HomeMy WebLinkAbout11_23_2022 Council-Elect (Organizational) minutes, 2022-20242022-2024 KAUAI COUNTY COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING
NOVEMBER 23, 2022
The 2022-2024 Kaua`i County Council-Elect Meeting of the Council of the
County of Kaua`i was called to order by Jade K. Fountain-Tanigawa, County Clerk,
on Wednesday, November 23, 2022. At 9:07 a.m., at the Council Chambers, 4396 Rice
Street, Suite 201, Historic County Building, Lihu`e, Kaua`i, and the presence of the
following was noted:
Councilmember-Elect Addison Bulosan
Councilmember-Elect Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr.
Councilmember-Elect Felicia Cowden
Councilmember-Elect Bill DeCosta
Councilmember-Elect Luke A. Evslin (via remote technology)
Councilmember-Elect KipuKai Kuali`i
Councilmember-Elect Mel Rapozo
PUBLIC TESTIMONY.
All public testimony for this Meeting will be taken at the beginning of the Meeting.
Each speaker shall have a total of three (3) minutes to speak on the items for
discussion listed below.
There being no objections, the rules were suspended to take public testimony.
FRANCIS DEGRACIA: Good morning. Francis DeGracia, for the
record. Just a couple of things. First, I would like to say congratulations and second
is, thank you for your service. That is all I have. Mahalo.
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta: Thank you, Francis.
BRUCE HART: Good morning. This pleases me.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: State your name.
Mr. Hart: Bruce Hart, for the record. This pleases me.
We have a full Council, with Councilmember-Elect Evslin there on Zoom. This is a
new beginning. Let us put what we have been through behind us and let us look
forward. I think these next two (2) years can be very productive. Let us get back to
work, back to normalcy, put it all in the rearview mirror, and get back on track. As
for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. I would like to say a short prayer.
Heavenly Father, thank you so much for your gracious mercies and loving kindness.
Thank you, Father that no matter where we go or what we do, if we call upon the
name of the Lord, we know that we shall be saved. Lord, help us govern this
community, because that is what it is. It is a place of people, where people live, where
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 2 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
people live out their lives, where families live out their lives, and where a community
can work together for the better good. In Jesus Christ's name, amen.
JADE K. FOUNTAIN-TANIGAWA, County Clerk: Is there anyone on
Zoom wishing to testify? Thank you. The next item are items for discussion.
There being no further testimony, the meeting was called back to order, and
proceeded as follows:
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION.
Members elected to the Kaua`i County Council for the term commencing
December 1, 2022, will conduct a meeting to discuss their Organizational Structure
for the upcoming 2022-2024 Council term. Items to be discussed are:
Appointment of the Presiding Officer Pro Tern for the Organizational
Meeting.
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect Rapozo
as the Presiding Officer Pro Tern for the Organizational Meeting, seconded by
Councilmember-Elect Carvalho, and unanimously carried.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Councilmember-Elect Rapozo is Presiding
Officer Pro Tern.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Thank you.I appreciate that and
congratulations. I am excited for this team. For the public, thank you for testifying.
Taking off from what Mr. Hart said, yes, it is a new beginning. It always is, every
two (2) years is a new beginning. Let us get started. The first item is the discussion
and selection of the Council Chair and Council Vice Chair. I will entertain a motion
to nominate the Council Chair.
Discussion of the selection of the Council Chair and the Council Vice Chair
for the 2022-2024 Council term.
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect Rapozo
as the Council Chair for the 2022-2024 Council term, seconded by
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion? I appreciate the vote
of confidence and support, I have been doing this a long time, so I am excited. I am
looking forward to a lot of good things. Councilmember-Elect Cowden.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: Having attended Council meetings for many
years, I just really welcome you and appreciate that you are very open to hearing all
f
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 3 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
sides of discussions andP oints of view. I appreciate that you take seriously checks
and balances, and I think that is an important part of our role. With no negative to
anything that has been in the four (4) years, I just really look forward to what I am,
I guess, expecting as more robust and complete conversations on the different topics
that we will have in front of us in the policy development. Having experienced what
you do as a member of the public, even when we have been stridently on different
sides of issues, I have found that you have been so open to hearing opposing points of
view and in fact, in extreme cases, you were still the one that was able to bring the
most lasting solutions to some of these points of conflict that supported the people
who were in a different viewpoint. I look forward to your leadership.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Thank you, Councilmember-Elect Cowden, I
appreciate that. You folks are going to make me blush.
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta: I have been involved with politics, I would like
to think almost longer than most of you, because I ran back in 2004 and I did not get
elected. I remember watching you on the Council for close to two (2) different terms
and seeing you as Council Chair. I cannot begin to speak on the experience you bring
to the table. You are dealing with our most pressing issues that separated Kaua`i at
one time and you were the steadfast force that held the helm and held us together. I
am excited to sit with our new Council, to sit with our potential new Chair, and let
us make Kauai a great place again.
Councilmember-Elect Carvalho: You bring a lot of mana o to the table and
your background and knowledge, and working together in the past, bringing it to the
future. I know we are going to be able to work on some critical issues back and forth,
but you bring that Council leadership to the table, so I look forward to doing some
great work with all of us together. Mahalo.
Councilmember-Elect Bulosan: As the new member, I am excited for the past
leadership that you had and I am grateful that you are stepping into wanting to serve
in this position. I would love to hear what are the values that drive you to serve as
wanting to serve as the Council Chair, and what is the vision for these next two (2)
years for the Council as the Chair?
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Thank you. First of all, I want to let the public
know that Councilmember-Elect Evslin is on Zoom, because he is not feeling well. It
is not because he does not want to be here and when he speaks, you will see. Prayers
for a quick recovery, out to Councilmember-Elect Evslin. When I spoke to each of you
individually, my commitment as the Chair is to provide a safe platform where
everyone has equal access; for me, that is paramount. That is number one. What the
Chair does is run the meeting, that is what the Chair does, they run the agenda.
Aside from that, every one of the seven (7) Councilmembers have equal authority,
equal influence on whatever happens here. I just want to make sure that happens,
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 4 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
that is number one. Number two is what Councilmember-Elect Cowden talked about,
the checks and balances. It is our function as a County Council—we are legislative.
Former Mayor Carvalho and I have had some major battles, but as you can see we
love each other like brothers right now. I have shared many personal moments, as he
has with me over the years. There is nothing wrong with having debate on this floor,
and while that is not the focus and that is not the goal and objective, getting the
Administration here every week and pounding them, the fact of the matter is the
public has the right to know what this County is doing. My job as the Chair is to
make sure we provide that platform here, so the public understands what this County
is doing. There is no other venue, there is no other opportunity—The Garden Island
may cover one or two stories, but there is a lot more that goes on here that the public
has no idea about. Hopefully, my goal is to reengage the community, get them back
interested. There was a time when this was the number one top television show on
Kaua`i, and now it is not. That is my goal and objective, is to reengage this community
so they can participate. The only way that will happen is if we provide them an
opportunity to participate. That is really my focus. Providing this venue here for
each one of us to have equal access and equal opportunity is really what is going to
drive the success of this Council. That is my commitment to all of you. Do you know
what is exciting? Only Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i has ever worked with me on a
Council. Of course, Councilmember-Elect Carvalho was the mayor, but he was on
that side. None of you have ever worked with me. I can assure you that it is going to
be a different feeling and I hope it is to your satisfaction. Thank you.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: His question brought up a few things for me.
Do other people want to say something? I have a couple of points.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Councilmember-Elect Evslin, did you have
something to share?
Councilmember-Elect Evslin: Council Chair-Elect Rapozo, I have never had
an opportunity to serve with you, I have heard that you are a fair Chair, that you run
meetings well and efficiently, you give everyone the opportunity to say their piece,
and you encourage dialogue. I appreciate that and I am looking forward to moving
into the next two (2) years accomplishing a lot, arguing a lot, and being productive. I
do not envy you in your position, we are a passionate and sometimes unruly bunch
here, but I think you will do your best to keep us in line moving forward. Thank you.
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i: I just wanted to say mahalo nui boa for your
willingness to serve the Council in this way again. As you mentioned, I have worked
with you before, so I know what you bring to this position. I really appreciate your
experience, your wealth of knowledge, and the way that you have done the things
that you just articulated what you want to see for the Council, as far as equal access
and equal opportunity. Thank you.
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 5 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: I went through all these rules and a little bit
later, I have some rule changes I would like to do, but when I went through the
document, it was a nice reminder of what I had watched in the past, which is these
sub-committees, joint committees, workshops—to me, it is so important to bring the
public into our discussions. Four (4) years ago when I started, we had the same
challenges, which is the housing crisis, which has been there for probably decades.
We have huge changes that are going on in the world and certainly in the nation, and
certainly what has happened to just the make-up of our population and how we need
to include them. I really want to bring the public back in. Committee reports has
been four (4) years since we have truly done "reports" from each of our different
committees. COVID-19 added a layer of lack of knowledge. When we do not know that
the Department of Parks & Recreation or Department of Public Works maybe has
some plan, which might be a great plan with the community, but we are shocked
because we do not know about it. I would say as a councilmember when the
Administration is not present in the room, or no committee "reports" when we meet
every other week, which in my view is simply not enough, then there is tension points,
because we have not had enough conversation. I would like to respectfully ask that
at a minimum, when a department knows they are next on the agenda, that they
come over, so we are able to look at that department head and we are able to have
that physical element, if they are on-island. If they are not and they want to come in
from distance, okay, good. But I really want to actually be looking at the
Administration. There is so much that happens that is not on the square screen that
is agenda-driven. I want the doors open to the building to the public. COVID-19 is
behind us. I want to feel like we can really use the room. I hope that we are able to
still keep some of these virtual elements, so we do not need to spend money to bring
someone over from O`ahu if we need to talk to them. I want the best of both worlds;
virtual, but I want to have the face-to-face, which is in my view...one hundred percent
100%) as opposed to sixty percent (60%). We have been able to manage a lot with
what we have done, virtually, but I really want to get back to where we are really
seeing each other. Those are important pieces to me. The workshop elements—it has
been difficult not being able to have a comprehensive conversation that may happen
once quarter or at least on the front end. I would like to see at least four (4) of us
having related agenda items that are supposed to be coming up, I would like them to
come up on the same agenda, so that we are not shocked that we basically got our
idea undermined by not being at the front of the line. I would like it to be where there
is better communication. There are a lot of ways that I have felt really constrained.
For the public, there are laws in place, they are called Sunshine Laws where we
cannot talk to each other, we cannot talk across the street, so instead of being a check
and balance, I felt a little bit like I was elected into "check," and there is a lot less you
can do. I want to work on ways to open that up, how we can strengthen our staffing.
There is a lot that I would really like to do to be more effective, because I feel like we
got a lot done, but I am not sure we got a lot done right. Those are two (2) very
different situations and I think that is because we have not had the level of inclusion
and robust discussions that would have made stronger policy.
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 6 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: When we get to the rules part, we will talk
about some of those things. Let me just assure you folks that decisions will be Council-
driven and not Chair-driven. It is going to be this Council that is going to determine
the direction we move. I will strongly and loudly advocate for what I believe in, but
at the end of the day, it is going to be the Council that makes decisions. As you all
know, it takes four (4) votes of this Council. Just to touch on some things, I met with
the Mayor yesterday—we had a great discussion. I told him that we do not want
surprises. It was the same thing I told Mayor Carvalho when he was mayor. The
Council does not want to be surprised and neither should the Administration be
surprise. Likewise, if we are working on projects, we should be working with the
Administration and getting these projects done. Sub-committees—I believe that the
committee chairs control their committee. If a committee chair feels they want to do
a workshop, that is their prerogative. I am a strong advocate for sub-committee,
special meetings with the community stakeholders. As far as having the
Administration here, that is one of the discussions we will have when we do the rules.
I strongly support having the Administration here. I want to keep the virtual
opportunities for the public, and in cases where you mentioned where there is an
off-island expert that we need, rather than flying them here. But as far as the
discussions that impact the way we vote on certain issues, absolutely, I believe the
Administration should be here in-person. We will have that discussion when we get
to the rules. I appreciate all the kind comments, I am excited. If there is no more
discussion, the motion is for me to be the Council Chair. Roll call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect Rapozo as the Council Chair for
the 2022-2024 Council term was then put, and carried by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL– 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL– 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL– 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL–0.
Councilmember-Elect Carvalho moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
Kuali`i as the Council Vice Chair for the 2022-2024 Council term, seconded by
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion?
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: I would like to ask Councilmember-Elect
Kuali`i if you have something you would like to share? I have enjoyed working with
you. What would be your priorities and then I suppose I want to ask about some
flexibility, because that is one of the challenges that I have seen. When we have these
two-year terms, most people have to have a second job. Most of the time the Council
Vice Chair does not require too much on that, but what is your vision and how do you
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 7 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
see your flexibility of needing to travel from time to time? You have been traveling,
just for the public, I want to hear your commitment to the position of Council Vice
Chair.
Councilmember-Elect Kualii: First and foremost, my role as the Council
Vice Chair is to support the Council Chair and this Council in every way that I can.
Everything Council Chair-Elect Rapozo has articulated about equal access/equal
opportunity, checks and balances, those are all the same values and vision that I hold.
Under checks and balances, I keep reminding people that the budget, the Council
obviously make policy legislation, but the budget each year is a really big part of our
job and that is our chance to influence what is happening day in and day out with the
Administration. Always putting the budget at the forefront. Besides all of that, this
last Council has worked together very well and we have actually enjoyed our time
together and we have been close even outside of meetings, in a personal way, and I
want to see that continue in a way. As far as my flexibility, yes, I will have a part-
time job outside of this position, but I have always made this role as a Councilmember
my number one priority, and that will remain the same. I had the honor of serving as
one of three National Association of Counties (NACo) board members from the State
of Hawaii. I have been able to travel to national board meetings and I will continue
to do that, and bring back whatever resources I can, and further develop those
relationships and bring some of you along, as members have come, to get the
resources firsthand. Thank you.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there anyone else? Councilmember-Elect
DeCosta.
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta: Council Vice Chair nominee KipuKai Kuali`i
has a nice ring. I have been honored to serve with you, I have been on NACo trips
with you. I have fellowshipped a deep friendship with you. You are a genuinely nice
person with a good heart. I believe your leadership role and the amount of experience
you have will complement the Chair. I am excited to have the nice demeanor that you
bring to the table, among sometimes our passionate discussions. Thank you.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there anyone else?
Councilmember-Elect Bulosan: I am just excited, because I have worked with
you outside of this world and to see your community engagement as an asset to our
community and in this room, I believe it brings great value. I am excited for the "one,
two punch" that we have for Chair and Vice Chair.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there anyone else?
Councilmember-Elect Carvalho: Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i, you bring a lot
of experience to the table and your connections to NACo has brought a lot of
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 8 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
information too, keeping us abreast of what is happening. Responsibility and
connecting, working with the Chair is very important, obviously, so you have that
ability to connect, so I look forward to some awesome discussion and getting things
done.
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta: On the NACo trips, this is what has
impressed me the most about you, even though now you have a role and even our
newly elected Chair has a role, there were times at NACo that I took the role as a
leader with the comradery of all of our constituents across the United States of
America, and I appreciate that you allowed me to do that on that trip and I would
like to ask you to allow me to continue, if you see it fit in certain aspects of the NACo
trip, let me take the help and follow me. Thank you.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: I have a follow-up just for the public. NACo—
I am someone who does not like acronyms—National Association of Counties
organization. It is a very powerful group. Hawai`i and Kaua`i have been actually
really strong in our fifty states in one of three thousand six hundred and some odd
counties, and it is a powerful place where we learn from one another, so that is just
what it is, because everyone is bringing up NACo. It is a good place for our Council to
grow and be strong, we have layers in that, including the Hawai`i State Association
of Counties (HSAC). Thank you.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i, is there
anything else that you want to share?
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i: No.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: I will just say that I worked with
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i a really long time. Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i has
been on and off the Council many times over the years and I will say that his...I do
not want to say obsession, but his...
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: Passion?
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i: Attention to detail.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Attention to detail during the budgets that I
have served with him on is amazing. A lot of talk about NACo, HSAC, a lot of
advantages to being a part of that organization, a lot of ideas from other parts, I think
the new Councilmembers that made the journey to D.C. and to other conferences,
some people believe conferences are junkets and a waste of money, I disagree. I think
those are the best places, the host community benefit that we now enjoy on the
westside when Mayor Baptiste was the mayor, that was a product of a conference, a
NACo conference. We need to take advantage of that. With Councilmember-Elect
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 9 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Kuali`i there, and this body actively participating with NACo and HSAC, I think good
things can happen. I think the Mayor and the Administration should participate as
well, a lot of great things.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: Yes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: I am happy for you, Councilmember-Elect
Kuali`i, and looking forward to working with you.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i as the Council Vice
Chair for the 2022-2024 Council term was then put, and carried by the
following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
Discussion of the Standing Committees of the Council, the Committee
Chairs, the Committee Vice Chairs, and the Committee Members for the
2022-2024 Council term.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Thank you. Congratulations,
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i. The next item, the Standing Committees and the
Chairs and Members of the different Committees. For the public, when I contacted
everyone after the election, that is when we start the discussions of leadership and
this organizational meeting...nothing is final until Inauguration. None of us are
sworn in yet, so this is a somewhat formally, informal meeting that we get to share
with the public. I want to thank Mr. Evslin for assuring that this meeting would be
in the public and that is why we are here today. It was very easy, everyone wanted
to keep their committees. I do not think I have ever seen that before. Sometimes
Councilmembers want to bounce around and it is a nightmare of horse-trading and
lobbying for members to get committees that they want. When I started to call
members to let them know that I was interested in the position of the Council Chair,
it was exciting that they all said, "Yes, I want to stay where I am at in the committee,"
so that made it easy. We circulated a spreadsheet, and obviously we had some
vacancies because Mr. Chock and Mr. Kaneshiro are no longer here, so we had two
2) committees that were open. With that, everyone has the chart. Can we just go
down alphabetically? The Committee of the Whole will remain the same. It is a seven-
member committee, but we need a nomination for the Chair and the Vice Chair of the
Committee of the Whole. Traditionally, it has been the Chair and the Vice Chair of
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 10 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
the County Council. With that, I will open the nomination for Chair of the Committee
of the Whole.
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
Rapozo as the Chair of the Committee of the Whole for the 2022-2024 Council
term, seconded by Councilmember-Elect Carvalho.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion? Roll call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect Rapozo as the Chair of the
Committee of the Whole for the 2022-2024 Council term was then put, and
carried by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: I will entertain a nomination for Vice Chair of
the Committee of the Whole.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
Kuali`i as the Vice Chair of the Committee of the Whole for the 2022-2024
Council term, seconded by Councilmember-Elect Carvalho.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion? Roll call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i as the Vice Chair of the
Committee of the Whole for the 2022-2024 Council term was then put, and
carried by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL — 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: One of the things that I wanted to do and
discuss is putting the budget back into the Finance Committee, which is where it
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 11 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
belongs. That is what the Finance & Economic Development Committee is. The
budget is the biggest thing that we do, and it is the most important thing that we do
in this County. For as long as I can remember it was put in the Committee of the
Whole so that the Chair or a designee could run the budget. I believe it should be in
the Finance Committee and that would mean that all seven (7) members would be
inserted into the committee, so we do not have to vote on members, but we do have to
vote on a Chair. Taking off from the spreadsheet we have...can I do Chair and Vice
Chair in the same motion? With that, I will entertain a motion to nominate
Councilmember-Elect Evslin as the Chair of the Finance & Economic Development
Committee.
Councilmember-Elect Carvalho moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
Evslin as the Chair of the Finance & Economic Development for the 2022-2024
Council term, seconded by Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion? Hearing none, roll
call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect Evslin as the Chair of the
Finance & Economic Development Committee for the 2022-2024 Council term
was then put, and carried by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: I would entertain a motion to nominate
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i for the Vice Chair of the Finance & Economic
Development Committee.
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
Kuali`i as the Vice Chair of the Finance & Economic Development Committee
for the 2022-2024 Council term, seconded by Councilmember-Elect Cowden.
rollCouncilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there anyHearing none,p discussion?
call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i as the Vice Chair of the
Finance & Economic Development Committee for the 2022-2024 Council term
was then put, and carried by the following vote:
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 12 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL — 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: I would like to add that I spoke to
Councilmember-Elect Evslin and one of the things that I wanted to see was a more
robust discussion in budget, that we utilize the time necessary for this body to explore
the budget, and he obviously agreed. I am very happy to support him. With that, the
Housing & Intergovernmental Relations Committee. Before we do the nominations,
right now, we have Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i as the Chair, Vice Chair is
Councilmember-Elect Bulosan, and Members: Carvalho, Cowden, and DeCosta.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
Kuali`i as the Chair of the Housing & Intergovernmental Relations Committee
for the 2022-2024 Council term, seconded by Councilmember-Elect Carvalho.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion? Hearing none, roll
call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i as the Chair of the
Housing & Intergovernmental Relations Committee for the 2022-2024 Council
term was then put, and carried by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL — 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Parks & Recreation / Transportation
Committee, we have listed Councilmember-Elect Bulosan as Chair,
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta as Vice Chair, and Members: Cowden, Evslin, and
Kuali`i. Can I get a motion for the nomination of Chair?
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
Bulosan as the Chair of the Parks & Recreation / Transportation Committee
for the 2022-2024 Council term, seconded by Councilmember-Elect Cowden.
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 13 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion?
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta.
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta: I want to assure our new Councilmember-
Elect Dr. Addison Bulosan that I will support you. You are new as a Councilmember,
this is a big department, and I want to assure you that Department Head Pat Porter
and his team are excellent. I will take personal pride in introducing you and walking
you through a few of the meetings. I have actually been dealing with the Department
of Parks & Recreation since our former Mayor Carvalho and even as far back with
Bryan Baptiste on projects that I was doing in the community before I even became
a Councilmember. I have your back.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any further discussion?
Councilmember-Elect Bulosan: I thought it was funny that he said he has my
back and I am a chiropractor.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: With that, the motion is to approve. Roll call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect Bulosan as the Chair of the
Parks & Recreation / Transportation Committee for the 2022-2024 Council
term was then put, and carried by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Moving on to the nomination for Mr. DeCosta
as Vice Chair of the Parks & Recreation / Transportation Committee.
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
DeCosta as the Vice Chair of the Parks & Recreation / Transportation
Committee for the 2022-2024 Council term, seconded by Councilmember-Elect
Carvalho.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion? Hearing none, roll
call.
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 14 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect DeCosta as the Vice Chair of
the Parks & Recreation/Transportation Committee for the 2022-2024 Council
term was then put, and carried by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: Point of order.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Yes.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: Did we forget to put Councilmember-Elect
Bulosan as Vice Chair for the Housing & Intergovernmental Relations Committee?
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Yes, we did.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: Can we do that?
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Absolutely. Sorry about that. We did not do
the Members either, right? Bear with us, public, it has been four (4) years. The
Housing & Intergovernmental Relations Committee's Vice Chair, we have
Councilmember-Elect Bulosan. Can I get a nomination?
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
Bulsona as the Vice Chair of the Housing & Intergovernmental Relations
Committee for the 2022-2024 Council term, seconded by Councilmember-Elect
Cowden.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion? Councilmember-
Elect Evslin.
Councilmember-Elect Evslin: I support Councilmember-Elect Addison for
Vice Chair, but I have a quick question. Are we going to vote on the membership of
the Committees?
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Yes, my bad. Thank you. Roll call.
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 15 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect Bulosan as the Vice Chair of the
Housing & Intergovernmental Relations Committee for the 2022-2024 Council
term was then put, and carried by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL — 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: With that, we are going to stay on the Housing
Intergovernmental Relations Committee Members: Councilmember-Elect
Carvalho, Councilmember-Elect Cowden, and Councilmember-Elect DeCosta. Let us
start with Councilmember-Elect Carvalho's nomination.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
Carvalho as Committee Member of the Housing & Intergovernmental
Relations Committee for the 2022-2024 Council term, seconded by
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion? Hearing none. Roll
call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect Carvalho as Committee
Member of the Housing & Intergovernmental Relations Committee for the
2022-2024 Council term was then put, and carried by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Staying with the Housing &
Intergovernmental Relations Committee, member nomination for
Councilmember-Elect Cowden.
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
Cowden as Committee Member of the Housing & Intergovernmental Relations
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 16 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Committee for the 2022-2024 Council term, seconded by Councilmember-Elect
Carvalho.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion? Hearing none. Roll
call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect Cowden as Committee Member
of the Housing & Intergovernmental Relations Committee for the 2022-2024
Council term was then put, and carried by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Staying the Housing & Intergovernmental
Relations Committee, Councilmember-Elect DeCosta's nomination, please.
Councilmember-Elect Carvalho moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
DeCosta as Committee Member of the Housing& Intergovernmental Relations
Committee for the 2022-2024 Council term, seconded by Councilmember-Elect
Kuali`i.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion?
Councilmember-Elect Evslin.
Councilmember-Elect Evslin: I have a question for Councilmember-Elect
DeCosta. I made this request in the last two (2) organizational meetings; I have been
trying to get into the Housing Committee. Looking through the Committee
structures, the only way to do it without a whole lot of reshuffling would be if
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta wanted to switch with me and serve on the Public
Safety & Human Services Committee and I could serve on the Housing &
Intergovernmental Relations Committee. That would be up to Councilmember-Elect
DeCosta, if he wanted to make that switch, I understand if he does not want to make
that switch, but I wanted to put it out there on the floor.
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta: I do not want to make the switch.
Councilmember-Elect Evslin: Okay. Thank you.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Thank you. With that, the motion is to
nominate Councilmember-Elect DeCosta as a Member. Roll call.
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 17 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect DeCosta as Committee Member
of the Housing & Intergovernmental Relations Committee for the 2022-2024
Council term was then put, and carried by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: We are back to the Parks & Recreation /
Transportation Committee. We already voted Councilmember-Elect Bulosan and
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta as on Chair and Vice Chair, respectively. I am now
looking for a nomination for Councilmember-Elect Cowden as a Committee Member.
Councilmember-Elect Carvalho moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
Cowden as Committee Member of the Parks & Recreation / Transportation
Committee for the 2022-2024 Council term, seconded by Councilmember-Elect
Carvalho.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion? Hearing none. Roll
call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect Cowden as Committee Member
of the Parks & Recreation / Transportation Committee for the 2022-2024
Council term was then put, and carried by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Staying with the Parks & Recreation /
Transportation Committee, nomination for Councilmember-Elect Evslin, please.
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect Evslin
as Committee Member of the Parks & Recreation / Transportation Committee
for the 2022-2024 Council term, seconded by Councilmember-Elect Carvalho.
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 18 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion? Hearing none. Roll
call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect Evslin as Committee Member
of the Parks & Recreation / Transportation Committee for the 2022-2024
Council term was then put, and carried by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL — 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Staying with the Parks & Recreation /
Transportation Committee, nomination for Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i, please.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
Kuali`i as Committee Member of the Parks & Recreation / Transportation
Committee for the 2022-2024 Council term, seconded by Councilmember-Elect
DeCosta.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion? Hearing none. Roll
call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i as Committee Member
of the Parks & Recreation / Transportation Committee for the 2022-2024
Council term was then put, and carried by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL — 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Moving on to the Planning Committee.
Looking for a nomination for Committee Chair, Councilmember-Elect Carvalho.
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
Carvalho as the Chair of the Planning Committee for the 2022-2024 Council
term, seconded by Councilmember-Elect DeCosta.
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 19 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion? Hearing none. Roll
call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect Carvalho as the Chair of the
Planning Committee for the 2022-2024 Council term was then put, and carried
by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: I am looking for a nomination for
Councilmember-Elect Evslin as Vice Chair of the Planning Committee.
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
Evslin as the Vice Chair of the Planning Committee for the 2022-2024 Council
term, seconded by Councilmember-Elect Carvalho.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion? Hearing none. Roll
call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect Evslin as the Vice Chair of the
Planning Committee for the 2022-2024 Council term was then put, and carried
by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Staying with the Planning Committee
Members, the first nomination I am looking for Councilmember-Elect Busolan.
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
Bulosan as Committee Member of the Planning Committee for the 2022-2024
Council term, seconded by Councilmember-Elect DeCosta.
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 20 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion? Hearing none. Roll
call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect Bulosan as Committee Member
of the Planning Committee for the 2022-2024 Council term was then put, and
carried by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL — 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL — 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Planning Committee Member, nomination for
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta, please.
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
DeCosta as Committee Member of the Planning Committee for the 2022-2024
Council term, seconded by Councilmember-Elect Carvalho.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion? Hearing none. Roll
call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect DeCosta as Committee Member
of the Planning Committee for the 2022-2024 Council term was then put, and
carried by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL — 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL — 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Planning Committee Member, nomination for
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i, please?
Councilmember-Elect Carvalho moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
Kuali`i as Committee Member of the Planning Committee for the 2022-2024
Council term, seconded by Councilmember-Elect Cowden.
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 21 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion? Hearing none. Roll
call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i as Committee Member
of the Planning Committee for the 2022-2024 Council term was then put, and
carried by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL — 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Moving on to the Public Safety & Human
Services Committee. I am looking for a nomination for Committee Chair,
Councilmember-Elect Cowden.
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
Cowden as the Chair of the Public Safety & Human Services Committee for
the 2022-2024 Council term, seconded by Councilmember-Elect DeCosta.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion?
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta: I have a discussion point. I think this is a very
important Committee. I think it is underrated, actually, because we have
commissions that govern it. We all know that there are issues in different
departments and I think you are the person to handle this. We need to solve some of
those issues and I am excited that you are going to take a more active role in having
those problems solved. Thank you and let the rest of us know if you need our support.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: Thank you. Can I make a comment? I have
taken this role really seriously. Four (4) years ago, I resisted it at first, but I took the
thirteen-week police training, and I pretty much go to almost all of the commission
meetings actively and work with the training, Citizens Police Academy, with the Fire
Department, and I did the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training,
et cetera. I take those very seriously. When I look at our marginalized population,
which this group has to really focus on, I have very direct interface with the
communities that are suffering, certainly not all of them, but to an exhaustive degree.
I am pleased to be continuing in this position.
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 22 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Thank you. Is there any other discussion?
Hearing none, roll call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect Cowden as the Chair of the
Public Safety & Human Services Committee for the 2022-2024 Council term
was then put, and carried by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL — 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL — 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL — 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Thank you. Public Safety & Human Services
committee, Vice Chair, I am looking for a nomination for Councilmember-Elect
Carvalho, please.
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
Carvalho as the Vice Chair of the Public Safety & Human Services Committee
for the 2022-2024 Council term, seconded by Councilmember-Elect DeCosta.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion? Hearing none, roll
call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect Carvalho as the Vice Chair of
the Public Safety & Human Services Committee for the 2022-2024 Council
term was then put, and carried by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Now for the Committee Members, I am
looking for a nomination for Councilmember-Elect Bulosan.
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
Bulosan as Committee Member of the Public Safety & Human Resources
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 23 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Committee for the 2022-2024 Council term, seconded by Councilmember-Elect
Carvalho.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion? Hearing none. Roll
call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect Bulosan as Committee Member
of the Public Safety & Human Services Committee for the 2022-2024 Council
term was then put, and carried by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Public Safety & Human Services Committee
Member, I am looking for a nomination for Councilmember-Elect Evslin, please.
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect Evslin
as Committee Member of the Public Safety & Human Resources Committee for
the 2022-2024 Council term, seconded by Councilmember-Elect Carvalho.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion? Hearing none. Roll
call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect Evslin as Committee Member
of the Public Safety & Human Services Committee for the 2022-2024 Council
term was then put, and carried by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: For the final Public Safety & Human Services
Member, I am looking for a nomination for Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i, please.
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 24 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Councilmember-Elect Carvalho moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
Kuali`i as Committee Member of the Public Safety & Human Resources
Committee for the 2022-2024 Council term, seconded by Councilmember-Elect
Carvalho.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion? Hearing none. Roll
call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i as Committee Member
of the Public Safety & Human Services Committee for the 2022-2024 Council
term was then put, and carried by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: The last Committee is the Public Works /
Veterans Services Committee. I am looking for a nomination for the Chair.
Councilmember-Elect Carvalho moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
DeCosta as the Chair of the Public Safety & Human Services Committee for
the 2022-2024 Council term, seconded by Councilmember-Elect Cowden.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion? Hearing none, roll
call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect DeCosta as the Chair of the
Public Works / Veterans Services Committee for the 2022-2024 Council term
was then put, and carried by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: I am looking for a nomination for Public
Works /Veterans Services Committee Vice Chair for Councilmember-Elect Cowden.
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 25 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
Cowden as the Vice Chair of the Public Safety & Human Services Committee
for the 2022-2024 Council term, seconded by Councilmember-Elect DeCosta.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion? Hearing none, roll
call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect Cowden as the Vice Chair of the
Public Works / Veterans Services Committee for the 2022-2024 Council term
was then put, and carried by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: On to the Members, I am looking for a
nomination for Councilmember-Elect Bulosan for the Public Works / Veterans
Services Committee.
Councilmember-Elect Carvalho moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
Bulosan as Committee Member of the Public Safety & Human Resources
Committee for the 2022-2024 Council term, seconded by Councilmember-Elect
Kuali`i.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion? Hearing none. Roll
call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect Bulosan as Committee Member
of the Public Works /Veterans Services Committee for the 2022-2024 Council
term was then put, and carried by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 26 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Public Works / Veterans Services Committee
member, nomination for Councilmember-Elect Carvalho, please.
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
Carvalho as Committee Member of the Public Works / Veterans Services
Committee for the 2022-2024 Council term, seconded by Councilmember-Elect
Cowden.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion? Hearing none, roll
call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect Carvalho as Committee
Member of the Public Works /Veterans Services Committee for the 2022-2024
Council term was then put, and carried by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL — 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Public Works / Veterans Services Committee
Member, nomination for Councilmember-Elect Evslin, please.
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect Evslin
as Committee Member of the Public Works /Veterans Services Committee for
the 2022-2024 Council term, seconded by Councilmember-Elect Carvalho.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion? Hearing none, roll
call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect Evslin as Committee Member
of the Public Works / Veterans Services Committee for the 2022-2024 Council
term was then put, and carried by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 27 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Thank you. Congratulations, everyone.
Thank you for that wonderful process. I am going to take the Hawai`i State
Association of Counties (HSAC) Representative out of order, just so we can get all the
positions out of the way before we get to the rules. With that, we need to select an
HSAC Representative as well as an HSAC Alternate.
There being no objections, the Discussion of the County's HSAC
Representative and Alternate Representative was taken out of order.
Discussion of the County's HSAC Representative and Alternate
Representative.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: I will open the floor for nominations for HSAC
Representative.
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
Carvalho for HSAC Representative, seconded by Councilmember-Elect
DeCosta.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion? Go ahead,
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta.
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta: Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i, could you
explain HSAC to the public and how important this organization is?
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i: HSAC is the Hawaii State Association of
Counties. It is our local state organization where all the counties come together to
network, share, and learn. There is a conference every year. Our entity, HSAC, is a
part of a larger organization, the National Association of Counties (NACo).
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta: Very important role.
Councilmember-Elect Carvalho:Working closely with former Vice Chair
Chock and all of us with HSAC, and my experience as the former Mayor with the
Hawai`i Conference of Mayors (HCOM), for which I was also the Chair, statewide, so
that ties the entire overall picture. This is a very important opportunity to work hard
here at our table, but also to reach out and connect the resources statewide and keep
everyone at the table, because there are so many opportunities that come our way.
We attended the HSAC conference on Hawai`i Island, the next conference will be here
on Kaua`i, next year. I look forward to bringing everyone to Kaua`i and showing them
what we are doing and how we can connect with them. Councilmember-Elect Rapozo
knows that role as well. I look forward to serving, and as Chair and believe me that
we are going to be able to connect our information, resources, questions, and even
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 28 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
taking it to Washington D.C., we can do that as well, too. That has been my experience
I look forward to serving in this capacity and I believe we have the resources to do
that, keeping Kaua`i at the forefront as far as connecting with everyone.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there anyone else? One of the benefits of
Councilmember-Elect Carvalho's leadership in HSAC is his participation as a mayor
in the Hawai`i Conference of Mayors. In my discussion with Mayor Kawakami
yesterday, I shared with him the importance of HSAC, which is made up of all the
Councils, and HCOM, which is made up of all the Mayors, to work together to be a
tough, huge lobbying group at the legislature for things that impact the State. We
did it once, Councilmember-Elect Bernard, when we went for the Transient
Accommodations Tax (TAT). It was the first time in history of HSAC and HCOM that
they joined forces, and we need to do that again on some of these issues that are so
important to our County. I am looking forward to that. I cannot think of a more
perfect candidate for that HSAC position, because you come from that mayoral
background. Thank you. Is there any other discussion? Hearing none, roll call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect Carvalho for HSAC
Representative for the 2022-2024 Council term was then put, and carried by
the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: On the Committees, the five (5) members that
we have appointed or selected will be the voting members, the remaining two (2)
members will appear on the committee as ex-officio members, non-voting members,
but fully able to participate in the discussion. HSAC Alternate. I am looking for
nominations for HSAC Alternate. This is in the event that the HSAC Representative
is not available. Keep in mind that all Councilmembers have the opportunity to
participate in all HSAC functions. Are there any nominations for the HSAC
Alternate?
Councilmember-Elect Carvalho moved to nominate Councilmember-Elect
DeCosta for HSAC Alternate, seconded by Councilmember-Elect Kuali i.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion?
Councilmember-Elect Cowden.
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 29 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: Yes, my name is also here and I would like to
say why I would like to have that position.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Please.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: I have participated in Council and state
government for at least two (2) decades, actually longer, but state government maybe
a good ten (10) years. I think one of the things that make me most appropriate for
this position is that I do not have another job, my kids are grown, and I do not have
a business. This is a full-time focus. My temperament is one that I put everything
into whatever I am doing. One other commitment that I have is as a radio talk show
host on Kaua`i Community Radio (KKCR). Routinely, I have these state issues,
county issues, and I can interview people rather robustly on the radio to have these
dialogues where it is reaching out to the public. I am someone who, because of that
position, I have become a lint filter for people to call when they have concerns about
government issues. I work on that all the time. Now when we have the virtual
possibility of attendance, it makes it easier for dealing with the state government and
the other places, but even virtually, you need to have your full-time availability in
those key areas of the day. I have, throughout my four (4) years here, been regularly
writing on state legislative elements, I have the ability to attend at a moment's notice,
and I am very robust at the capitol.hawaii.gov platform for community involvement.
I am out there actively encouraging community involvement. I have really committed
a lot to this Council and I believe it is appropriate for me to hold that role, because a
lot of times unless you are looking the day before, you do not know until 4:00 p.m.
what is on the agenda the next day. You cannot adjust your schedule unless you have
that type of flexibility. You cannot get a substitute and you cannot do these things.
Really where you learn is not so much in the meetings that HSAC has together, it is
watching what happens on the floor and when I go to O`ahu, I will sit there and work
the building, right?This is something I have done actively. In fact, before I got elected
I was spending almost ten percent (10%) of my income, no kidding, going to O`ahu to
interact. When you do it last minute, it is a four-hundred-dollar plane flight, or you
have to get a hotel room. It has really been unfair how that neighbor islands are
committed, but I can also go over to the other islands, really at a drop of a hat. I
think that is something I bring to the table and I have had a longer period of time on
the Council to be able to offer this. I just want it considered why I want this position.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Thank you very much.
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta: Thank you for that elaborate discussion. I
guess I will go to bat for myself.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: Yes.
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 30 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta: I have one less term as Councilmember
Cowden, but I traveled to the HSAC Conference on Hawai`i Island with all of you who
are here. I remember distinctively lightening up the room. I do not have to portray or
brag my qualities, I am a natural born leader and people gravitate to me. With that,
I will back it up with the scenario. We were at dinner on a long table of all of the
county councilmembers across the state; Hilo, Maui, Kaua`i, Moloka`i
representatives, and my fellow Councilmember Felicia Cowden was sitting by herself,
not on the table with us. I stood up, walked over, and I invited her to sit with us,
because that is what we are. We are a governing body and we bring comradery to the
table. I looked out for my fellow Councilmember, and I brought her to the table. That
is the type of person I am. I traveled to NACo, Washington D.C. with both
Councilmember Carvalho and Councilmember Kuali`i. I did not have an opportunity
to go with Councilmember Cowden, I am not sure if you were busy at the time, but I
traveled with both of these Councilmembers and they have seen me in the room with
many different councilmembers across the nation. It is amazing what I bring to the
table with these people gravitating to me. I can remember the Japanese that were
enlightened by our sushi experience that we had on our small little table, and then
we taught the hula to the councilmembers of Alabama. I know what I bring to the
table. With that being said, the last thing I want to close on is I was recognized by...he
was not our governor yet, he was running for governor, but I was recognized by
Governor-Elect at the time, Josh Green, when I made a statement on the floor about
how this community of counties across the State of Hawai`i is not only kanaka maoli,
it is a melting pot of all of our nationalities: Portuguese, Filipino, Japanese,
Hawaiian, English, and Chinese, and we come together as a melting pot. That is who
we are in Hawai`i. I got a standing ovation at HSAC. I think I am a perfect fit for
this position. I would complement HSAC Chair Carvalho.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: Can I follow up on that?
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Sure.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: When we went to Hawai`i Island and when we
were sort of done with the day, the reason why I was not at the table with everyone
else is because "the men" were going to smoke cigars and I was not invited as a female
to go smoke cigars. At least that is what I was told. So, that is okay, I do not have to
be part of the "boys club." The reason why I was not in Washington D.C. when he
attended is because I was unvaccinated. As an "unvaccinated" person, I got to
experience two (2) years of really unfair separation because, it did not really matter,
but I did not get to go because I was not vaccinated. If I went and there was anyone
there, I would have to take ten (10) days and stay there at a high expense. Even
when at that time it was clear that the vaccinated were catching and carrying the
disease. I have a lot of experience...thank you, Councilmember-Elect Evslin, this is
what I deal with on a regular basis. I have the experience of being treated
disrespectfully and being treated to the side for this particular position. I will say
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 31 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
that it was very kind when Councilmember DeCosta brought up I had gone swimming
rather than smoking a cigar. I was actually sitting there and he said, "Hey, you
should join us," I had ordered my food to-go. I appreciated that, but just because I do
not demand a lot of attention, does not mean that I am not able to get an idea across
or that I cannot communicate. I have actually done very well with the other councils
that actually some of them are majority female. They commiserate with me because
they will watch sometimes and they see...even though we have a good way with
getting along, it is not always fair. I am going to say that. I am going to say one more
thing since I am on that point, my first year on this Council, Councilmember-Elect
DeCosta was not on it then, but I could not even get a second for anything I put on
the floor. I bring a really important perspective to the table where I am always looking
for who is left out of whatever decision we are making. I have a lot of experience and
I need to gain more, but with how the State government functions and that is a very
big part of HSAC.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Thank you.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: There are more important things than just
being the most evident person at the party.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Let me just say I have been on many
organizational meetings. I have never seen the battle for HSAC Alternate. I just had
to put that in. I have seen the Planning and Public Works, and Finance listen I say
that in jest. I think both of you are capable of the position. Councilmember-Elect
DeCosta.
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta: In closing, I would like to say the cigar thing
was no disrespect to any Councilwoman across the State, no other councilwoman was
invited to that cigar session. I want to explain why. We were down by the beach in
complete darkness and there were about eight (8) men, and it did not fit seemingly to
have a woman in that area at the time. We were acting out of being a gentleman. The
next thing I wanted to say is when Councilmember-Elect Cowden went to this past
NACo Conference, I contacted all of my cowboy councilmember friends from
Wyoming, Nevada, and Colorado, and I believe you got a picture with them and you
even called me from NACo chitchatting with Varland and I on a FaceTime. Those are
the types of connections I have out there. Is that correct? Did you get to meet my
cowboy friends?
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: That is correct, but that is not central to this
job, and I have my own people out there.
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta: Okay, I am done.
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 32 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Okay, perfect. Is there any further
discussion? Councilmember-Elect Bulosan.
Councilmember-Elect Bulosan: As the new person, I really appreciate you
sharing your perspective and how you want to serve this position. It is helping me
understand what the role is and I am really grateful that we have two (2)
councilmembers-elect passionate about serving in that position.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: I was hoping we could get through this
without having debate, but it just makes it more exciting. Is there any further
discussion? Roll call.
The motion to nominate Councilmember-Elect DeCosta for HSAC Alternate for
the 2022-2024 Council term was then put, and carried by the following vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Kuali`i,
Rapozo TOTAL— 4,
AGAINST MOTION: Cowden, DeCosta, Evslin TOTAL— 3,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Let me explain my vote. I told everyone I will
support...everyone is capable of any of these positions and I would support the first
nominee for any of these positions, including Chair. That is my rationale. Everyone
can do the job. Everyone has great qualities. I know Councilmember-Elect Cowden
is on the NACo Steering Committee for Human Services & Education, and that is a
very important role as well, at the NACo level.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: 4:3.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: May I make a comment again?
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Sure.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: I am really disappointed. I know it is not that
important of a position, but it tells me a direction. It tells me a direction, that I am
going to be facing another two (2) years of what I will honestly say is "male
discriminatory" behavior. It is clear that I have the time to do this job and I am still
held aside. I have supported every one of you in what you want to do, and I have had
four (4) years of being treated like a second-class Councilmember and I am tired of it.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Okay. What do I say? I was not here for
four (4) years. I think you heard my commitment to equal access and I am committed
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 33 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
to doing that whether you are male or female, white, brown, or green, it does not
matter to me.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: I was not just talkingto you.J
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Okay.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: You were not here, the rest have been.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: I will tell you this, my first term, I could not
get a second and I am a male. I know the feeling, Councilmember-Elect Cowden. That
is why I ran for the Chair position the first time. I wanted to provide equal access to
everyone. That is the bottom line. I think you are going to appreciate equal access as
we move forward as a Council. Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa can attest to that. I am not
going to look in the rearview mirror, we will look forward. We are going to take this
forward, and we are going to get it done.
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta: I wanted to show you how much I respected
you and I know you wanted the position, so I gave my fellow Councilmembers the
opportunity and that is why I voted against my own self.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: Thank you. I acknowledge that. I appreciate
that and I am just acknowledging that when it is clear that I am the one who has the
time and availability to do this, my colleagues still vote against me.
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta: Can I finish? The only reason why your
colleagues voted...it had nothing personal against you, they thought I would possibly
do a more robust job, not a better job, a more robust job. We are in a democratic
society where voting counts and that is what happened today.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: Yes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Yes, we need to recognize that...go ahead,
Councilmember-Elect Carvalho.
Councilmember-Elect Carvalho: Councilmember-Elect Cowden, I appreciate
you one hundred percent (100%). I am your Committee Vice Chair and we work
together overall, and I know at the HSAC or at the HCOM level, it is about really
connecting. In my mind, I am not saying you are not able to do that, it is not about
you being a strong woman, you are a strong woman, you set the base for a lot of our
women in our community and I appreciate you for that. It has nothing to do with
being able to do it or not. For me, I nominated Councilmember-Elect DeCosta, I know
I have seen him out there connecting, not that you cannot do it, but at this point, I
felt that was the point for me. I appreciate all the work you have done. There are so
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 34 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
many things you have done in this community. We are still going to connect no matter
what, as far as I am concerned. I just wanted to make sure you know that, whether
you trust me or not, but that is what I am saying to you.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: With that, let us take a caption break before
we go into the rules.
There being no objections, the Council recessed at 10:23 a.m.
The Council reconvened at 10:36 a.m., and proceeded as follows:
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: The next item is the Discussion of the Rules
of the Council of the County of Kaua`i for the Organization of Committees and the
Transaction of Business.
Discussion of the Rules of the Council of the County of Kaua`i for the
Organization of Committees and the Transaction of Business.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Every term we go through our rules and this
term, we have some proposed amendments. I know we have a member of the public
wishing to testify, but I would ask that Councilmember-Elect Cowden introduce the
amendments, and then I would like to hear from the public. Once the public is aware
of the rules and the rule changes, no sense you come up now not knowing what the
rule changes are. I will recognize Councilmember-Elect Cowden. She will go through
the proposed changes and then we will invite the public up to testify.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: Is this basically the same as what was four (4)
years ago? Page 14, Rule No. 6(f). I remember when this came out, this was in 2014.
I wanted to delete the first line in Rule No. 6(f). It says"No member may speak longer
than a total of five (5) minutes on the same agenda item." At that time, there had
been exhaustively robust conversations where people would not let something end,
like extensively, and Councilmember-Elect Rapozo, you were a part of this, where it
says, "No member may speak longer than a total of five (5) minutes on the same
agenda item." But when we look at how important our agenda items are, when we
are looking at things like housing policy, farm policy, or anything like that, it is worth
more than five (5) minutes of discussion. It is very important. I have these proposals
ad seriatim. I suggest we simply take that line out. It has been the case in the past
four (4) years that is not hardly ever observed, but it seems like it puts into policy a
bad structure when we are talking about things so important, it should not be that
we would limit our thinking to five (5) minutes, so that is one piece. Would you like
me to talk about each one of them or do one at a time?
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Yes, go through all of them and I would like to
hear from the public and then we will vote and have discussion.
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 35 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: The next proposal is Rule No. 9. This one
could probably be fixed, but on Rule No. 9(b), it says, "Manager. Each legislation shall
have a manager. The introducer and/or appropriate Committee Chair shall serve as
manager of the legislation and may delegate this function to another Councilmember.
The manager shall be responsible for the management of the legislation including the
securing of all pertinent information regarding the matter." What I added to
that...this would be an additional sentence, "Pertinent information would include a
table of active outreach, notification and inclusion of stakeholders both positively and
negatively impacted by a bill's content, with a summary of considerations." I know
that is asking a decent amount right there, but what I have found is that when we do
not have the public participating, we have had years that have been very different
than what you have experienced, Councilmember-Elect Rapozo, because we have had
largely an empty room. Without any negative intention, when the Administration
gives us an idea or if we have a Councilmember giving an idea, they might have the
best of intentions and they are looking at how to push their idea right. But if there
is no one looking at what might be hurt, the rest of us get six (6) days, and so when
you have an agenda and there are ten (10) significant things on that agenda, it might
even take you a day and one half to get to one that you might say, "Hey, I wonder if
so and so has been called." What I have found very often has been the people who
will be negatively impacted have not been called, they are not aware, and they have
no idea that a bill exists. I just think we would do better policymaking if we worked
to inform the people who might be adversely impacted or simply impacted. It seems
like my role has been, for the past four (4) years, the follow-up on that and it is such
a tight timeline, it is very difficult to do it. I definitely would be happy to adapt, I
just...this is something I think is really important. If we start looking at who is
adversely impacted, so we do not have "collateral damage" or "unintended
consequences." It has been profound and so I would like for the introducer or the
manager of the bill, if they are introducing for the Office of the Mayor, to have done
a little bit of that outreach. That is my next one.
If we go to Rule No. 11(c)(6). It says, "Oral testimony shall be limited to three
3) minutes per person. The Chair shall have the prerogative to set the order of
speakers, speaking for or against any proposition, and may notify the speaker of the
expiration of speaking time thirty (30) seconds before such expiration. The Chair may
allow an additional three (3) minutes to provide further testimony after all persons
have had an opportunity to speak." This became really evident when we had the
pesticide battle. We might have this entire room, having forty (40) people wanting to
speak, and another fifty (50) waiting outside the building. If people had six (6)
minutes, it was an incredibly long period of time. I really appreciated this light:
green, red, and yellow. I think this was your piece, if I remember correctly. But what
happens here is we might have two (2) or three (3) people wanting to testify and when
they each end up getting their six (6) minutes, when we break it up, it loses the
continuity of what they are saying. I added, "it can be the chair's prerogative to allow
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 36 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
testifiers their continuous six (6) minutes of testimony time if there are less than five
5) testifiers." If there are two (2) people wanting to say something, why break up
their testimony? From time to time, we have allowed that, but I think to codify
it...and then people can also understand if there are five (5) to ten (10) people, that
is quite a lot.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: It is an hour.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: It is an hour. So by making people condense
it to three (3) minutes, they are more succinct. I think that allowing the continuity,
takes actually less time, it is easier for them, and easier for us. Then my other piece
is Rule No. 11(c)(10). I eliminated a piece of a sentence, which states, "The Chair may
allow Councilmembers to ask testifiers to repeat or clarify their position for or against
the agenda item made during their testimony," and then what I want to remove is,
but Councilmembers shall not ask questions that give the testifier a greater
opportunity to testify than others." We did not used to have that in there and
sometimes there are testifiers that are almost like expert witnesses, they are very
much a stakeholder on the topic, and so when we have to bend and flex to find a way
to ask a clarifying question, where sometimes other testifiers, we want to hear them,
but they really have almost no relationship to the topic. We can kind of sometimes
ask if we can have them be an expert, but what it does is it gives short of a
discretionary or arbitrary way of not hearing from sometimes very important
testifiers where there is something robust and they are sometimes even the direct
subject of the policy that we are discussing. They might be one (1) or two (2), very
narrowly, and it seems like having the opportunity to ask them valuable questions
helps us to make better decisions. My intention with all four (4) of these is how do
we be more effective at asking good questions. I would say with the last Council Chair
most of the time, it was allowed, a decent amount of flexibility. I expect that you
would too, but it is important to not codify some of these limitations. Another thing I
did not see where to put in here is sometimes I ask a question, and the reason why I
want to ask the question is because I want the answer. I might even somewhat know
the piece of the answer, but what I want and why I ask the question is I want the rest
of the six (6) of us to know the answer. I might even want The Garden Island
newspaper to know the answer, because it places important context. Pretty regularly
I probably noticed for myself more than others, but it might be others, it will be said,
Can we just have that answer in writing?" I try very hard to give those questions in
writing ahead of time, but if we ask that question, it is helpful, but the decision is
already made. We already take the vote and we already make the decision, so it is a
way of avoiding the question that needs to be answered. I do not know quite know
where to put that in the Rules, but I would like to see us have more robust and
exploratory Council meetings rather than feels like we are on a tight timeline and we
are getting out efficiently and quickly. Sometimes I do not think we make the best
choices.
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 37 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Well, if you have any question about my
concern of time, you can ask the staff. We do not rush the meetings. Like I said, you
will see.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: And I have seen and know that.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: You will notice the change.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: But when we have something in here, "No
member may speak longer than a total five (5) minutes on the same agenda item."
My understanding of the rules is we can say"Point of Order, Councilmember DeCosta
has spoken six and a half(6.5) minutes, that is too much."
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: You are not going to have to do a Point of
Order, because as soon as that light turns yellow, I am going to say, "Councilmember
DeCosta, you have thirty (30) seconds," and when that light turns red,
Councilmember DeCosta, your time is up."
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: So, are you saying we do not get more than
five (5) minutes? I am saying five (5) minutes is too short.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: You are saying he was going over six (6)
minutes, that is not going to happen. Under the current rule, if I am the chair, it is
not going to happen.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: I was trying to make an example. What has
been good in the last four (4) years, this light is not running when we are having the
dialogue. This light has not been running and we still have very brief meetings. We
have not needed to have that light on while we are discussing. This was specifically
done to limit a Councilmember and I remember when it happened.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: So do I.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: I do not think that need is there any longer.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Again, like I said earlier, everything will be
Council-driven and not Chair-driven, so we will have the discussion.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: Right now, we are supposed to be having a
discussion on the rules, are you saying that we are not going to discuss these?
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: No, we are, but I wanted the public to come up
and testify and then we will call the meeting back to order, and we will have our
discussion on each item. We will call the item up, you will present it, we will have the
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 38 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
discussion, and we will vote. We will do it ad seriatim and we will get it done that
way.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: Does anyone else have rule changes?
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Not that I know of. With that, I will suspend
the rules. Mr. Hart.
There being no objections, the rules were suspended to take public testimony.
Mr. Hart: For the record, Bruce Hart. I appreciate the
opportunity to be able to engage in this process. As far as Councilmember-Elect
Cowden's proposals for amendments, they all run in the same vein, it has to do with
speaking and participating. My contention is that the Chair controls most of this. It
is not that he is the only voice on the Council and he is certainly not the only voice in
the public, and it is easier for me, I will admit that, to be able to concede to
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo, because I know him, so I am thinking of what happens
in the future whenever we have another Chair and he might not be of the same nature
as this Chair. From that position, I appreciate Councilmember-Elect Cowden's
proposals. As a member of the public, I am satisfied with the way the rules are. It
creates a discipline to be able to get up here and say as much as possible in three (3)
minutes. But there is also the continuity. Oftentimes I do not say all I would like to,
because I do not want to come up for the second three (3) minutes, because it does
create a break. In regards to what Councilmember-Elect Cowden said as far as if
there is only a few members of the public that want to speak on an issue, that is up
to the Chair. To me, that is the definitely a decision that the Chair can make. To be
able to as Councilmember-Elect Cowden has said, for the Chair to have that
discretion, I do cannot see any problem with that. As far as this putting forward who
introduces a bill and they are going to reach the public who might be impacted, I feel
and always have ever since I participated in this body, that the public ought to get up
off of their okole and participate in government. They need to be watching out for
themselves. Now personally, the representatives, you represent me and the public,
you should be talking to me. But I do not think it should be mandated that the Council
has to do this. I think it is part of the press, too.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Thank you. Is there anyone else? Mr. Sykos.
LONNIE SYKOS: For the record, Lonnie Sykos. When I listened
to part of what Councilmember-Elect Cowden's ideas were on the way up here...I took
off of work to come in...This meeting is quite disturbing. I support the rule changes
she wants. I think that a solution in one of them is that the Chair should have the
authority to waive how the rules operate and let people do their two (2) three-minute
segments back to back, if the audience is small. If the number of speakers is small,
that can be regulated by the Council being able to vote it down if they wanted to, but
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 39 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
if no one made an objection, it would just occur. The reason why I took off from work
and came in is my real question about your rules is when I send Councilmember-Elect
Cowden anywhere, what are your rules about her safety, because what I listened to
earlier was all of the women in the State can be excluded from the legislative process
by the men simply choosing to meet in a place the men deem unsuitable for a woman.
And the rationale for why the place is unsuitable for a woman is because number one,
some stranger might come and assault the women and the men will not defend them
or cannot defend them, cannot call 9-1-1. Just like anywhere else in the world. But
the councilwomen or political women are defenseless especially at a hotel property.
Or, we do not want the public perspective that all of you men are a bunch of horn-
dogs and cannot keep your hands off the women that are at the meetings or the
opposite, that you think the women are a bunch of horn-dogs and will sully your
reputation.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Mr. Sykos, the topic is the rules.
Mr. Sykos: This is the rules. What is the safety for her?
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: The rules at hand does not include...
Mr. Sykos: Thank you, Councilmember-Elect Rapozo.
Aloha.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there anyone else? If not, we will call the
meeting back to order.
There being no further public testimony, the meeting was called back to order,
and proceeded as follows:
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Councilmember-Elect Cowden will introduce
the rule change in the form of an amendment and I really would like to have the
discussion on these items. We will start in numerical order. We will start with
Rule No. 6(f). You can go ahead and introduce that.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden moved to amend Council Rule No. 6(f) of the
Rules of the Council of the County of Kaua`i for the Organization of Committees
and the Transaction of Business as circulated, which is attached hereto and
incorporated herein as Attachment 1, seconded by Councilmember-Elect
Kuali`i.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: My amendment deletes "No member may
speak longer than a total of five (5) minutes on the same agenda item."
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: I know you shared you reasons. Is there any
discussion? Councilmember-Elect Evslin.
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 40 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Councilmember-Elect Evslin: I believe Councilmember-Elect Cowden made
this similar suggestion at the last organizational meeting and I certainly support the
intent. I think five (5) minutes is too short, sometimes. Every so often, we have gone
longer for things like the Housing Ordinance that Councilmember Kuali`i and Council
Chair Kaneshiro worked on, it was a big thing with lots of changes. I think all of us
probably went over five (5) minutes on that, so I do think having flexibility to go
beyond five (5) every so often is important. I do not necessarily think that there
should be no time limit. I think the potential for unlimited speaking on an item, that
is like the filibuster, could lead to people blocking legislation in some capacity, if they
really wanted to. I would say as it is in its current form, this amendment, I do not
think I can support it, because it leaves it open to possibility of unlimited amount of
speaking. But I certainly would support lifting that five (5) minutes to something
closer to ten (10) minutes or at least ensuring in the rules that the Chair can cut off
debate at his prerogative. I appreciate Councilmember-Elect Cowden bringing this
forth.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Thank you. Go ahead.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: For what it is worth, I am good with either one
of those.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Got it. Councilmember-Elect DeCosta.
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta: I think five (5) minutes is quite a while. If you
are concise with your thoughts and present then well, you should be able to make
your point in that time. I know I have gone over a few times, mainly because I was
not concise and prepared enough, which I plan to be in this next go-around.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there anyone else? Councilmember-Elect
Kuali`i.
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i: For me, I think the rules have worked as-is,
five (5) minutes. I know Councilmember-Elect Evslin said he was open to increasing
it to ten (10) minutes, but I would just say I would be open to increasing it to six (6)
minutes, which would be the equivalent of what the people who testify and come
forward, they have three (3) and another three (3) minutes. It has been successful. I
know we are all scribbling when it is time for discussion, trying to figure out how to
make our points concisely, and it has mostly worked, so if anything I would support
a little wiggle room by adding a minute to six (6) minutes, but not removing it
completely.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Thank you. Is there anyone else?
Councilmember-Elect Evslin: I wanted to give everyone else an opportunity
before I went again, but what I see happening when we go over five (5) minutes is
when someone speaks in final discussion, maybe they took four (4) minutes to form
their point, someone else says something, that person want to respond to, then it is
very easy to go over the five (5) minutes. I think we did it relatively often and I think
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 41 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Council Chair Kaneshiro was pretty loose on enforcing the rule, which is why I think
it worked. But if we are looking at strictly holding us to a potential time limit, then I
think it is important to go even beyond six (6). I feel ten (10) minutes, in rare
instances, there is a dialogue back and forth, I think the ability to go up to ten (10)
minutes, members should use their discretion and not go that long very often, but
sometimes it can be important. All that said, if there are the votes for six (6) and that
is all, then I would support six (6).
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Councilmember-Elect Cowden.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: I think what Councilmember-Elect Evslin
just said is that a person will make another comment and so that is called dialogue
or in this case, more than dialogue, but that is an important part of us in making our
decision. One Councilmember brings something up that is important, we had not
thought about it, so we give feedback, and someone else says something, that is a
discussion. I think that discussion is important. I might have all my ideas down and
I say my piece, but I hear something that changes my perspective and then I want to
adapt, and that is why...can I change my motion to ten (10) minutes?
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: We can do whatever you folks want. I am
trying to...and I am not sure because I have not watched a lot of your old meetings
for the last four (4) years, but the flow is you introduce the item, you suspend the
rules and have the Administration or whoever comes up, they do their thing, there is
a question and answer period, and then the meeting is called back to order. Then, we
have our discussion amongst the Councilmembers, and then when all of the
discussion is done, then the Councilmembers can go around the table and do their
final comments. As I recall, that is when your time starts. The timer does not start
when you are in discussion. If you are here in discussion, like we are right now, the
clock is not going, the timer is not going. The five (5) minutes was there for your
closing comments. Again, I was fine with five (5) minutes, and I am open to extending
that, understanding that is for your closing comments. When you are having
discussion between Councilmembers, the staff is not keeping track...thirty (30)
seconds for Councilmember-Elect Cowden, forty (40) seconds for
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta. It is when we call the meeting back and now we are
going around the table for final discussion, that is when the clock starts. I am not
sure if that was how it was done. If that is the case for me, five (5) minutes is enough.
That is a lot. Because you have already done your discussion, but again, it is the
pleasure of this body. I can live with six (6) minutes, I can live with ten (10) minutes.
Just understand...and I do not want to sound like a bully, but the rule is going to be
enforced. The lights will be used. That is how we are going to get through these
meetings in an efficient and solid manner. Whatever you decide, that is what it is
going to be. Councilmember-Elect Carvalho.
Councilmember-Elect Carvalho: Like you just mentioned, the discussion piece
is one piece, and the final is final.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Correct.
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 42 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Councilmember-Elect Carvalho: But I am open to more flexibility, six (6)
minutes...however that works, but within a time limit, at least we can work it, but if
there is flexibility, okay, I am open to that, too. We need to be clear that discussion
is different than final?
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Correct. Otherwise, we are going to run out
of time.
Councilmember-Elect Carvalho:We are going to go over.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: My rule on this, "Pertinent information
including outreach to those people adversely affected..." what I find my role has been
is to be the person who does the outreach, in that very narrow window of time and
what I find is people cannot come in, with two (2) days' notice or they are afraid to
come in, and because I do not think there has been enough "pertinent outreach" to
the people who are impacted, then those final little pieces there whether it is
discussion or the closing is when I am trying to bring in perspective of the public, who
for a long time have been completely shut out of this room.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Right.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: We do not discuss our topics robustly enough.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: And that will change. I can assure you. I am
a robust type of person.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: How are you going to help it be more robust
before the bill is introduced?
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Well, let us focus on the five (5) minutes. We
need to stick to these items and get these things out, and then we will get to the other
items. Councilmember-Elect DeCosta.
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta: What I am hearing the Chair-Elect say is that
the discussions starting among us will not be timed, that means at that point when
you strongly feel a certain way about a bill or a resolution, you are going to state that
in your discussion. Someone is going to bring up something else and then you are
going to feed off of that. But he is saying five (5) minutes is to close. Your closing
should be precise, state your point, why, and done. If you still have to convince the
members in your final discussion and longer than five (5) minutes, then you are not
representing a democracy where you are available to accept the vote. We have to
accept the vote. If someone votes against your bill or resolution, then so be it, but
having longer than five (5) minutes in the closing discussion is too long; I think it is
perfect.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: Can I respond?
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Sure.
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 43 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: And you can see I am a stronger speaker in
the group, right? Or maybe we can...but even as recently as this contractors bill, I
was forcefully shut into silence more than once...
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Like I said, we are moving forward.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: ...so it is like as he is saying.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: We are moving forward. We are talking about
five (5) minutes, six (6) minutes, or ten (10) minutes for your closing comments. That
is what we are talking about. For me, I have all day and all night, it does not matter.
Again, the entire purpose of this was to make sure we run efficient meetings.
Remember, too, and I think a lot of times the public does not recognize this and maybe
the public and the Councilmembers forget, every word that comes out of these lips
has to be transcribed by a human staff member. If you get ten (10) minutes, you are
going to use ten (10) minutes, even if you have five (5) minutes of material, you are
going use up your ten(10) minutes. This has been my experience, fourteen (14) years
on this body, this is just what I have seen. If you have five (5) minutes, you get five.
I am fine with extending that. I have not been here for four (4) years. The issues have
gotten more complex. I am okay with whatever you decide. Just keep in mind that
we also have to be considerate of our staff that has to transcribe a lot of these things.
It is members of the public, no offense to you in the public, but if you give them two
2) opportunities...they may have come here with two (2) minutes of testimony, you
give them two (2) opportunities, they will find six (6) minutes to talk about, and that
is fine. Look at Mr. Hart, he did his three (3) minutes, he could have come back for
another three (3) minutes, but he chose not to, because I think he knows the process
enough. We appreciate that. But not everyone is like that. The discussion really is
five (5), six (6), eight (8), ten (10)...
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i: Unlimited.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Not unlimited. I cannot support unlimited.
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i: That is what the proposal is.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Yes, I cannot support this in its current form,
obviously. Councilmember-Elect Evslin.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: What would you folks like to change it to?
Councilmember-Elect Evslin: I would support ten (10), I would support
eight (8) minutes, if Councilmember-Elect Cowden wants to make that amendment
to the proposed amendment.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: You said you would support ten (10) minutes?
Councilmember-Elect Evslin: Ten (10) minutes or eight (8) minutes, sounds
fine.
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 44 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Councilmember-Elect Cowden withdrew the motion to amend Council Rule
No. 6(f) of the Rules of the Council of the County of Kaua`i for the Organization
of Committees and the Transaction of Business as circulated, which is attached
hereto and incorporated herein as Attachment 1. Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i
withdrew the second.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden moved to amend Council Rule No. 6(f) of the
Rules of the Council of the County of Kaua`i for the Organization of Committees
and the Transaction of Business as circulated, which is attached hereto and
incorporated herein as Attachment 2, seconded by Councilmember-Elect
Carvalho.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Okay, eight (8) minutes. That is a great
compromise. I like that. We as Councilmembers, get to your point as quick as you
can and move on. Is there any further discussion? The motion is to amend "No
member may speak longer than a total of eight (8) minutes." Roll call.
The motion to amend Council Rule No. 6(f) of the proposed Rule of the Council
of the County of Kauai for the Organization of Committees and the
Transaction of Business as circulated, which is attached hereto and
incorporated herein as Attachment 2 was then put, and carried by the following
vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 6,
AGAINST MOTION: DeCosta TOTAL— 1,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: 6:1.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Thank you very much. Next is Council Rule
No. 11(9).
Councilmember-Elect Cowden moved to amend Council Rule No. 9(b) of the
Rules of the Council of the County of Kaua`i for the Organization of Committees
and the Transaction of Business as circulated, which is attached hereto and
incorporated herein as Attachment 3, seconded by Councilmember-Elect
Kuali`i.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: I am also very open to hearing someone else,
I can adapt that, but I just want to know both sides have been contacted with some
basic information, that there has been outreach to the impacted group and have it be
stated, because I think that is very important.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion?
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i: My only difficulty with this is the last section.
Obviously, it is important to have active outreach and notify the public and the
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 45 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
potential stakeholders, and that is what we do; it is part of our governmental process.
The fact that stakeholders are included or not, we cannot guarantee that. The
stakeholders have the choice to participate, to engage, and to give their time. We can
only put it out there and do the outreach, but we cannot guarantee that they will be
included. To have language in here that says they are included whether it is negative
or positive, we cannot guarantee that. Yet, it is the bill proposer's responsibility to
do that work, right? I do not know if we should have it here in the language of the
rule. Even though I am okay with the language that says, "outreach and notification,"
just not the rest.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Go ahead, Councilmember-Elect DeCosta.
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta: For myself, it is my job before I introduce a
bill to do my homework, to listen to my constituents and that is the reason why the
bill or resolution arises, because my constituents, your constituents have reached out
to us. If the Administration is going to introduce a bill, we all chair a committee, go
have discussions with them and do your homework. I believe that we already have
this in place and it is just good policy that we have been practicing, and I do not think
we need more language in Council Rule No. 9.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Councilmember-Elect Evslin.
Councilmember-Elect Evslin: I appreciate the intent of the amendment, but
I will not be supporting it. As was said, it is up to the introducers to do their
homework and to reach out to stakeholders. A lot of times in my experience,
stakeholders often are not coming forward publicly or not testifying because they do
not want their name dragged around the table in different ways. I would not feel
comfortable always listing the people that I have spoken to about a bill, if they do not
want to necessarily come forward on it. Because of Sunshine Law, my own general
practice is to reach out to individual or to organizations in confidence and tell them,
You cannot share this bill, because if it gets around to another Councilmember, that
would be a violation of the Sunshine Law." As a general practice, I do not go on social
media and share a bill before first reading, because I do not want to violate the
Sunshine Law by spreading my opinion on a proposed bill on social media beforehand,
and then I will do a lot more robust outreach after first reading, going through those
public platforms; "Here is the bill, here are all the things I said about it at first
reading, give me your feedback." Again, we should hold the introducers accountable
to do this. Councilmember-Elect Cowden often asks the introducers, "Who did you
reach out to?" At that point, we can use our discretion to list names, individuals,
organizations, but I do not want to be bound as part of the public record, to write
them down in some capacity.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Councilmember-Elect Cowden.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: I want to acknowledge the validity of what
Councilmember-Elect Evslin is saying, that many people are very frightened to have
it be out there, so I am going to concede that is a valid point. What I will ask, and I
can see that this will not pass, because what he is saying there is correct, both from
the Sunshine Law, but what I do say very respectfully of where I would like things to
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 46 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
change is some of us who started at the same time, maybe we did not get enough
training. I am going to give an example that is not real. If I said there could not be
parking in front of Mel Rapozo's house, but I did not call Mel Rapozo and said, "We
have this bill"; I did not tell you, you did not know and it passes, but only find out
once the change happened. I think without ill intention that happened a good handful
of times. Because I have spent so much time as an attendee of the Council, I am aware
of how it goes. I have exhaustively not had free time because I take it upon myself to
be making these calls and very often I know who I think is critical, who most deeply
is impacted, they are unaware. I am respectfully asking that if someone puts a bill
out that is changing a big lever shift of behavior, that they are in fact bringing it up
when they introduce the bills. It has happened and how there is consideration for
that, because I think we have had problems that we did not intend. I can either
withdraw my motion or we can vote and say "no."
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: I see this a little differently, I saw this as kind
of a clarification of what is already there, the pertinent information.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: Okay.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: I think what I am hearing and I agree with
what has been said, it is the introducers responsibility to do what they need to do. I
sit here today as one that was involved in passing a bill that ended up with some
horrific consequences, and I am not ashamed to say that we messed up, but we fixed
it. That is why this pertinent information section is so vital. When I read Council
Rule 9(b), "The Manager shall," that is mandate, "be responsible for the management
of the legislation including the securing of all pertinent information regarding the
matter." What I see this amendment is basically expanding on what pertinent
information should be. My only suggestion is that instead of the word "would," you
put "may." In other words, pertinent information "may" include a table of active
outreach, that way it is a suggestion. It is basically saying if you want to introduce a
bill, these are the kinds of things that you should be doing, but it is up to you as the
introducer.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: Thank you.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: I think that is important and I agree with you
that the pertinent information needs to be here before the vote is taken.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden moved to amend Council Rule No. 9(b) of the
Rules of the Council of the County of Kaua`i for the Organization of Committees
and the Transaction of Business as circulated, which is attached hereto and
incorporated herein as Attachment 4, seconded by Councilmember-Elect
Kuali`i.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: I think this will certainly make my life a lot
easier as a councilmember who feels really compelled to make sure I have checked.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Councilmember-Elect Evslin's point about the
Sunshine Law and I think a lot of people do not understand that, and that is why I
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 47 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
spoke about "surprises," when the Council is contemplating an action or the
Administration is, it is vital that they get that out in the community. It just has to
be that way. That is just a suggestion of mine.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: Okay, I made the motion and he seconded it.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any further discussion?
Councilmember-Elect Evslin.
Councilmember-Elect Evslin: I appreciate what I see as a compromise, but
I am still going to vote "no." I understand that"may" means it is up to the introducer,
but I am also hesitant on having language like "may" in that, Chair-Elect Rapozo, as
you said, we can do this already and this language does not really change anything.
I would rather, for clarity, keep it out there, and just because my general practice is
to do a lot of that outreach after first reading, when we are not at-risk for violating
Sunshine Law in getting that bill around and members seeing it, I would like to avoid
adding unbinding language to the rules, but I respect the rationale that was given.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Thank you very much. Councilmember-Elect
Bulosan.
Councilmember-Elect Bulosan: I appreciate the discussion and am glad you
brought this up. It helped me understand and you gave perspective that the
introducer or manager should have already done all the work, so that gives that
perspective. Understanding what we are looking forward to, holding more
accountability, and I appreciate Councilmember-Elect Evslin pointing out some of
these perspectives that put us in a bind. As a new councilmember, I would not want
to be in a position where I would break any laws, so I feel strongly in not supporting
it at this moment.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any further discussion?
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta.
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta: I want to bring up something that is very
pertinent, we have a new Councilmember and the word "training" by our former
Councilmember was brought on the floor. I did not get any training. I think the real
deal is that you run for politics because you want to make Kaua`i and Niihau a better
place. The training you get or the training you should have is your homework that
you have done with your community members, different departments across the
county and state, and how well are you plugged-in that people want to help you. If
people do not want to help you, you are not going to get anything done, but if you plug
yourself in and know the different department heads, the County employees, and the
different entities, the door will open quickly and you will get a lot done. With our
new Councilmember, there is no training, do not worry, but you will do fine. You are
a local boy, you are plugged-in. Thank you.
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i: I am happy to support this and I think the
change as you suggested, Council Chair-Elect Rapozo, with the word"may" even gets
me over my concern because indeed when you do the outreach and notification, you
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 48 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
may get the inclusion of stakeholders, because they may step forward, you may have
those meetings, and they may come and show up to testify. As you are developing it
and you have that already, you can easily present that to the fellow Councilmembers
upfront. I have no problem with "may," so I will support it.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Councilmember-Elect Carvalho.
Councilmember-Elect Carvalho: The word"may" changes the entire piece here,
and I will support this with the word "may." Everyone has already discussed the
bigger picture already, so to me, it makes a big difference with the same intent.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Yes, it is clarification. Councilmember-Elect
Cowden.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: I was just going to add this piece, but if I got
some of this information, maybe I could have a vacation. I have had five (5) days in
four (4) years where I had taken a personal day to see my son graduate. The rest of
the time has been filled with these tight windows of checking. If I just had the
confidence that I am able to see, and it does not break Sunshine Law in any way and
in the training, Sunshine Laws are problems, you cannot just call all these people you
have an active relationship with. You cannot do all these things that you used to be
able to do before you are in there. With the word"may"—if we have people who choose
to share all that upfront as it goes out to the public, at least they can say numbers of
people without identifying names or things like that. I think it would certainly cause
my sense of commitment to the community to relax and be able to have greater
confidence. It also gives the guideline that we are supposed to do that, because it
does not say that. We do not have it in the rules and it is not in the training.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Hearing no further discussion, the motion is
to amend"pertinent information may include a table of active outreach," and so forth.
Roll call.
The motion to amend Council Rule No. 9(b) of the proposed Rule of the Council
of the County of Kaua`i for the Organization of Committees and the
Transaction of Business as circulated, which is attached hereto and
incorporated herein as Attachment 4 was then put, and carried by the following
vote:
FOR MOTION: Carvalho, Cowden, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL– 4,
AGAINST MOTION: Bulosan, DeCosta, Evslin TOTAL – 3,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL – 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL– 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: 4:3.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: The next item is Council Rule No. 11(c)(6).
Councilmember-Elect Cowden moved to amend Council Rule No. 11(c)(6) of the
Rules of the Council of the County of Kaua`i for the Organization of Committees
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 49 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
and the Transaction of Business as circulated, which is attached hereto and
incorporated herein as Attachment 5, seconded by Councilmember-Elect
Kuali`i.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion? Councilmember-
Elect Evslin.
Councilmember-Elect Evslin: Sorry, I do not mean to nitpick language. I
certainly support this. I think it is important. My only concern is if there are less than
five (5) testifiers. We do not always know how many people there are to testify on a
particular item, so it can be hard to hold to this. If the body goes this way, I will
support this language as it is, but I certainly would prefer it to just be, "It can be the
chair's prerogative to allow testifiers their continuous six (6) minutes of testimony,"
without the caveat "if there are less than five (5) testifiers." Let it be up to the Chair,
he can judge the room and make the determination on his own. I appreciate the
amendment.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Councilmember-Elect Cowden.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: I am good with that.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: I was actually going to ask that be removed,
because the Chair's prerogative, I mean, this is not just the Council Chair, but the
Committee Chairs. The Council has the prerogative to allow someone to go six (6)
minutes, right through, understanding that the Chair who makes that decision
whether or not they are going six (6) minutes has to answer to the public that is
waiting. It should be up to the Chair. Do you want to restate your amendment?
Councilmember-Elect Cowden moved to amend Council Rule No. 11(c)(6) of the
Rules of the Council of the County of Kaua`i for the Organization of Committees
and the Transaction of Business as circulated, which is attached hereto and
incorporated herein as Attachment 6, seconded by Councilmember-Elect
Kuali`i.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there further discussion? If not, roll call.
The motion to amend Council Rule No. 11(c)(6) of the proposed Rule of the
Council of the County of Kaua`i for the Organization of Committees and the
Transaction of Business as circulated, which is attached hereto and
incorporated herein as Attachment 6 was then put, and carried by the following
vote:
FOR MOTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Kuali`i, Rapozo TOTAL— 7,
AGAINST MOTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Seven (7) ayes.
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 50 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Finally, Council Rule No. 11(c)(10).
Councilmember-Elect Cowden.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden moved to amend Council Rule No. 11(c)(10) of
the Rules of the Council of the County of Kaua`i for the Organization of
Committees and the Transaction of Business as circulated, which is attached
hereto and incorporated herein as Attachment 7, seconded by Councilmember
Kuali`i.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is there any discussion?
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta.
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta: It is not our job to lead testifiers down the
path to answer questions that we are trying to promote. Testifiers are an expert
opinion advocate for their position, that is all they are. If we had expert witnesses, it
is because we called them into the room. I do not believe in labeling our testifiers as
expert witnesses and we should not have the ability to question them to lengthen
their time to state their testimony opinion on advocating their position on what we
are discussing. Thank you.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Councilmember-Elect Cowden.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: I find that interesting because you are the one
who does it the most.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Timeout.
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta was noted as not present.)
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: I did not mean that in a mean way. I meant
that I am supporting you.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: I should have done the family speech before
we started, but we will do the family speech afterward. I am already sensing the vibe
and in our closing comments today, I will share something, but let us stay away
from...I have heard it, it has been going on, and I have been lenient because it is still
fresh and I do not want you to change your mind before Inauguration. We need to
focus on the topic and not...I wish Councilmember-Elect DeCosta was here because
he needs to hear it as well.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: Actually, part of that was supportive by some
of these exploratory questions. In the councils thatyou had chaired, honestly,
sometimes it gets out of control or it can be like a cross-examination, but we have had
extraordinary people who have come to the floor to testify that have—extraordinary
on a national stage. When they have so much to share and there is not even a
question, sometimes it seems that it is a value in building good policy to be able to
ask...
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 51 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta was noted as present.)
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: ...a couple of questions. There was no offense
meant in that comment.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Again, I am coming in here brand new and
being gone for so long, when someone is here as a resource person, you do not have to
call them an "expert," but if someone is here as a resource person, then they do not
have a time limit. They are here as a resource for us to ask questions. That is vital
when you are bringing someone in. Let us say someone from NACo who happens to
be on-island and is at our meeting as a resource person, there is no time limit. We
want to take as much as we can from them. But if a member of the public came on,
and the reason why this rule was put in, testifiers started to tell us that they did not
want to come up to testify because they were being cross-examined. Councilmember-
Elect DeCosta is right. When a member of the public comes up, we need to listen to
their testimony and let them go, unless there is a clarifying question. I know people
have stretched the definition of"clarifying." Clarifying is, "I am sorry, I did not hear
you, what did you say?" Clarifying is not a cross-examination saying, "You said blah,
blah, blah, but did you mean this or that," extending their time. That is not a
clarifying question anymore. We need to respect the public that when they come up
here, they are assured that it is a safe place for them and that is all this rule is about.
I will be honest, I cannot support the amendment simply because members of the
public deserve to be protected by this body and not to come up here with their three-
minute testimony and find themselves up there for fifteen (15) minutes, because
councilmembers are trying to convince them that they are wrong. I am not accusing
anyone of anything, it is just my experience. I am trying to explain why the rule was
put in. Members of the public come up, we respect their testimony whether we agree
or disagree, and then they are on their way. That is why the rule was put in.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: I was there to observe exactly what you are
talking about happening, really on a routine basis. It was almost I would say cruel.
When this rule was put in there, I thought it made sense. In the Council that I have
been on, I have not found that has ever been the case at all. I think what else did
happen is sometimes when people were trying to get a little more out of someone, that
has happened, but when you are talking about a resource testifier...can I just ask you
a question?
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Sure.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: You gave the example of the NACo person
being here on vacation, and maybe if the Council Chair knew that, they might bring
them in as a resource testifier, but sometimes someone comes in and we do not know
they are coming in. We do not know that. It is like, "Wow, here is a person who wrote
this law," just making that up. When do we get to decide that person is a resource
testifier? Would that be your decision?
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: It would be the Chair's decision. Let us do it
this way, you are the Chair of the Public Safety & Human Services Committee and
we have an off-duty police officer that comes up to testify and it is on a police matter.
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 52 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
I am sitting over here not even a committee member, he has his six (6) minutes. I
would ask, "Chair Cowden, can I ask this gentleman questions because of his
experience in police work," and it would be your call. Take "Mel Rapozo" out of the
picture because it affects every single Committee Chair. It is the Chair's prerogative.
If I am the evil Chair that says "no" to everything, just amend the rules. You would
just amend the rules. Put it back on the agenda, if everyone believes that a specific
Chair is not being fair...I only say that to make you feel comfortable...it is blind faith,
I guess.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: And that just brings up training again,
because it was not my understanding that we could go back in that two (2) years and
change the rules. I accept what you are saying, because that addresses what I need.
If there was someone that none of us were aware of that represents and they have
critical information, or even if we are aware of them, but they have critical
information, that the Chair of the Committee or the Council could be asked, "I would
like to ask pertinent questions based on their resource skill"; I am good with that.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: And their comfort level.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: If they would like it.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Because we are not going to subject a testifier,
again, to a barrage of questions that they are not prepared to answer. It is common
sense.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: We have not done that, but yes.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: This is not a "gotcha" thing, and again, as I
said earlier, my whole focus and my objective is to reengage with the community. We
want them here to testify. We really want to hear from the community and hopefully
we can make that happen.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: Should we vote on it or should I withdraw my
motion?
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i: Withdraw it.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden withdrew the motion to amend Council Rule
No. 11(c)(10) of the Rules of the Council of the County of Kaua`i for the
Organization of Committees and the Transaction of Business as circulated,
which is attached hereto and incorporated herein as Attachment 7.
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i withdrew the second.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: I want to give everyone an opportunity to
speak, and it is not on the agenda, but on Inauguration Day, we also are going to have
to appoint a County Clerk. I do not know if Jade has the votes. Just kidding. Jade's
role is to appoint the Deputy County Clerk and I did ask Jade...because it is not on
the agenda, we are not going to vote on it today, but we will be voting on it on
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 53 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Inauguration Day. Jade, County Clerk, number one, are you interested and number
two, have you selected a candidate or person to be Deputy?
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Yes, I am interested, thank you. I have
selected a Deputy, it is Lyndon Yoshioka.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Is he already here? Okay. Lyndon, from the
Elections Division. Again, it is not on the agenda. I do not like talking about things
that are not on the agenda. I just wanted her to share that with us today. Please, if
you have concerns, comments, or whatever, chat with Jade or you can talk with me,
and we will make sure that you get the information that you need for Inauguration
Day on December 1st. With that, I want to go around the table, please share your
comments. Councilmember-Elect Evslin. This is so awkward; you are right in front
of me.
Councilmember-Elect Evslin: The comments regarding Jade as County
Clerk?
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Closing comments for the meeting, we are
pretty much done.
Councilmember-Elect Evslin: On the note for Jade, I support Jade as
County Clerk. As far as the meeting in general, I am hopeful for a productive year
working with and sometimes fighting with and then continuing to work with all of
you. I enjoyed working with five (5) of you in the past and am looking forward to the
new additions that we have on our team here. I am sure this will be a productive and
fruitful term going forward. Thank you, all.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Councilmember-Elect Cowden.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: I am honored to be serving my third term on
the Council. I appreciate it and I feel like I have had good opportunities to work with
all of you in different levels and certainly as a citizen with both Mel Rapozo and
Bernard Carvalho in their roles, and even when we were in Leadership Kaua`i
together, another Inaugural year and so I feel like it is family. We welcome you,
newly elected Councilmember-Elect Bulosan to the Council table. I look forward to
that and I know I have been a little forceful in this meeting, but I really want to
expand the conversation more broadly, and include the public. We had two (2) years
of things that were unusual with COVID-19. I am excited and I feel trained and ready,
so I am ready. You are going to hear from me. Thank you.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: I am going to save Councilmember-Elect
Bulosan for last, because I know when you are new, you want to hear from everyone
first. This poor person has to vote first on every single agenda item that comes up.
You have to vote first. That is the worst place to be as a new councilmember.
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i.
Councilmember-Elect Kuali`i: I thought today's meeting went really well
and I hope we stay on this track. I am very happy to be here. I want to recognize that
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 54 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
I second all four (4) of Councilmember-Elect Cowden's proposals and that three of the
four passed, a couple of them did require a little bit of movement and compromise,
but a good day for Councilmember-Elect Cowden, right? I am happy about that. The
only other thing I would say is I want to hear Councilmember7Elect Cowden talk less
about time and availability, because I think when you push that issue, it is implying
that other people do not or are not as committed or do notput themselvesP fullY into
the job. Maybe we can talk more about dedication and ability, because we all bring
our heart, soul, commitment, and dedication to this job. We all bring different
abilities and they are all treasured and important and that is the beauty of
representing a community, because we are so diverse and none of us is more qualified
or better at doing this job than anyone else. The more we encourage the young people
out there that they, too, can come here, anyone can come here and do this
job...because you are representing your family, friends, the community;which is what
we need. We have a diverse group, and I am excited to work with all of you.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Councilmember-Elect DeCosta.
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta: Hard act to follow, Councilmember-Elect
Kuali`i, that is what impresses me about you. I am going to miss Council Chair
Kaneshiro, I want to say it one last time, but I think he has groomed you pretty well.
I feel close to you. I want you to all know that I have doubt in my mind that newly
elect Dr. Addison Bulosan is a great asset to our Council team. Since I started here,
with my former mayor and Councilmember Carvalho that I am proud to havee worked
on many things with him, we have many more...we had lunches together, made, here
at the Council Chambers. I took that role. I incorporated comradery. Today, Dr.
Addison Bulosan and I, together, made you folks and staff lunch. Him and I were
talking recently about food and he said, I am excited to eat some of your lunches that
you prepare. I asked him, "How did he know," and he responded that it is out in the
community that you are the one who brought the Council together. I told him I would
make a little bit tinono for you to honor your culture and he said, "Can I contribute
to the lunch; I want to make lunch with you for the rest of the staff and Council."
That is the local boy in him, jumping in right away and expecting nothing in return.
That is a gesture of kindness. In closing, I would like to thank all of our Council staff,
everyone of you from Allison, Jenelle, Christiane, Jade—hands down. I plan to
advocate for our staff. There are some things that we need here for our staff and I am
going to make it happen, I am going to jump in with our Council Chair and Council
Vice Chair, and we are going to make it happen for you here. There are things that
we have to do for our staff here. The last thing I want to say is I went to high school
with Lyndon, who was one of my best friends. He rocks, he is smart, he can do
everything. If he was somewhat of a Moses and walk on water, I would follow him. I
would probably follow Jade first, but I would follow Lyndon second. Councilmember-
Elect Evslin, I am going to disagree with you one more time, we do not fight each
other, because if we fight each other we are doing a bill and resolution for our selfish
self. What we need to do and we have to remember when we fight, we are fighting
for our constituents who believe in what we are advocating for. If I argue against
Councilmember-Elect Evslin, it is only because I am arguing for my constituents and
Councilmember-Elect Evslin is arguing back for his constituents. That is what
government is all about, not our personal gain. You folks remember that. It is for our
community. I am excited and I am stepping my game up this year.
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 55 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Councilmember-Elect Carvalho.
Councilmember-Elect Carvalho: I look forward to working with our Chair and
Vice Chair, and our committee members. I know we are always going to go through
different ups and downs, but you know what, it is for the people that we serve and
how we manage ourselves here at the table. That is the important part. When we
leave and get back into the community, everyone does it differently. But when you
bring the information back and make things happen, that is what it is about—
working together collectively. The staff, again, following up on what
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta brought up, they are awesome. Anytime we need
something, they are there. I look forward to some healthy discussion. It is not going
to be easy, we are not going to always agree, but the people sitting out there...I like
the idea of bringing more people in here and being able to see them and respond to
them, as well as our administrative staff. I look forward to serving, this is my second
term as Councilmember, and I know we have a lot of issues coming our way, but a lot
of positive issues that is going happen; we are going to make things happen. I feel
that, here at this table. Mahalo.
Councilmember-Elect Bulosan: For the first meeting, for the community and
for everyone sitting here...for my first meeting, everyone did not disappoint. I am
grateful to be in this position for the community. I know the responsibility is to serve
and I am just really excited to be alongside all of you and work together. I am excited
for all that we can do for our community and make things better. I am happy to be
here with all of you.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Thank you. First of all, thank you for
allowing me to be your Chair. I am very humbled and honored to do this and I feel
some good vibes. I think it will go well. Of course, to the staff—we have the best
staff. They make every one of the Councilmembers look good, they really do. So
thank you to them. And for the community for showing up today on an
Organizational Meeting day, you folks are hardcore. I will do my family speech now,
because I do not know when I will have this opportunity again. This is a new
beginning. It really is. For two (2) years, we are in the cabin alone and we have to
agree to work and live together, that is where it starts. I love football, you know I love
sports. A lot of you folks played team sports, whether it be football, baseball, or any
other team sports. You know if we cannot get along, we are going to lose, right?
Councilmember-Elect Carvalho, you know that quite well. Look at all the successful
teams out there. They are asked, "How can you maintain this record and win every
week?" What is their response? "We play for each other." This is not a game, this is
real. We really have to focus on making this body as strong as possible. We do that
by respecting each other, not looking in the rearview mirror. We cannot un-ring the
bell. Let us move forward and focus on doing what we need to do to make this place
better, plain and simple. Today, we saw, we had disagreement and frustration. All I
ask is for a chance to prove to you folks that I am a fair and consistent Chair, I will
give everyone equal access. Today, there was some, what I envision, or saw was little
gabs here and there, and I let it go, but do not be surprised if I tap you on the shoulder
and say, "Hey, just stay on the topic, focus on the topic and let us make these things
happen." The other thing that we did not talk about today and I am going to address
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 56 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
is the fact of the Administration showing up in-person. It is not on the agenda, but I
need to know if there is opposition or anyone opposed to having them here in-person?
Councilmember-Elect Evslin.
Councilmember-Elect Evslin: I am certainly unopposed to having them
being here, I think it can be beneficial. I do, however, think that having them sit here
all day for an agenda item that they might be called up for is not always necessary. I
think they can be a lot more productive, when they are working in their office,
available when we need them or not. If we have a flurry of planning bills on the
agenda, we know the Planning Director is going to have to be here, certainly he can
be in here for that time, but I think I do not necessarily want to go back to the old
days where we had a lot of department heads sitting here for most of their day when
they were not always needed. Sometimes, yes; always, I would say no. Thank you.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: That was their choice to be here all day,
because the protocol was simple. When their item was coming up, staff would call
them to come across. If they stayed here all day, that was their choice and their waste
of County money. It goes without saying. Let us say we have three (3) planning bills
on the agenda, then we will take things out of order to accommodate the
Administration so we can get them in and out as soon as possible. We have to play
those things by ear and everything will be done by the consensus of this body.
Obviously, I want to make sure everything is done efficiently and that we are not
wasting anyone's time, including our staff. I wanted to get that feedback, because I
honestly believe just because that is what this place is all about, this Council building
is about the legislative branch and executive branch working together here and it is
hard to do it over a computer screen.
Councilmember-Elect Cowden: Can I add a nuance to that? I know, too, my
committee chair groups, which is the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney and the Police
Department, they are not so easy to walk across the street. They have to get in a car,
they have to move. With any department head could get from me...typically, I am
always writing my questions over. If there is any significance what I would say if I
wanted them present, I would put that there. Very often I will say thank you to
someone or have just the most brief discussion. I would give them on their email
pre-communication that it is really brief and if they wanted to be here, great, and if
they just wanted to be on the screen, I am okay with that. I know for robust
discussions I would like them present. But I will from time to time say thank you and
I would not expect them to walk over if they did not want to. It is easy for me to let
them know.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: Councilmember-Elect DeCosta.
Councilmember-Elect DeCosta: If we are going to expect one department head
to be here, then I am going to expect every department head, every chief to be here
on their agenda item. I am not going to make an exception for someone who wants to
appear via Zoom and someone who is going to come over. If we are going to hold
policy to policy, we are going to make sure when their time comes up and that is what
you decide, the staff will call them and they will come over. Whether they are going
COUNCIL-ELECT MEETING 57 NOVEMBER 23, 2022
to walk over or drive over, they will come over and be present. I want a consistent
way to do things. Thank you.
Councilmember-Elect Carvalho: It is important to be present here in the
Chambers, but at the same time knowing what happens on the other side, I will say
my piece and get back to the administration side. We must understand that also. I
like the option of moving things around. Even for the staff, it all works. COVID-19
has put a big blanket over everything but moving forward having them present is
important. Presence is important. The content and how we deliver, is where we are
talking story.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: When you are on a caption break and you see
the Administration out in the hallway, give them a cup of coffee from the back—
valuable. You cannot do that over Zoom.
Councilmember-Elect Evslin: As far as setting up a structure for them
coming or not coming, I agree with that. Maybe, just throwing out ideas, but for
communications, maybe not necessarily unless a Councilmember requests in
advance, and maybe for bills, Councilmembers can request in advance. Just one
example, we did this electric vehicle (EV) Charger legislation, we asked as the
introducers for the Office of Economic Development (OED), plus two (2) individuals
from the Department of Public Works, and the Planning Department to be available
every single reading on this bill, and the Department of Public Works and OED were
never called upon. No one had any questions for them. I would just hate for them to
have had to spend all this time in the Council Chambers and then no one needed
them as a resource person. The primary resource person was Ka`aina, and maybe
there could have been value having him present in the room. Sometimes, certainly,
yes, vital importance to have them in the room, but I do not want to get into a place
where they are always there. Thank you.
Councilmember-Elect Rapozo: I will leave that up to you folks. Do not have
them here "in case" we have to ask them a question. If we have discussion and need
with the departments, then absolutely, but if not—I got your point. Thank you. We
are going to end it here. Is there any further discussion? If not, I will entertain a
motion to adjourn.
ADJOURNMENT.
There being no further business, the Council-Elect Meeting adjourned at
11:57 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
C
JAD . FOUNTAIN-TANIGAWA
County Clerk
dmc
Attachment 1
FLOOR AMENDMENT
Resolution No. 2021-02, Resolution Adopting The Rules Of The Council Of The
County Of Kaua`i For The Organization Of Committees And The Transaction Of
Business
Introduced by: FELICIA COWDEN, Councilmember-Elect
Amend Resolution No. 2021-02, by amending Rule No. 6(f) to read as follows:
f) [No member may speak longer than a total of five (5) minutes on the
same agenda item.] A member may not speak more than three times on the same
question without leave of the Presiding Officer, subject to an appeal to the body. The
member or members introducing the matter shall have a combined total of
twenty (20) minutes to speak during the initial introduction of the matter."
Material to be deleted is bracketed.)
V:\AMENDMENTS\2022\Council Rule 6(f) FC_dmc.docx
Attachment 2
FLOOR AMENDMENT
Resolution No. 2021-02, Resolution Adopting The Rules Of The Council Of The
County Of Kaua`i For The Organization Of Committees And The Transaction Of
Business
Introduced by: FELICIA COWDEN, Councilmember-Elect
Amend Resolution No. 2021-02, by amending Rule No. 6(f) to read as follows:
f) No member may speak longer than a total of [five (5)] eight (8) minutes
on the same agenda item. A member may not speak more than three times on the
same question without leave of the Presiding Officer, subject to an appeal to the body.
The member or members introducing the matter shall have a combined total of
twenty (20) minutes to speak during the initial introduction of the matter."
Material to be deleted is bracketed. New material is underscored.)
V:\AMENDMENTS\2022\Council Rule 6(f) #2 FC_dmc.docx
Attachment 3
FLOOR AMENDMENT
Resolution No. 2021-02, Resolution Adopting The Rules Of The Council Of The
County Of Kaua`i For The Organization Of Committees And The Transaction Of
Business
Introduced by: FELICIA COWDEN, Councilmember-Elect
Amend Resolution No. 2021-02, by adding to Rule No. 9(b) to read as follows:
b) Manager. Each legislation shall have a manager. The introducer
and/or appropriate Committee Chair shall serve as manager of the legislation and
may delegate this function to another Councilmember. The manager shall be
responsible for the management of the legislation including the securing of all
pertinent information regarding the matter. Pertinent information would include a
table of active outreach, notification and inclusion of stakeholders both positively and
negatively impacted by a bill's content, with a summary of considerations."
Material to be deleted is bracketed. New material is underscored.)
V:\AMENDMENTS\2022\Council Rule 9(b) FC_dmc.docx
Attachment 4
FLOOR AMENDMENT
Resolution No. 2021-02, Resolution Adopting The Rules Of The Council Of The
County Of Kaua`i For The Organization Of Committees And The Transaction Of
Business
Introduced by: FELICIA COWDEN, Councilmember-Elect
Amend Resolution No. 2021-02, by adding to Rule No. 9(b) to read as follows:
b) Manager. Each legislation shall have a manager. The introducer
and/or appropriate Committee Chair shall serve as manager of the legislation and
may delegate this function to another Councilmember. The manager shall be
responsible for the management of the legislation including the securing of all
pertinent information regarding the matter. Pertinent information may include a
table of active outreach, notification and inclusion of stakeholders both positively and
negatively impacted by a bill's content, with a summary of considerations."
Material to be deleted is bracketed. New material is underscored.)
V:\AMENDMENTS\2022\Council Rule 9(b) #2 FC_dmc.docx
Attachment 5
FLOOR AMENDMENT
Resolution No. 2021-07, Resolution Amending Resolution No. 2021-02 Relating To
The Rules Of The Council Of The County Of Kaua`i For The Organization Of
Committees And The Transaction Of Business
Introduced by: FELICIA COWDEN, Councilmember-Elect
Amend Resolution No. 2021-02, by adding to Rule No. 11(c)(6) to read as follows:
6) Oral testimony shall be limited to an initial three (3) minutes per
person, plus an additional three (3) minutes to provide further testimony. At the
discretion of the Chair, each testifier's additional three (3) minutes of testimony may
be presented either immediately following the testifier's initial three (3) minutes of
testimony, or after all other testifiers have had an opportunity to present their initial
three (3) minutes of testimony. The Chair shall have the prerogative to set the order
of speakers, speaking for or against any proposition, and may notify the speaker of
the expiration of speaking time thirty (30) seconds before such expiration. It can be
the chair's prerogative to allow testifiers their continuous six minutes of testimony
time if there are less than five testifiers."
Material to be deleted is bracketed. New material is underscored.)
V:\AMENDMENTS\2022\Council Rule 11(c)(6) FC_dmc.docx
Attachment 6
FLOOR AMENDMENT
Resolution No. 2021-07, Resolution Amending Resolution No. 2021-02 Relating To
The Rules Of The Council Of The County Of Kaua`i For The Organization Of
Committees And The Transaction Of Business
Introduced by: FELICIA COWDEN, Councilmember-Elect
Amend Resolution No. 2021-02, by adding to Rule No. 11(c)(6) to read as follows:
6) Oral testimony shall be limited to an initial three (3) minutes per
person, plus an additional three (3) minutes to provide further testimony. At the
discretion of the Chair, each testifier's additional three (3) minutes of testimony may
be presented either immediately following the testifier's initial three (3) minutes of
testimony, or after all other testifiers have had an opportunity to present their initial
three (3) minutes of testimony. The Chair shall have the prerogative to set the order
of speakers, speaking for or against any proposition, and may notify the speaker of
the expiration of speaking time thirty (30) seconds before such expiration. It can be
the chair's prerogative to allow testifiers their continuous six minutes of testimony
time."
Material to be deleted is bracketed. New material is underscored.)
V:\AMENDMENTS\2022\Council Rule 11(c)(6) #2 FC_dmc.docx
Attachment 7
FLOOR AMENDMENT
Resolution No. 2021-02, Resolution Adopting The Rules Of The Council Of The
County Of Kaua`i For The Organization Of Committees And The Transaction Of
Business
Introduced by: FELICIA COWDEN, Councilmember-Elect
Amend Resolution No. 2021-02, by adding to Rule No. 11(c)(10) to read as follows:
10) The Chair may allow Councilmembers to ask testifiers to repeat or
clarify their position for or against the agenda item made during their [testimony,
but Councilmembers shall not ask questions that give the testifier a greater
opportunity to testify than others.] testimony. Councilmembers shall not comment
on testimony or testifiers during the testimony period."
Material to be deleted is bracketed.)
V:\AMENDMENTS\2022\Council Rule 11(c)(10) FC_dmc.docx