may have the power to
control, supervisor, and regulate the manufacturer, importation, and sale of liquors
by investigation, enforcement, and education provided that any educational
program shall be limited to commission staff, commissioners, liquor control
adjudication board members, licensees, and their employees, and shall be financed
through moneys collected from the assessment of fines against licensees, provided...
so there is a proviso in the current law—that fine money is not to exceed ten percent
(10%) of fines accumulated may be used to fund public liquor related educational
enforcement programs. That qualification is removed from that specific section.
Furthermore, under Section 281-17, another section is added, "(c)." The
commission shall also have the power to provide funding to the County for public
and private programs that are intended to prevent and treat alcohol abuse within
that County. That is the second amendment. It seems to expand what they can do
with the money. However, in Section 2 of the proposed House Bill, Section 281-17.5
is amended, Section (b). The amendment states, "In essence any such liquor license
fees or any money collected or received by any liquor commission under this chapter
may only be used for alcohol abuse education, prevention, and treatment programs
and costs and expenses directly relating to operational and administrative costs
actually incurred by the liquor commission collecting or receiving those liquor fees
or moneys. Such fees or moneys shall not be used for any costs or expenses other
than those directly relating to its operation and administration, except as otherwise
provided by law." That is the specific amendments. In effect, if you look at it, the
amendments almost expand in one (1) section of the law, but then it clearly
qualifies and contracts in another. The reason why, from my understanding, is that
under the law, there is a difference between a "fee" and a "tax." A fee is generally
described as "exchange for a service rendered or benefit conferred and the amount of
the fee normally bears the relationship to the value of the service or benefit."
Whereas "taxes" are generally defined as "burdens or charges imposed by legislative
authority on persons or property to raise money for public purposes or more briefly
an imposition for the supply of the public treasury." A fee needs to be directly
related to the fee collecting agency or department. A tax is much more expansive
and done via legislation. The issues or concerns are; does the House Bill run afoul
of that distinction? It is tough because if you look at the first half, it appears to run
afoul. If you look at the second half, it looks like it was reined in so it is not to
offend it. I do not really know how it is going to go, but that is the issue.
Ms. Nakamura: Councilmember Yukimura.
Ms. Yukimura: Arguably, that limitation at the end, which
says it can only be used for alcohol abuse education, prevention, and treatment,
directly related to the operations and administrative costs incurred by the Liquor
COUNCIL MEETING 19 OCTOBER 9, 2013
Commission in collecting and receiving means it really cannot be used for much of
treatment prevention.
Mr. Trask: It seems in opposite to the first part.
Ms. Yukimura: Right. It is partly because they are trying to
keep the distinction of fees versus taxes and relate to the administrative costs of the
Liquor Commission but in doing so, they severely limit its usefulness for alcohol
treatment and prevention.
Mr. Trask: It is a creative way to address the
delineating line between the two (2).
Ms. Yukimura: I think Council Vice Chair and I have said
that we want to see how to access liquor related money to offset or pay for the needs
created by the use and abuse of liquor, but we are looking at the tax end because we
think that the breadth allowed by the taxes will be more effective.
Mr. Trask: Yes. Can I talk about that briefly?
Ms. Nakamura: I do not think that is on the agenda, so if we
do not mind sticking to the agenda and actually this specific Bill.
Mr. Trask: Okay.
Ms. Yukimura: Right.
Ms. Nakamura: Are there any other questions for Mauna
Kea? If not, thank you very much for being here.
Mr. Trask: Thank you.
There being no objections, the meeting was called back to order, and
proceeded as follows:
Ms. Nakamura: Is there any discussion? Councilmember
Rapozo.
Mr. Rapozo: Thank you. I am assuming that we did not
have any input from our Liquor Department at the Committee level.
Ms. Yukimura: No, but we have had it in the discussions
that we have been pursuing.
Mr. Rapozo: I do not know about the discussions.
Ms. Nakamura: Discussion with the acting Director.
Ms. Yukimura: No, now he is the official head.
Mr. Rapozo: He happens to be my brother. The reason I
have not spoken to him about this Bill, believe it or not— I am just curious as to
know what the position of the Liquor Department is. If somebody is going to start
changing the fees or how we spend our money in the Council, I would expect to have
some input.
COUNCIL MEETING 20 OCTOBER 9, 2013
Ms. Nakamura: I think Mauna Kea has something to add to
this discussion.
Mr. Rapozo: Okay. If you have the answers, that is fine.
There being no objections, the rules were suspended.
Mr. Trask: Thank you. For the record, Deputy County
Attorney Mauna Kea Trask. I am also the assigned Deputy to the Liquor
Department and Liquor Commission.
Mr. Rapozo: Wonderful. I should have asked you.
Mr. Trask: This has been discussed in front of the
Liquor Commission. There was an agenda request item by the Chair a while ago to
look at utilizing fees to other purposes, and as also brought up in the recent Hawai`i
State Liquor Commission Conference. Essentially, the Department's position is yes,
currently as it stands, their position is more appropriate for a taxes issue than a
fees issue. I cannot speak specifically to it, but the law also provides for the return
of a portion of unused fees to the licensees at the end of every year. Our Liquor
Department has a very good relationship with the licensees. It is very smooth and
they work well together. My understanding for the position is that although they
are looking for opportunities to expand educational opportunities and work with
everybody, it would be a big regime change and policy change at this point, so it
might be better to go another way.
Mr. Rapozo: I know we have an issue with the amount of
moneys that we return back to the licensees each year. I think that has been going
on for many years. This Bill would allow the County to utilize some of those funds
for educationally purposes. That is what this is as written, instead of giving it back.
Would it come from that pot is the question?
Mr. Trask: There was no longer a cap but with the
qualification in 17.5, it would have to be directly related to the Commission.
Mr. Rapozo: Right. Okay. I am good. Thank you.
Ms. Nakamura: Thank you very much for the clarification,
Mauna Kea. Councilmember Yukimura.
Ms. Yukimura: I think this Bill is a really limited effect and
it has a really good purpose where we all want to use liquor related money to offset
liquor related impacts to society. In our exploration of the right vehicle to doing
this, it is really clear that it is the taxes that would be the better way. I am hoping
that maybe by next year, we will be able to propose something to HSAC and to our
Economic Development (Sustainability / Agriculture / Food / Energy) &
Intergovernmental Relations Committee that will be a tax instead of trying to use
liquor license fees or fines because of all the limitations that allows.
Ms. Nakamura: We are exploring and learning about the
cigarette tax and how they were successfully able to use that for tobacco prevention,
which has really made a difference. Councilmember Hooser.
COUNCIL MEETING 21 OCTOBER 9, 2013
Mr. Hooser: I guess I see it a little differently. Basically,
I see it as the County sending a message to the Legislature. In my experience, the
messages are do not have all the "t's crossed and i's dotted" when they go over and
that is part of the process. I think sending a message saying that we think "number
one (1) more money needs to be spent on treatment and that the source of these
funds should come from the people selling the alcohol" is an important message. I
would like to send that message and let the legislators deal with it when they get
there. If their attorneys tell them that they cannot do it, they will make that
decision and they will look at other options as they take the process. I would be
supportive of including this.
Ms. Nakamura: Councilmember Yukimura.
Ms. Yukimura: I have a question for Councilmember Hooser.
Do you not think that it would be better to do a Resolution that kind of lays it out?
The Bill does not even really have a lot of text explaining the rational, the
compelling need, and all of that. I guess the Resolution would be from us and from
HSAC if we do it as a statewide effort. That might be a clearer way of sending the
message.
Ms. Nakamura: Councilmember Hooser.
Mr. Hooser: Thank you. I would say we could do both. If
you really want to send a strong message, we support the HSAC effort and then we
do a Resolution that goes above and beyond that.
Ms. Nakamura: Thank you. Okay. Any further discussion?
If not, let us move on.
There being no objections, the meeting was called back to order, and
proceeded as follows:
The motion to approve item number two (2) of EDR 2013-06 was then put,
and carried by a 4:1:2 vote (Ms. Yukimura voting no; Mr. Bynum and
Mr. Furfaro noted as excused).
Ms. Nakamura: The next item is item number five (5), a Bill
for an Act Relating to Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT), introduced by the
County of Hawaii.
Mr. Rapozo moved to receive item number five (5) of EDR 2013-06 for the
record, seconded by Ms. Yukimura.
Ms. Nakamura: Thank you. Councilmember Rapozo, you
have the floor.
Mr. Rapozo: Well, like the former Senator mentioned the
message that we want to send over; we also have to be careful when we are sending
messages over to the Legislature. This is one that I just simply do not agree with
sending over that message. I think we all are very aware of the financial situation
of the State, and I think the discussion at the State Capitol right now is not how
they are going to give the Counties more money, but it is, in fact, "how are we going
to give them less money and give them a vehicle to raise their own money?" That is
the discussion at the Capitol right now. It is not "how can we get more money to the
Counties?" I guess I have the benefit of being up at Capitol a lot more and hear the
COUNCIL MEETING 22 OCTOBER 9, 2013
talk that this may be an offensive suggestion to the Legislature, more specifically to
Senator Donna Mercado Kim, who has been a very strong advocate of reducing the
TAT to the Counties. She is just one (1) of many, but I think the general feeling at
the Capitol is that they want to start providing opportunities for the Counties to
raise their own funds. Doubling the TAT is not going to happen. I would bet any
one of you a quarter that that is not going to happen. To send this over— I am just
worried about the consequences, and then for the selfish reason that I have to be
the one to talk to Donna Mercado Kim, presenting this Bill, and saying that we
want you to double our TAT. I went to her last year and it was rough. I will not be
supporting this here. I wish it was a possibility but I do not think it is, so I am
saying that is one that we should remove from the package. I am very anxious to
hear from the former leader Hooser.
Ms. Nakamura: Councilmember Yukimura, and then
Councilmember Hooser.
Ms. Yukimura: I will yield to the Senator first.
Mr. Hooser: This is interesting. If you want my two (2)
cents, which I guess you are asking for, I would say again maybe similarly, just off
the top of my head; one (1) does not preclude the other. I think asking to double
the TAT is perhaps reaching. I think it is not unreasonable to ask for an increase in
the TAT. Taxing authority has been talked about for a long, long time and it has
multiple levels to get us money. We not only need authority, but we would have to
agree that we want to raise taxes and what taxes those are. I would say in terms of
a likelihood, I think I would be inclined to ask for an increase in the TAT, as well as
ask for more authority. Whether we use that authority, how we use that authority,
and when we use that authority is another question. I understand if I am correct,
that the issue on the table is a doubling of the amount, and that complicates things.
Also, to start the conversation, which I said earlier is what this is all about, I would
have suggested a smaller amount... whatever, twenty percent (20%) or thirty
percent (30%)... find some historical basis. Back to whether or not I would vote
"yes" or "no" on this issue, and whether or not I think we should support it... I wish
you all the luck in the world meeting with Senator Donna Mercado Kim, who I
know very well and who I have worked with. I am not sure. I have to think about
that, but I think we should definitely ask for more money in the TAT. There is no
question about that. Whether it should come in the form of this or not, I would have
to think about it and listen to what everybody else says. I hate to ramble on. I am
sorry. Taxing authority is a hard one. To figure out what kind of tax is hard. I
would think a tourist tax would be more acceptable. It is a tough one. Thank you.
Ms. Nakamura: Councilmember Yukimura.
Ms. Yukimura: I am aware that there is an HSAC meeting
two (2) weeks from now, and that several of you are planning to go. I think, you, as
President...
Mr. Rapozo: I have to go.
Ms. Yukimura: I think you asked to have a discussion about
this whole issue before the Legislature and I think it is a wise thing if we can find
some unity in our request as Counties. I have been toying with some ideas that I
would like to share right now. They are not totally formulated, but I think we
should ask for a portfolio of taxing powers. I would like to ask for a GET (General
Excise Tax) that is earmarked for transit, much as there was this surcharge for
COUNCIL MEETING 23 OCTOBER 9, 2013
Honolulu. GET is a regressive tax. It hurts the lower income families more, but
putting it into a bus system is helping those families more, as well as the larger
community by lowering traffic congesting, carbon loading, energy, and all of that.
Then ask for a TAT because it is clear that so many of our County services support
the visitors like Parks, Roads, Police, and Fire rescue. There is a real rationale and
I think we are developing data to show that our services are heavily loaded by the
visitor industry. I have not begun to think very much on this one, but even wanting
to do a capital gains tax or a real estate tax to help us offset our property taxes
somehow. Something like that... and then put some limits on it because the State
Legislature is afraid of us taxing so crazily and the Counties have not been fully
responsible in limiting our expenditures in our budgets. So something saying that
maybe a County can choose two (2) out of three (3) powers to use, or else that the
tourist tax cannot be more than certain percentage. I think we still need to have
one (1) collection agency, so it is not about us administering a tax, but one (1)
collection agency and how we allocate that, and maybe put some caps based on
evidence of whatever data. We have to think of some limitations that we are willing
to offer the Legislature so we show them that we want to be responsible, and we do
not want to just take all of the tax money or overly burden our citizens by having
State taxes and County taxes. It is going to take some thinking about this but I
think a more varied approach... because the Counties are different. Maui is just
saying "just give us the GET." They have a different economic situation on Maui
versus us, so something that gives flexibility amongst the Counties. These are just
starting ideas. I am glad to share it now because I would love to have your help in
thinking this through. I do not know if we would be able to pass it through our
Council process, but even a draft proposal from two (2) of us or something, and then
for discussion on the 22nd. I think it would be a good thing.
Ms. Nakamura: Thank you. Is there any further discussion?
Councilmember Hooser.
Mr. Hooser: Maybe somebody here is more familiar with
the numbers in terms of historically, but the number that is in the HSAC asking for
that amount; is it up to that amount? Does it greatly exceed for what we have
gotten in the past? Does anybody have the answer?
Mr. Rapozo: It just doubles it. Right now, the current
State law is ninety-three million dollars ($93,000,000), I believe. All this replaces
the ninety-three million dollars ($93,000,000) with...
Ms. Nakamura: One hundred twenty-eight million dollars
($128,000,000).
Mr. Hooser: Assuming the revenue comes in, so it just
increases the cap, I believe.
Mr. Rapozo: Yes, the revenue comes in because the TAT
that is allocated to the Counties is much less than what the State receives in TAT
funds.
Mr. Hooser: It is not an instant increase in our budget; it
depends on the revenue of the tax coming in, right?
Mr. Rapozo: Yes.
COUNCIL MEETING 24 OCTOBER 9, 2013
Mr. Hooser: So assuming that revenue increases, the
amount we will get increases up to that amount?
Mr. Rapozo: Right. I believe the amount is— we are not
going to get less than the amount that we are asking. The State generates enough
TAT to cover. It is basically telling the State, because it is the law, that you are
going to give the Counties a larger share. That is where I am having a problem
with. You talk about relationships with the Legislature between HSAC— and I am
speaking as HSAC here, not a Councilmember. If not for HSAC, we ask for all the
TAT. We have to be reasonable, as well.
Ms. Nakamura: Councilmember Hooser, you still have the
floor.
Mr. Hooser: Thank you, Councilmember Rapozo. After
giving it a few more minutes, I think it is much easier for the State Legislature to
give us... both of them are hard; both choices are going to be difficult. They would
be inclined to hold on to the money and to give us some other taxing authority. I
would be inclined to ask for more TAT money and ask for, after due diligence as
Councilmember Yukimura has suggested, some taxing authority. I would not ask
for more TAT money. Thank you.
Ms. Nakamura: Thank you for your analysis on the floor.
Councilmember Yukimura.
Ms. Yukimura: Can I just get a clarification on what you are
recommending? You are saying keep TAT or do not ask for any TAT?
Mr. Hooser: I will be voting in support of the resolution.
Ms. Yukimura: Okay. Just for my clarification, this is going
to be giving us more money... asking for a greater percentage...
Ms. Nakamura: If we currently receive thirteen million
dollars ($13,000,000), this would double the amount that we receive. The fourteen
point five percent (14.5%); our County's share of the TAT will remain the same. It
just doubles the total amount available.
Ms. Yukimura: By adding to the visitor tax?
Ms. Nakamura: No, by taking that portion off the top of the
current TAT amount.
Ms. Yukimura: Okay. All the Counties would get double
their share. Who would be losing out then? Hawai`i Tourism Authority (HTA)?
Ms. Nakamura: The State or HTA.
Mr. Rapozo: Everything in the Bill and in the law
currently is based on an allocation to that entity; whether it is the Convention
Center, HTA, and the Counties. Currently, ninety-three million dollars
($93,000,000) of the TAT that goes to the Counties in the proportions that Kaua`i
gets fourteen point five percent (14.5%) and so forth. What this Bill is saying is we
are not asking the State to raise the TAT that would generate more revenue, so we
can get double the County's share; we are saying... imagine if somebody at the
COUNCIL MEETING 25 OCTOBER 9, 2013
County level came up to us at a County during our budget and say, "Hey, we just
want more. We want you guys to give us more and do not raise more money." I
would have much preferred a mechanism where you are saying, "State, raise the
TAT to a certain amount that could generate this additional revenue that we think
the County should get." This is saying, "No, basically State, we want to take
ninety-three million dollars ($93,000,000) more money from you, and forget about
the rest of the people." If I am the State legislator, that is how I see it. Granted, I
believe we deserve it because we heard today from the Young Women's Christian
Association (YWCA) that their funding gets cut, as well. We stand up often times to
assist the State. I just think the way this Bill is written, I would have much rather
see something in here that said "up to one hundred eighty-six million dollars
($186,000,000)," so you gave the State latitude, "maybe we cannot afford to give you
an additional ninety-three million dollars ($93,000,000), but maybe we can give you
thirty million dollars ($30,000,000) or forty million dollars ($40,000,000) more. This
says, "No, State, one hundred eighty-six million dollars ($186,000,000) will go to the
Counties," with no opportunity for the State to generate the income.
Ms. Nakamura: Thank you, Councilmember Rapozo for that.
I was at the Legislature last week and had some private conversations with the
Senate and the House. I think I would agree with Councilmember Rapozo that this
would not be well received. They both have a different take on how to proceed; one
(1) saying that, we like Maui County, wants to increase either the sales or GET tax,
but they also want the TAT portion to remain the same. They were saying, "No, if
we are going to give you taxing authority, then we are going to take away your
TAT." Then the other House not even wanting to give the authority to the Counties
to have that taxing authority. I think the message was the same, that this is very
much an extraordinary request. If you are going to send something up, send
something that is reasonable. Whether it is the lifting of the cap or incremental
increase, but the doubling would be a non-starter and would not be looked with
aloha.
Ms. Yukimura: I think the message we send is really
important, and apparently and clearly, this is not sending the right message.
Ms. Nakamura: That is why I think the dialogue that HSAC
is trying to create among the Counties is so important. Even if it is not for this
coming session, that ongoing dialogue with everyone, key people in the room, and
hashing out ideas... because this is not a good way to have dialogue by getting a
paper to saying to double. It really needs to be something that is well attended by
each of the Councils' representatives.
Ms. Yukimura: If it turns out to be the year where they will
determine taxing power, it is not about that it is okay for another year. We need to
be ready this year. It feels like it is moving towards some decision making as to
County powers this year... taxing. I do not know, but let us be ready. That is why I
think this discussion on the 22nd is important.
Ms. Nakamura: Maybe you should attend, as well.
Mr. Rapozo: That is a great segment to what I would
request of Councilmember Yukimura. This year, Maui County, Gladys Baisa has
really pushed the HSAC to become more organized as far as their lobbying effort,
but one (1) of the things— and this is my request to you, is that if you are going to
be there on the 22nd, that we start having that discussion as having a statewide
effort as maybe a subcommittee of HSAC that would work with the Legislature in
COUNCIL MEETING 26 OCTOBER 9, 2013
exactly what you are talking about. I agree. I think your discussion today is very
compelling and that we need to be ready. When the State tosses something our
way, we should be able to respond and either saying "yes" or "no." I think it is a
great suggestion. I would ask that if you were willing to participate on the 22nd— I
have actually put that on the agenda so we can have a discussion, and maybe set up
a subcommittee, a statewide HSAC, which I think is better because you get the
State's input, that we will be united in working with the Legislature as opposed to
saying "give us double the money."
Ms. Yukimura: And with each other because if one (1)
County is saying something and the other County is saying another thing, we are
just really weakened by that.
Ms. Nakamura: Okay. Thank you. We have the motion on
the table to receive.
The motion to receive item number five (5) of EDR 2013-06 for the record was
then put, and carried by a vote of 5:0:2 (Mr. Bynum and Mr. Furfaro were
excused).
Mr. Hooser: You guys talked me into it.
Ms. Nakamura: Okay. Let us move to the next item.
EDR 2013-07 Communication (09/19/2013) from Council Chair Furfaro,
transmitting for Council consideration, a proposed Bill for an Act Making an
Appropriation for the Regulation of Restricted Use Pesticides, for inclusion in the
2014 Kaua`i County Legislative Package: Ms. Yukimura moved to approve
EDR 2013-07, seconded by Mr. Rapozo, and carried by a vote of 5:0:2 (Mr. Bynum
and Mr. Furfaro were excused).
EDR 2013-08 Communication (09/25/2013) from the Mayor, transmitting
for Council consideration, a proposed Bill for an Act Relating to Capital
Improvement Projects for the Benefit of the Eighth Senatorial District, relating to
the construction of sheltered Bus Stops and improvements to the Veterans
Cemetery, for inclusion in the 2014 Kaua`i County Legislative Package: Mr. Rapozo
moved to approve EDR 2013-08, seconded by Ms. Yukimura, and carried by a vote
of 5:0:2 (Mr. Bynum and Mr. Furfaro were excused).
LEGAL DOCUMENT:
C 2013-339 Communication (09/06/2013) from the County Engineer,
recommending Council approval of the Set-Aside to the County of Kaua`i for Public
Park and Ancillary Purposes, Issuance of an Immediate Construction and
Management Right-of-Entry pursuant to letter dated June 17, 2013, by the State of
Hawai`i Department of Land and Natural Resources to the County of Kaua`i and to
provide indemnification to the State of Hawai`i, Department of Land and Natural
Resources for repair, reconstruction, and maintenance of the existing Moanakai
Road Seawall, [por. Kapa'a Town Lots, 2nd Series, Kapa`a, Kawaihau, Kaua`i,
TMK: (4) 4-5-002:023]: Ms. Yukimura moved to approve C 2013-339, seconded by
Mr. Rapozo.
Ms. Nakamura: My understanding is that Doug Haigh is on
vacation, but we have his boss here, Larry Dill, to answer questions if there is a
need. If not, we can move on.
COUNCIL MEETING 27 OCTOBER 9, 2013
The motion to approve C 2013-339 was then put, and carried by a vote of
5:0:2 (Mr. Bynum and Mr. Furfaro were excused).
CLAIMS:
Mr. Watanabe: First of all, on C 2013-341, it is a claim filed
against the County by Enterprise Holdings. It is listed as "subrogee of Teresa
Tumbaga for damages to their vehicle." "As subrogee of Teresa Tumbaga" should be
stricken from the posting. It should read "Communication from the Deputy County
Clerk, transmitting a claim filed against the County of Kaua`i by Enterprise
Holdings, for damages to their vehicle, pursuant to Section 23.06, Charter of the
County of Kaua`i."
Mr. Rapozo moved to amend C 2013-341 to delete the reference to subrogee,
seconded by Ms. Yukimura.
C 2013-340 Communication (09/18/2013) from the Deputy County Clerk,
transmitting a claim filed against the County of Kaua`i by Thursday Hui Inc., for
damages to their equipment, pursuant to Section 23.06, Charter of the County of
Kaua`i: Mr. Rapozo moved to refer C 2013-340 to the County Attorney's Office for
disposition and/or report back to the Council, seconded by Ms. Yukimura, and
carried by a vote of 5:0:2 (Mr. Bynum and Mr. Furfaro were excused).
C 2013-341 Communication (09/24/2013) from the Deputy County Clerk,
transmitting a claim filed against the County of Kaua`i by Enterprise Holdings, for
damages to their vehicle, pursuant to Section 23.06, Charter of the County of
Kaua`i: Mr. Rapozo moved to refer C 2013-341 to the County Attorney's Office for
disposition and/or report back to the Council, seconded by Ms. Yukimura, and
carried by a vote of 5:0:2 (Mr. Bynum and Mr. Furfaro were excused).
C 2013-342 Communication (09/26/2013) from the Deputy County Clerk,
transmitting a claim filed against the County of Kaua`i by Haidee A. Sueyasu, for
unlawful detention and violation of rights, pursuant to Section 23.06, Charter of the
County of Kaua`i: Mr. Rapozo moved to refer C 2013-342 to the County Attorney's
Office for disposition and/or report back to the Council, seconded by Ms. Yukimura,
and carried by a vote of 5:0:2 (Mr. Bynum and Mr. Furfaro were excused).
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
PLANNING COMMITTEE:
A report (No. CR-PL 2013-10) submitted by the Planning Committee,
recommending that the following be received for the record:
"PL 2013-03 Communication (08/13/2013) from Councilmember
Rapozo, requesting the presence of Ian K. Jung, Deputy County Attorney, to
discuss the Grant of Pedestrian and Parking Easements that was a condition
of the Kahuaina Plantation Subdivision and Kahuaina Plantation
Subdivision Phase II, and its impact on the location and the State's
establishment of the Ala Loa Hawaiian Trail System,"
Mr. Rapozo moved for approval of the report, seconded by Ms. Yukimura, and
carried by a 5:0:2 vote (Mr. Bynum and Mr. Furfaro is noted as excused).
COUNCIL MEETING 28 OCTOBER 9, 2013
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (SUSTAINABILITY / AGRICULTURE / FOOD /
ENERGY) & INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE:
A report (No. CR-EDR 2013-07) submitted by the Economic Development
(Sustainability / Agriculture / Food / Energy) & Intergovernmental Relations
Committee, recommending that the following be recommended:
"EDR 2013-06 Communication (09/17/2013) from Mel Rapozo, Hawai`i
State Association of Counties (HSAC) President, transmitting for Council
consideration the following proposals to be included in the 2014 HSAC
Legislative Package:
1. A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING
TO PUBLIC AGENCY MEETINGS
AND RECORDS (County of Maui)
[Approved.]
2. A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING
TO INTOXICATING LIQUOR —
H.B. 203 (County of Maui)
[Approved.]
3. A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING
TO TRANSPORTATION (County
of Maui) [Approved.]
4. A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING
TO LIABILITY (County of Kaua`i)
[Approved.]
5. A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING
TO TRANSIENT
ACCOMMODATIONS TAX
(County of Hawai`i) [Approved.]
6. A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING
TO EDUCATION (County of
Hawai`i) [Motion to Approve,
Failed.]
7. A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING
TO HEALTH (County of Hawai`i)
[Approved.]
8. A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING
TO VIDEOCONFERENCING —
H.B. 358, H.D. 1, S.D. 1 (County of
Hawai`i) [Approved.]
9. A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING
TO HELMETS (City & County of
Honolulu) [Motion to Approve,
Tied.]
COUNCIL MEETING 29 OCTOBER 9, 2013
10. A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING
TO MOPEDS (City & County of
Honolulu) [Approved.]
11. A RESOLUTION/CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION URGING THE U.S.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, THE
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY AND THE UNITED
STATES ATTORNEY GENERAL
TO EASE VISA RESTRICTIONS
FOR THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC
OF CHINA (City & County of
Honolulu) [Motion to Approve,
Failed.]
12. A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING
TO HAWAII EMPLOYER-UNION
HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST
FUND BOARD OF TRUSTEES
(City & County of Honolulu)
[Approved.]
13. A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING
TO THE EMPLOYEES'
RETIREMENT SYSTEM (City &
County of Honolulu) [Approved.]
14.A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING
TO COUNTY SURCHARGE ON
STATE TAX (City & County of
Honolulu) [Approved.],"
Mr. Hooser moved for approval of the report, seconded by Mr. Rapozo, and
carried by a 5:0:2 vote (Mr. Bynum and Mr. Furfaro is noted as excused).
A report (No. CR-EDR 2013-08) submitted by the Economic Development
(Sustainability / Agriculture / Food / Energy) & Intergovernmental Relations
Committee, recommending that the following be approved:
"EDR 2013-07 Communication (09/19/2013) from Council Chair
Furfaro, transmitting for Council consideration, a proposed Bill for an Act
Making an Appropriation for the Regulation of Restricted Use Pesticides, for
inclusion in the 2014 Kaua`i County Legislative Package,"
Mr. Hooser moved for approval of the report, seconded by Mr. Rapozo, and
carried by a 5:0:2 vote (Mr. Bynum and Mr. Furfaro is noted as excused).
A report (No. CR-EDR 2013-09) submitted by the Economic Development
(Sustainability / Agriculture / Food / Energy) & Intergovernmental Relations
Committee, recommending that the following be approved:
"EDR 2013-08 Communication (09/25/2013) from the Mayor,
transmitting for Council consideration, a proposed Bill for an Act Relating to
Capital Improvement Projects for the Benefit of the Eighth Senatorial
COUNCIL MEETING 30 OCTOBER 9, 2013
District, relating to the construction of sheltered Bus Stops and
improvements to the Veterans Cemetery, for inclusion in the 2014 Kaua`i
County Legislative Package,"
Mr. Hooser moved for approval of the report, seconded by Mr. Rapozo, and
carried by a 5:0:2 vote (Mr. Bynum and Mr. Furfaro is noted as excused).
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE:
A report (No. CR-COW 2013-18) submitted by the Committee of the Whole,
recommending that the following be approved as amended for second and final
reading:
"Resolution No. 2013-67 — RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION
NO. 2013-02 RELATING TO THE RULES OF THE COUNCIL OF THE
COUNTY OF KAUAI FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF COMMITTEES AND
THE TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS,"
Mr. Rapozo moved for approval of the report, seconded by Ms. Yukimura, and
carried by a 5:0:2 vote (Mr. Bynum and Mr. Furfaro is noted as excused).
Mr. Rapozo: Madame Chair, I would ask for a caption
break at this time.
Ms. Nakamura: Yes. Thank you. Let us do a ten (10) minute
caption break and return at 11:10 p.m.
There being no objections, the meeting recessed at 11:00 a.m.
The meeting reconvened at 11:19 a.m., and proceeded as follows:
Ms. Nakamura: We are back from recess. Can you read the
next item on the agenda?
RESOLUTIONS:
Resolution No. 2013-55, Draft 1 — RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A
COUNCIL INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE THE
MANAGEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TRANSIENT VACATION
RENTAL AND FLOOD/BUILDING PERMIT ORDINANCES WITHIN THE
COUNTY OF KAUAI
Mr. Rapozo: Madame Chair, we only have five (5)
members today. I can count that we cannot get to four (4) on either side of the coin.
This is just my suggestion because I do not want to see Mike have to come today, do
a presentation, and have to return in two (2) weeks to do a presentation again for
the two (2) members who are not here. I did talk to the members of the public that
drove all the way in from Hanalei, and they do not have a problem with the
deferral. I do not like deferrals, but I also do not want to go through an hour or two
(2) of discussion, and have a deferral. I do want to state that I am still going to be
supporting this Resolution, and that I would hope that the members of the Council
will agree. Unless there is an overwhelming support of this Resolution or an
overwhelming refusal of this Resolution, then I would suggest that we have some
discussion here and offer for some testimony to be heard. I just got a note that both
COUNCIL MEETING 31 OCTOBER 9, 2013
Caren and Barbara will not be testifying today and they will wait for the deferral.
That is pretty much my input.
Ms. Nakamura: Is there any further discussion? If not,
would you like to formally make that motion?
Mr. Rapozo: Unless there is any more discussion.
Ms. Yukimura: Go ahead.
Mr. Rapozo moved to defer Resolution No. 2013-55, Draft 1, seconded by
Mr. Hooser, and carried by a vote of 5:0:2 (Mr. Bynum and Mr. Furfaro were
excused).
Ms. Nakamura: Is there anybody in the audience who wishes
to testify on this matter? I do want to thank Barbara Robeson and Caren Diamond
and I do apologize that you had to drive such a long way from Wainiha to be here
today. This will be on the agenda on October 23rd. Thank you very much. Let us go
to the next item.
Resolution No. 2013-67, Draft 1 — RESOLUTION AMENDING
RESOLUTION NO. 2013-02 RELATING TO THE RULES OF THE COUNCIL OF
THE COUNTY OF KAUAI FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF COMMITTEES AND
THE TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS: Mr. Kagawa moved for adoption of
Resolution No. 2013-67, Draft 1, seconded by Ms. Yukimura.
Ms. Nakamura: Is there any discussion?
Ms. Yukimura: We pretty much discussed it in Committee.
These would be amendments to our Council Rules that allow for video conferencing
of an expert witness.
Ms. Nakamura: Okay. Councilmember Rapozo.
Mr. Rapozo: What would qualify someone as an "expert?"
I think my concern is that once you open up this floodgate, we will have people
lining up to testify via teleconference or videoconference. What I do not see in the
rule is what would qualify someone as an "expert" or a "technical expert?"
Ms. Yukimura: It is a matter determined by the Chair
subject to appeal to the body, and the Chair determines that scientific, technical, or
other specialized knowledge of that person will assist the Council.
Mr. Rapozo: Right. Let us assume, and I will not go into
specifics, but let us say hypothetically that you had a Bill regarding pesticides. The
Chair, and it could be any one of us, made a determination that there was a need to
have five (5) or six (6) "experts" in his or her opinion that would help the Council.
We would be tied up here watching video testimony from a Chair's so-called
"expert." Let me hypothetically say that I am an opponent; I would have no
recourse. I could not provide my experts via video conference or teleconference if
the Chair would not agree. I do not have a problem if there was a qualifier. If there
was a specific qualification, I think I could probably live with it. As it is written, it
is really just at the whim of the Chair and the Chair could call anyone an expert if
he or she believed that it would help the Council in its decision. Let us forget about
my earlier example. Let us use a public safety example because I am the Public
COUNCIL MEETING 32 OCTOBER 9, 2013
Safety Chair. We are going through a budget discussion on tasers and I just want
to convince all of you so I line up the day with speakers from the mainland like
taser representatives and police departments, and with no opportunity other than
who you could get present at the meeting.
Ms. Yukimura: It is the same thing that we had with expert
witnesses coming here to speak. It was the determination of the Chair. If that
determination is abused or is unfair, then it is up to the body to appeal the decision
of the Chair. There will be a motion to allow others as witness and schedule them.
If the Chair determines not and the body, Committee, or the Council disagrees with
that determination, then it is subject to a vote of the body. It is not an unusual way
of determining like we did in Bill No. 2491 of who the expert witnesses would be.
Mr. Hooser: I supported this earlier and I will be
supporting it again. I had the similar reservations as Councilmember Rapozo. I
thought, "Oh my goodness. This is going to open up the floodgates. We are going to
get all kinds of stuff." But it is a modern tool of the world and it will allow us to
access other people who we might not otherwise have access too. It really is going
to be up to the Chair and the members, if they are not happy, to express that. If a
member asks, "Would you mind having someone here?" It is our choice to say "yes"
or "no." If we feel as Chair that we need to balance it for some reason because it is
too lopsided, then we would just have to do that, I think. It does open up the
floodgates to some extent, but it also puts more responsibility on the Chair to make
the decisions needed to run the Committee efficiently and credibly. I will be
supporting it.
Ms. Yukimura: We had inquired of the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
because they are processes that are involved in the subject matter of Bill No. 2491,
and we had asked them to come... it was not because of furloughs, but because of
budgetary limitations, they could not come here. Under the Sunshine Law, Chair
Furfaro and I qualified to have a conference telephone call with them. It went on
for more than an hour and it was very valuable information, but for them to have to
do this two (2) by two (2) is really unwieldy. If we can get that kind of testimony by
video conferencing, I think it is the most efficient way. Sometimes it is very
important information for us to have. The process would be that the Chair would
make the decision subject to an appeal to the board.
Ms. Nakamura: Councilmember Hooser, and then
Councilmember Rapozo.
Mr. Hooser: Hawai`i County allows this; I know that. I
am not sure how long they have been doing it, but they are doing it now and
apparently it works well there.
Ms. Nakamura: Councilmember Rapozo, and then
Councilmember Kagawa.
Mr. Rapozo: Hawai`i County is not one that I really would
be proud to emulate, but I agree. I would feel more comfortable and maybe the
proposer is willing, but if the Council determines by a majority vote that scientific,
technical... I could live with that. In other words, if there was an issue coming up
and someone wanted the USDA, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or whoever,
that it gets put to the Council as a vote.
COUNCIL MEETING 33 OCTOBER 9, 2013
Ms. Nakamura: So it could be the Council or Committee by a
majority vote?
Mr. Rapozo: Correct. In other words, if I wanted someone
here to testify and I said Committee or full Council, I would ask that my expert
witness or expert person would be able to testify and offer testimony on "x, y, and z"
and then we just take it to a vote. This is to benefit the Council. That is the way I
read it. Usually the Chair will have a position one (1) side or the other. What this
really says is if the Chair believes that expert testimony will help his or her
position, he can allow them to testify. I am saying that if the Council or Committee
believes that the benefit to the entire body is to have that person testify, then we
should take that to a vote. I can support that. Basically, it would say is that if the
Chair of the Council or the Committee determines through a majority vote that
scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will assist the Council or
Committee to understand an issue or issues, then I can deal with that. Then you
can remove the challenge section... the last sentence, because it would be done by
the majority of the Council.
Ms. Nakamura: Councilmember Kagawa.
Mr. Kagawa: Thank you. Yes, I believe this can help, like
Councilmember Yukimura said, to get some expert testimony. Like in the case of
Bill No. 2491, having the EPA and FDA here would be nice to see if they can help in
areas that the Bill covered and having this available would be a positive step in
getting them to have participation at the Council meetings. I would also like to say
that I think if they wanted to be here, they would be here on an issue such as
Bill No. 2491. You know how difficult it has been for me to try and— I know Staff
has sent, on my behalf, requests to our Hawai`i Congressional Delegation to provide
input as to how they can help us deal with the regulating of pesticides and what
have you. It is just a matter of the will. I cannot even get a written response, "yay
or nay," or whether you are interested in helping. Yet, I can see their pictures in
the paper coming for photovoltaic at schools and Kilauea Lighthouse openings. It is
just that frustration. If they wanted to be here, they would be here. This is
allowing another way of trying to get some help with Kaua`i being so remote. I am
all for this, but again, it is going back to participation. Like I say, it is really that
they are not willing to participate a lot of times and that is the problem. Thank
you.
Ms. Nakamura: Thank you, Councilmember Kagawa.
Councilmember Hooser followed by Councilmember Yukimura.
Mr. Hooser: I understand the potential for abuse by a
Chair, but I really think we need to honor the Chair's discretion. It is up to
members to speak up and to say "no" because the way it is written now, it is at the
will of the Committee. To have to vote in the advance would be cumbersome. Since
we are using Bill No. 2491 as an example, I think it behooves the Chair to have
balance and if expert witnesses are going to be favoring either side, it is up to the
Chair to recognize that and to recognize the needs of the Committee members, so I
am happy with the Resolution as it is.
Ms. Yukimura: I want to say as to Councilmember Kagawa's
points that I think it is easier for Congress people to come than it is for EPA
administrators. Congress people are supposed to come, as you pointed out. But
nonetheless, you said there is a need and that is what we are talking about. Just
for your information, we took the language from the Hawai`i Rules of Evidence,
COUNCIL MEETING 34 OCTOBER 9, 2013
which gives the judge the discretion to determine expertise. That can be appealed
to a higher judge, but in this case we are appealing to the body. I share
Councilmember Hooser's thinking that in the rush of trying to get things in the
Committee so many different aspects on which to have expert witnesses and so
forth, it would have been cumbersome to try to make a Committee or Council
decision in a really contentious atmosphere. If it is not necessary and if people can
live with the Chair's decision, I think it is easier to do that; to schedule people, do
the logistics, and all of that. It is just easier if it is only one (1) person is my
thinking, but there is a check. There is a check on the abuse of a Chair's decision
making. I feel that would work better and more efficiently. Thank you.
Ms. Nakamura: Any further comments?
Mr. Rapozo: The way this is written, the person can only
qualify to testify if they are off-island, so would this not apply to an expert that is on
Kaua`i that could not make the meeting? They would not be able to utilize the
technology?
Ms. Yukimura: No, because we are thinking that they can
come to the next meeting much easier than somebody from off-island.
Mr. Rapozo: Okay, I just wanted to bring that up.
Ms. Yukimura: This is an extraordinary measure, so that is
the thinking. It is off-island.
Ms. Nakamura: Thank you for the clarification.
Councilmember Kagawa.
Mr. Kagawa: I just wanted to respond to Councilmember
Yukimura's comment. Two (2) weeks ago, we had the molasses spill and the EPA
was in Honolulu Harbor the next day. If people are dying and getting sick, I think
the EPA should come to Kaua`i. I think it is important enough. Thank you.
The motion to adopt Resolution No. 2013-67, Draft 1 was then put, and
carried by the following vote:
FOR ADOPTION: Hooser, Kagawa, Nakamura, Rapozo,
Yukimura TOTAL — 5,
AGAINST ADOPTION: None TOTAL — 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: Bynum, Furfaro TOTAL — 2,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL — 0.
Resolution No. 2013-68 — RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING "AUTHORIZED
PARKING ONLY — TOW AWAY ZONE" (NO-PARKING ZONE) AT BOTH
PARKING LOTS ADJACENT TO THE COUNTY OF KAUAI POLICE
DEPARTMENT BUILDING AND EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
BUILDING, LIHU`E DISTRICT, COUNTY OF KAUAI: Mr. Rapozo moved for
adoption of Resolution No. 2013-68, seconded by Ms. Yukimura.
Ms. Nakamura: Thank you. We have Larry Dill from the
Department of Public Works, Assistant Chief Alejandre Quibilan, and Deputy
County Attorney Nick Courson here. Are there any members who would like these
three (3) up to answer questions?
COUNCIL MEETING 35 OCTOBER 9, 2013
Mr. Rapozo: Unless anyone is in opposition, I am satisfied
with the documentation.
Mr. Kagawa: I want to ask Larry if he could just quickly
brief us as to where the "no parking" is. I used to coach up at the soccer fields and I
used to see you there, Councilmember Nakamura. I just want to make sure because
when there are big events at the Stadium, they will tend to use some areas above
the soccer field, so I do not know if that affects them, but just to let the public know
so they are not sneaked upon and slapped with a ticket.
Ms. Nakamura: Thank you very much, Councilmember
Kagawa. I had similar concerns. Larry was off the hook on two (2) previous items,
so would you mind coming up?
LARRY DILL, P.E., County Engineer: I was hoping to go three (3) for
three (3) today.
Ms. Nakamura: I am sorry. But could you all introduce
yourselves for the record?
There being no objections, the rules were suspended.
Mr. Dill: For the record, Larry Dill, County Engineer.
Ms. Nakamura: While we are getting the map positioned,
Larry, do you want to give us just a brief overview on this Resolution?
Mr. Dill: Sure. I am going to defer to KPD a lot here
because we are addressing a specific situation that they have over there that is
affecting their ability to use the parking lot that is supposed to be for business for
the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Civil Defense, and for the Kaua`i Police
Department. Generally speaking, as we will see in the exhibit when it comes up
before us here, we are reserving the parking lot for authorized users only. Those
would be there on County business, whether that be employees or for some other
purpose. The Police will be the folks managing that effort up there once Public
Works, given the approval of the Resolution, will go ahead and mark it out as a "No
Unauthorized Parking" area. We have the exhibit up there. I think everybody
knows where the EOC is and the Police Department building. This access road is
here and the driveway. Over here to this parking lot, you have the Transportation
Agency and Judiciary across the street. This area where you see the north arrow is
the detention basin there, and then the sports field that Councilmember Kagawa
was talking about further off in this direction to the south. It is pretty
straightforward, I think. I am going defer to Officer Quibilan to see if he wants to
share any additional background for the necessity of this.
Ms. Nakamura: I think one (1) of the questions that I had
was the term "authorized users" and whether the public was considered an
authorized user or public doing business in that building?
ALEJANDRE QUIBILAN, Assistant Chief: Yes. Just to clarify and
answer that particular question, anyone who has business either with the
Prosecutor's Office, Kaua`i Police Department, or the Civil Defense Agency are the
authorized users of the parking stalls. We will be creating a public parking stalls at
front of the building where the flagpole is. We were looking at this area right
against the wall of the EOC. There are two (2) Americans With Disabilities Act
COUNCIL MEETING 36 OCTOBER 9, 2013
(ADA) parking stalls at the corner here and the flagpoles are here. This area would
be what we are looking at as public parking, and then on the opposite side of this
area, we have detectives and their vehicles parked this area here. The Prosecutors
are currently in this area right here with Civil Defense Agency employees. This
larger parking area is what we consider our employees' parking lot; Civil Defense
employees, the Prosecutor's Office, and also others. As you know, there are a lot of
training and meetings that go on that utilizes the EOC because you can sit maybe
forty (40) people in there. That is where the problem lies is that when we have
unauthorized vehicles, we have people parking on the curb and on the island. The
command vehicle shelter is right in this corner here and what happens is that when
they start parking on the island here, the command vehicle is so large it cannot
come out and will be blocked in. We have seen that because of lack of parking or
they are parked on the grass, hop the curb along the access road, and park on the
grass because we are lacking parking. That is what we want to try to control to
have adequate parking in the facility. Just to let you know, the back area here is
our secured parking, which is all of our police vehicles. That is basically where we
are at right now.
Ms. Nakamura: Councilmember Kagawa.
Mr. Kagawa: Thank you. Basically, the problem stems
when the EOC room is used as like a conference room. I went to a couple of
meetings. One (1) time it was for the humpback whales and what not, but it is
when those users get in?
Mr. Quibilan: At that point, yes. We have a full capacity at
the Civil Defense. For the EOC, we will run out of parking stalls. The problem is
we find that more than likely people who attend Court will park their cars here,
especially when they have jury trial or jury selection. Then we get a phone call from
the judiciary saying that they have over one hundred (100) people and their parking
lot is full, and we know that they are going to come into our parking lot first if they
cannot find parking there or at the judiciary, then we have authorized parking on
Ka'ana Street. We know that travelers at the airport will come and park in our
parking lot, especially on this extended parking because they do not want to pay;
either employees or people flying off-island do not want to pay the usage of the
airport parking. We will find people walking with suitcases walking across the
street towards the airport.
Ms. Nakamura: Thank you. Councilmember Yukimura, and
then Councilmember Rapozo.
Ms. Yukimura: I notice a lot of parking in the bike lanes
along Ka'ana Street.
Mr. Quibilan: Yes.
Ms. Yukimura: Right now, it is a dead end so it is not really
used for a throughway, but once we do our whole Ahukini bikeway and the inserts
into town. In order for that to be a viable bikeway, the cars will have to be cleared
from there so when it is time, somebody needs to be either very aggressive, or that
needs to be added to the "tow away zone" or something. What you are telling us is
that there is a parking problem in this complex area between the Judiciary, Police,
and Civil Defense.
Mr. Quibilan: Yes.
COUNCIL MEETING 37 OCTOBER 9, 2013
Ms. Yukimura: If there is an overflow parking that is
legitimate, where will people go?
Mr. Quibilan: Again, at this point, we are utilizing the
dead end street on Ka'ana as overflow. A good example is we are still in training for
our last recruit class, nineteen (19) of them, and everyone brought their own
vehicle. We told them to park on Ka'ana Street. They may be off in the field
self-defense training somewhere or firearms training, and their car does not move
so we tell them to stay on Ka'ana Street, walk to the station, and let the employees
park in the visitor parking for those individuals. We keep them kind of away.
Ka'ana Street is the overflow for us and for the Judiciary. We inform them to park
on Ka'ana street also.
Ms. Yukimura: I would like to suggest that possibly a task
force of people from Judiciary, Police, Civil Defense, and whoever else are the
so-called "stakeholders" in parking, maybe work together to look at the possibility of
free bus passes for employees. The County would pay like employees pay...
Ms. Nakamura: Bulk rate.
Ms. Yukimura: Yes, bulk rate.
Ms. Nakamura: I think we have gone beyond the free...
Ms. Yukimura: It would be free, but the County would pay
for it because otherwise, we would have to create parking which would be far more
expensive. It would be some kind of a specialized program. I think thirty percent
(30%) of Microsoft's people in Seattle do not travel by single-occupancy vehicles
because Microsoft gives carpooling and free bus passes to their employees. Looking
at that as a very limited... we are not giving it to all County employees, but we are
giving it here to alleviate the parking problem. You would maybe work with Celia.
I know a woman from Kalaheo who always ends here, transfers, and goes. I do not
think this is going to fully solve it. Maybe there are some possible solutions in free
bus passes.
Ms. Nakamura: Maybe the long term parking solution can be
a subject of a separate item on our agenda.
Ms. Yukimura: It does not even need to be for us.
Ms. Nakamura: As long as they work on it?
Ms. Yukimura: Yes.
Ms. Nakamura: Okay. Councilmember Rapozo.
Mr. Rapozo: I do not believe we have a parking problem
at the facility. You have enough stalls to cover Police, EOC, and Prosecutors, right?
Mr. Quibilan: And employees, yes.
Mr. Rapozo: We have enough. It is when the State and
everybody else encroaches. The solution is not giving everybody free bus passes, but
it is telling the State that you are not allowed to park in our stalls. Send them a
COUNCIL MEETING 38 OCTOBER 9, 2013
notice and say that when you have a jury day, occupy a part in the Stadium, and
you, State, shuttle the people to the Court. We cannot solve everybody's problem.
Those parking stalls, and I know because I have worked there, is sufficient for our
County's operations, including the public. It is when the people coming on
airplanes— so you tow their car and they are going to do it once, and when they
come back from their trip and realize, "Oops, it would have been cheaper to pay my
ten dollars ($10) a day at the airport than pay a three hundred dollar ($300) towing
fee." That is what we have to do. I guess my question is, do you have a system set
up where you are going to have placards or stickers so the cops know what is
authorized and what is not? Obviously, the public parking area will be public
parking, but anything outside of that, if they do not have a sticker then you cite
them. If they are there longer than... or whatever you determine when that car
needs to be towed, then you tow the car. Ka'ana can only accommodate so much.
You are using that for your employees now and your recruits and I know a lot of
people use that as parking, but that is our facility. If I go and park in the State
parking lot right now, and I do not put money in the meter, I am going to get a
ticket. If we have a public hearing here and we have five hundred (500) people in
the field, the State is not helping us with any parking. I am not saying "let us go
and beat up the State," but we have enough parking there to accommodate our
County facility and our functions. We have just now to let the others know that if
you are not here for County business, then you need to go find somewhere else to
park. You can go park at the Stadium and walk or whatever. As far as the
Judiciary, like I said, they can make arrangements with Stadium parking and
shuttle them back and forth because it does not happen every day. Maybe hire our
County bus if they want or lease the bus for a day, and have the bus run them back
and forth. I do not think we should be accommodating the Judiciary and put in our
County people who needs to go up there to get an abstract or to go meet with the
Police or Prosecutor. I do not believe we have a parking problem. I do not suggest
that we give away free busses.
Ms. Nakamura: Thank you. Councilmember Yukimura.
Ms. Yukimura: Chief, actually do we have enough parking to
accommodate meetings at the Civil Defense?
Mr. Quibilan: I am going to have to say if the EOC goes to
full capacity, we may run out of parking stalls.
Ms. Yukimura: If you minus Ka'ana Street as a parking
place, we probably do not have enough either, right?
Mr. Quibilan: If you take all of the cars that currently park
on Ka'ana and put them into stalls?
Ms. Yukimura: Right.
Mr. Quibilan: I think we are going to fill up all of our stalls.
Just for the employees, we will take all of the stalls.
Ms. Yukimura: Yes. You cannot use Ka'ana and then you
have meeting at Civil Defense, which is a County building that we want available
for meetings because it is very suitable for meetings with all the Audio Visual (AV)
and everything. We are going to have a problem, right?
Mr. Quibilan: Yes.
COUNCIL MEETING 39 OCTOBER 9, 2013
Ms. Yukimura: Okay. How often is jury duty?
Mr. Quibilan: I do not know... infrequent, depending on the
case.
Ms. Yukimura: Actually, if you have jury duty and you have
some overflow parking, and you do not have a Civil Defense meeting, you might be
able to take some of the jury duty parking. Sometimes if we have Civil Defense
meetings, they can use State parking. This thing about "each business putting up
only our customers thing" is very inefficient use of parking. That is why in Lihu`e
we are talking about... because we do not use one hundred percent (100%) of the
parking one hundred percent (100%) of the time. If we get Mr. Charlier, he will
come in...
Ms. Nakamura: Councilmember Yukimura, can we stick to
the agenda item?
Ms. Yukimura: This is because this is a parking problem we
are talking about at this place. If you do a parking analysis, you will see that there
are times where you can actually share parking, and that is the most efficient use of
parking. I think instead of everybody making enough parking to support their
capacity parking, and then other times it is empty... or most of the times it is empty
because they are not always at capacity parking. Anyway, I think it behooves the
entities in this area to work together to solve the parking problem. I think it is the
cheapest way you will find, actually.
Ms. Nakamura: It seems like this measure is a good short
term approach to address the concerns of people parking overnight, which I am
going to support. Maybe there is a long term solution that will involve further
discussions among the stakeholders. I think that is what Councilmember
Yukimura is suggesting and that is for you to follow-up on. Are there any other
questions for the three (3) gentlemen here? If not, thank you very much for
answering the questions. Thank you, Councilmember Kagawa, who would have
known that we would have this much discussion, but useful discussion so thank
you.
There being no objections, the meeting was called back to order, and
proceeded as follows:
The motion to adopt Resolution No. 2013-68 was then put, and carried by the
following vote:
FOR ADOPTION: Hooser, Kagawa, Nakamura, Yukimura,
Furfaro TOTAL — 5,
AGAINST ADOPTION: None TOTAL — 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: Bynum, Furfaro TOTAL — 2,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL — 0.
BILLS FOR FIRST READING:
Proposed Draft Bill (No. 2503) —A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. B-2013-754, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE CAPITAL
BUDGET OF THE COUNTY OF KAUAI, STATE OF HAWAII, FOR THE FISCAL
YEAR JULY 1, 2013 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2014, BY REVISING THE AMOUNTS
COUNCIL MEETING 40 OCTOBER 9, 2013
ESTIMATED IN THE BOND FUND AND SEWER TRUST FUND (Islandwide
SCADA System - $371,213 (Bond Fund), $365,029 (Sewer Trust Fund)):
Mr. Kagawa moved for passage of Proposed Draft Bill No. 2503 on first reading,
that it be ordered to print, that a public hearing thereon be scheduled for
November 6, 2013, and that it thereafter be referred to the Finance & Economic
Development (Tourism / Visitor Industry / Small Business Development / Sports &
Recreation Development / Other Economic Development Areas) Committee,
seconded by Mr. Rapozo, and carried by the following vote:
FOR PASSAGE: Hooser, Kagawa, Nakamura, Rapozo,
Yukimura TOTAL — 5,
AGAINST PASSAGE: None TOTAL — 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: Bynum, Furfaro TOTAL — 2,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL — 0.
Proposed Draft Bill (No. 2504) —A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. B-2013-754, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE CAPITAL
BUDGET OF THE COUNTY OF KAUAI, STATE OF HAWAII, FOR THE FISCAL
YEAR JULY 1, 2013 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2014, BY REVISING THE AMOUNTS
ESTIMATED IN THE BOND FUND (Waimea R-1 Water Distribution System
Improvements - $209,450): Mr. Kagawa moved for passage of Proposed Draft
Bill No. 2504 on first reading, that it be ordered to print, that a public hearing
thereon be scheduled for November 6, 2013, and that it thereafter be referred to the
Finance & Economic Development (Tourism / Visitor Industry / Small Business
Development / Sports & Recreation Development / Other Economic Development
Areas) Committee, seconded by Mr. Rapozo, and carried by the following vote:
FOR PASSAGE: Hooser, Kagawa, Nakamura, Rapozo,
Yukimura TOTAL — 5,
AGAINST PASSAGE: None TOTAL — 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: Bynum, Furfaro TOTAL — 2,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL — 0.
Ms. Nakamura: Thank you. Can we go back to the item that
we skipped over, C 2013-336?
There being no objections, C 2013-336 was taken out of the order.
COMMUNICATIONS:
C 2013-336 Communication (09/17/2013) from Councilmember Rapozo,
requesting Council nominations to the Hawai`i Employer-Union Health Benefits
Trust Fund (EUTF) Task Force, pursuant to Section 2 of Act 268, Session Laws of
Hawai`i 2013.
Ms. Nakamura: Thank you, Staff, for providing the Bill for an
act that establishes this task force. Councilmember Yukimura, you want to speak?
Ms. Yukimura: Yes. Thank you, Ashley. This is interesting
because the Bill that established this task force says that the purpose of the Bill
and the formation of the task force is to examine the unfunded liability of the
Hawai`i Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund. It delineates who is to be a
member of this task force; two (2) members from the House of Representatives, two
(2) from the Senate, the Director of Finance or his designee, one (1) from the Council
of Mayors, one (1) from the Hawai`i Association of Counties, four (4) from public
COUNCIL MEETING 41 OCTOBER 9, 2013
sector unions, one (1) from public employee retirees; and this is the most
interesting, four (4) members representing the respective interests of the four (4)
Counties, who shall be selected by the Governor, so it appears that Kaua`i would
have one (1) other person to suggest. Probably the Governor will talk to the Mayor,
but it is good to think of who in the County should be on this task force. It may be
the Finance Director or his designee because this is the chance to really learn all
the nuances of the system and see where our leverage and concerns can be wielded.
Then it says that the task force "shall examine the unfunded liability of the Hawai`i
Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund including the current and projected
unfunded actuarial accrued liability," our portion of which, presumably, is funded.
"The availability of medical benefits plans, other than plans that pay or reimburse
medical service providers under a fee for service model," so it looks like they are
looking at alternatives. "The cost and benefits of alternative medical benefits plan.
An evaluation of costs and process of transitioning from the current medical
benefits plan to an alternative, and then an evaluation of the current structure of
State and County public employers paying a percentage of health insurance
premiums, and providing recommendations for a benefits plan for prospective
employees." Lastly, "any other matters relevant to gaining a full and meaningful
understanding of the circumstances of the trust fund." This could be a really, at
minimum, informational and educational process. It would be good to have
somebody representing HSAC and the Counties. I am thinking that both at HSAC
and from the Counties, we should ask for periodical reports so we could be learning
along with the group. Interestingly, this task force is supposed to report back to the
Legislature in 2014, which gives them about three (3) months, and they have not
even been formed. There is actually a budget to support this process. Anyway,
presuming I do not know Mike White's full background, but I am assuming he
knows County business, business, and finance, and that he could be a good
representative to HSAC. I think we should make inquiry from our side as to who
the Mayor is going to recommend and we may be should have some
recommendations if we have any, and also ask for periodic reports from this County
representative.
Ms. Nakamura: Okay. Thank you. All of those things are
noted on the record.
Ms. Yukimura: Thank you.
Ms. Nakamura: I think the Finance Director
recommendation is a good one. I think Mike White is also the Budget Chair from
Maui County.
Ms. Yukimura: Fine.
Ms. Nakamura: I am very comfortable with his
qualifications.
The motion to approve the nomination of Councilmember Mike White, Maui
County Council, was then put, and carried by a 5:0:2 vote (Mr. Bynum and
Mr. Furfaro is noted as excused).
Ms. Nakamura: Thank you, Councilmember Yukimura, for
the due diligence. Now, this takes us to Executive Sessions, so we would like to call
up the County Attorney. Would you like to read the items and call up the County
Attorney?
COUNCIL MEETING 42 OCTOBER 9, 2013
Mr. Watanabe: The County Attorney will read the items.
Ms. Nakamura: Okay. Thank you. Our plan will be to go
into Executive Session until 12:30 p.m., take a lunch break, and then take up Public
Hearing at 1:30 p.m. If we are not completed with our Executive Sessions, then we
will resume thereafter.
Mr. Rapozo: Are we going to do ES-670? Is that one that
we are going to today, as well?
Ms. Nakamura: Would you like to defer it?
Mr. Rapozo: I am asking the members.
Ms. Nakamura: Yes.
Mr. Rapozo: That was supposedly for the earlier deferred
items, so if there is no objection, I will make the motion to defer ES-670.
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS:
ES-670 Pursuant to Hawai`i Revised Statutes (HRS) Sections 92-4,
92-5(a)(4), and Kaua`i County Charter Section 3.07(E), on behalf of the Council, the
Office of the County Attorney requests an Executive Session with the Council to
provide the Council with a briefing and to discuss legal issues concerning the
application and enforcement of Kaua`i County Code Chapter 8, Article 17,
specifically the sections enacted under Ordinance Nos. 864, 876 and 904, and
related matters. This briefing and consultation involves consideration of the
powers, duties, privileges, immunities and/or liabilities of the Council and the
County as they relate to this agenda item.
Ms. Yukimura: What is it?
Ms. Nakamura: ES-670.
Ms. Yukimura: Okay.
Ms. Nakamura: This was the companion item to the
Transient Vacation Rentals (TVR) briefing.
Ms. Yukimura: May I ask the County Attorney a question?
Ms. Nakamura: Sure.
There being no objections, the rules were suspended.
Ms. Yukimura: Ian, your briefing for us... there are two (2)
members absent, but the Koontz decision was pretty much related to this, too?
IAN K. JUNG, Deputy County Attorney: No, this would actually be a
separate item, contingent on questions of the body on TVR initiatives relevant to
the various ordinances.
COUNCIL MEETING 43 OCTOBER 9, 2013
Ms. Yukimura: Okay. It seems more appropriate, since we
deferred the open agenda item, to defer this also.
Mr. Jung: Yes, it is up to the body.
Ms. Yukimura: Okay.
There being no objections, the meeting was called back to order, and
proceeded as follows:
Mr. Rapozo moved to defer ES-670, seconded by Ms. Yukimura, and
carried by a 5:0:2 vote (Mr. Bynum and Mr. Furfaro is noted as excused).
Ms. Nakamura: Can you read the next item, please?
There being no objections, the rules were suspended.
ES-681 Pursuant to Hawai`i Revised Statutes (HRS) Sections 92-4 and
92-5(a)(4), and Kaua`i County Charter Section 3.07(E), the purpose of this Executive
Session is to provide Council with a briefing and request for authority to settle the
case against the County regarding Kaua`i Beach Villas — Phase II, LLC vs. County
of Kaua`i, et al., Civil No. 12-00483 (U.S. District Court), and related matters. This
briefing and consultation involves consideration of the powers, duties, privileges,
immunities and/or liabilities of the Council and the County as they relate to this
agenda item.
Ms. Nakamura: Thank you. I will call the meeting back to
order, and then ask if we can get a motion to convene into Executive Session for
ES-681.
There being no objections, the meeting was called back to order, and
proceeded as follows:
Ms. Yukimura moved to convene into Executive Session for ES-681, seconded
by Mr. Kagawa, and carried by the following vote:
FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION: Hooser, Kagawa, Nakamura, Rapozo,
Yukimura TOTAL— 5,
AGAINST EXECUTIVE SESSION: None TOTAL — 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: Bynum, Furfaro TOTAL — 2,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Nakamura: Okay. We will go into Executive Session and
then come back for our Public Hearing at 1:30 p.m.
There being no objections, the meeting was recessed at 12:06 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 1:33 p.m., and proceeded as follows:
Ms. Nakamura: We have covered everything on our agenda, so
that concludes our business for the day. Thank you.
COUNCIL MEETING 44 OCTOBER 9, 2013
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
ta„...„"— 1.....A-- L..--C.,
RICKY WATANABE
County Clerk
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