HomeMy WebLinkAbout12_14_2022 Council minutesCOUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 14, 2022
The Council Meeting of the Council of the County of Kaua`i was called to order
by Council Chair Mel Rapozo at the Council Chambers, 4396 Rice Street, Suite 201,
Lihu`e, Kaua`i, on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at 8:52 a.m., after which the
following Members answered the call of the roll:
Honorable Addison Bulosan
Honorable Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr.
Honorable Felicia Cowden
Honorable Bill DeCosta
Honorable Luke A. Evslin
Honorable Mel Rapozo
Excused: Honorable KipuKai Kuali`i
APPROVAL OF AGENDA.
Councilmember Carvalho moved for approval of the agenda, as circulated,
seconded by Councilmember DeCosta.
Council Chair Rapozo:Is there any public testimony or discussion?
Hearing none.
There being no one present to provide testimony, the meeting proceeded as
follows:
The motion for approval of the agenda, as circulated, was then put, and carried
by a vote of 6:0:1 (Councilmember Kuali i was excused).
MINUTES of the following meetings of the Council:
November 2, 2022 Council Meeting
November 16, 2022 Public Hearing re: Bill No. 2889
November 23, 2022 Council-Elect Meeting
December 1, 2022 Inaugural Meeting
Councilmember Carvalho moved to approve the Minutes, as circulated,
seconded by Councilmember Cowden.
Council Chair Rapozo:Is there any discussion or public testimony?
Seeing none.
There being no one present to provide testimony, the meeting proceeded as
follows:
COUNCIL MEETING 2 DECEMBER 14, 2022
The motion to approve the Minutes, as circulated, was then put, and carried
by a vote of 6:0:1 (Councilmember Kuali`i was excused).
Council Chair Rapozo:The motion is carried. Next item, please.
INTERVIEW:
KAUAI HISTORIC PRESERVATION REVIEW COMMISSION:
Victoria Wichman (Archaeology) —Term ending 12/31/2024
Council Chair Rapozo: Ms. Wichman, thank you for being here today.
I am excited and honored to have you nominated for this position. This is the Council
nominee for the Kaua`i Historic Preservation Review Commission and this seat is
specific to archaeology. Ms. Wichman has been an archeologist for a long time. With
that, welcome.
VICTORIA WICHMAN: Thank you. Good morning, Council. I am very
happy to be here. Thank you for the introduction.
Council Chair Rapozo: Everyone has herself application; I hope you
had a chance to review it. Are there any questions for Ms. Wichman?
Councilmember Cowden: Typically, Boards and Commissions introduces
the person, are we not doing that?
Council Chair Rapozo: I think she knows her better than Boards and
Commissions.
Councilmember Cowden: Okay, I have a question.
Council Chair Rapozo: Go ahead.
Councilmember Cowden: Victoria, you have done a lot with the State and
parks, how do you see overlapping with this position? You have a lot of history working
for the government, I just wondered if you wanted to tell us a little bit more about your
work history.
Ms. Wichman: Yes, thank you, Councilmember Cowden. I
worked for State Parks for the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) for
just over five (5) years, just across the street here. I was an interpretive specialist and
archaeologist. I worked a lot with the curator groups or the stewardship groups with
Hui Maka'ainana o Makana in Ha`ena Na Pali Coast `Ghana, there are several others
on the island. Although I have been working with them since last century, since the
90s. It was a good fit for me to go into that position. As far as archaeology, I have been
working all around the Pacific. I worked in Marquesas, Rapanui, New Zealand, Tahiti,
here on this island, and several other islands. For a while, I worked for a contract
archaeology firm in O`ahu called International Archaeological Research Institute,
Inc. (IARII). It is probably the only archaeological firm that is a nonprofit, so besides
COUNCIL MEETING 3 DECEMBER 14, 2022
the State, I have only worked for nonprofits. With IARII, I was exposed to contract
archaeology, and what they do there is, their contracts are with National Parks and the
with the military, and all of the money that they make from that goes back into
research, so it was a very good company to work for. I got to know the world of contract
archaeology, specifically working with military bases. I worked in Kaneohe in a place
called Mokapu that has a lot of burials there—it is quite famous and I learned a lot, a
very great experience. I worked at Bishop Museum as an archaeological collection
manager. Very proud of the Bishop Museum. I am still on the Bishop Museum
Association Council, and we help with the membership services. As far as the State,
working with DLNR, I left that position in 2020 and if they were to ever come before
the Commission, I know that they do, because they have in the past, I would recuse
myself. I am aware of different projects that they have on the island, but I would not
be able to speak on that, because of my relationship with that division.
Councilmember Cowden: Thank you for that. To me, you have an
illustrious career. If you can speak briefly on your length of time on Kaua`i or your
affiliation with understanding the history of Kaua`i. I think that is of a lot of value for
people to understand. I am going to be honest; I think we have a real "gem" in having
you here, and I am pleased that you have knowledge of our Historical Society,but maybe
for the public, you can state your time on-island, or what your role on the island has
been outside of being an archaeologist.
Ms. Wichman: Alright, thank you. I have been on this island
since the mid-1990s. I moved here from Hawai`i Island. I came here because my
husband is from Ha`ena. They are an old Kama aina family, a Hawaiian family, and I
was quickly emersed into the history of Kaua`i, especially because of my husband's
father. You can imagine the dinners, breakfasts, and the conversations that we have
had. My father-in-law's books, Kaua`i Tales,Voyaging Chiefs, there are several of them,
were immediately put in front of me the first day I was here. Believe me, I have learned
those books inside and out. It is a great way to learn the history and the mo olelo of this
island. We have been involved with many projects on this island, specifically with heiau
history, with Hawaiian cultural sites. The first project I worked on was in Wailua, the
complex of heiau, Hikinaakala. We also worked at Malai Ha'akoa, we helped clear that
out in the `90s. I have been quite involved in a lot of things. Joined the Na Pali Coast
Ghana in the late '90s. I am one (1) of the founding members of that group with Sabra
Kauka, and have been very instrumental with restoration of Nualolo Kai. Also, I was
on this Kaua`i Historic Preservation Review Commission for several years. Former
Mayor Carvalho actually appointed me to replace Jane Grace, she was in the Hawaiian
Culture seat, so I was in that position for several years. So, I am very familiar with the
way things operate with this Commission. I understand how things process working
with State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) and working with the public.
Councilmember Cowden: Thank you.
Council Chair Rapozo: Are there any other questions for
Ms. Wichman? Thank you very much. Like Councilmember Cowden said, you are a
gem." I cannot wait for you to get started.
Ms. Wichman: Thank you. You are very kind.
COUNCIL MEETING 4 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Council Chair Rapozo: Thank you very much.
Councilmember Carvalho: Thank you.
Ms. Wichman: Thank you. Aloha.
Council Chair Rapozo: Next item, please.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
C 2023-03 Communication (11/16/2022) from the Mayor, transmitting for
Council consideration and confirmation, the following Mayoral reappointments to
various Boards and Commissions for the County of Kaua`i:
a. Board of Ethics
Rose Ramos-Benzel— Term ending 12/31/2025
Kelly M. Gentry — Term ending 12/31/2025
b. Board of Water Supply
Julie Simonton — Term ending 12/31/2025
c. Charter Review Commission
Bronson Bautista — Term ending 12/31/2025
d. Civil Service Commission
Beverly Gotelli— Term ending 12/31/2025
e. Liquor Control Commission
Dee Crowell— Term ending 12/31/2025
Randall Nishimura —Term ending 12/31/2025
Leland Kahawai—Term ending 12/31/2025
f. Public Access, Open Space, Natural Resources Preservation Fund
Commission
Mark Ono (Kapa a—Wailua)— Term ending 12/31/2025
g. Planning Commission
Francis DeGracia, Jr. (Labor)— Term ending 12/31/2025
Lori Otsuka (Business)— Term ending 12/31/2025
Jerry Ornellas (Environmental)— Term ending 12/31/2025
COUNCIL MEETING 5 DECEMBER 14, 2022
h. Salary Commission
Patrick Ono — Term ending 12/31/2025
C 2023-04 Communication (12/02/2022) from Councilmember Evslin,
transmitting for Council consideration and confirmation, Council appointee Lee S.
Gately (At-Large) to the Kaua`i Historic Preservation Review Commission — Term
ending 12/31/2023.
C 2023-05 Communication (12/02/2022) from Council Chair Rapozo,
transmitting for Council consideration, a Resolution appointing Councilmember
Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr. as representative and Councilmember Bill DeCosta as
alternate to the Hawai`i State Association of Counties Executive Committee.
Councilmember Carvalho moved to receive C 2023-03, C 2023-04, and C 2023-05
for the record, seconded by Councilmember DeCosta.
Council Chair Rapozo:Is there any discussion or public testimony?
Seeing none.
There being no one present to provide testimony, the meeting proceeded as
follows:
The motion to receive C 2023-03, C 2023-04, and C 2023-05 for the record was
then put, and carried by a vote of 6:0:1 (Councilmember Kuali i was excused).
Council Chair Rapozo:Before we get to the Communications, I want
to let Ms. Wichman know, the item will be back on the Council agenda on
January 11th, and the Resolution will come forward. Thank you.
Councilmember Cowden: Just a point of order.
Council Chair Rapozo:Go ahead.
Councilmember Cowden: I know this is first day back, but typically, we
still ask if there are any discussion or if anyone has testimony. Do we not do that?
Council Chair Rapozo:On which?
Councilmember Cowden: On Victoria's interview. Do we not do that
anymore?
Council Chair Rapozo:Was there any discussion? We can go back.
Councilmember Evslin: On the actual vote, right?
Councilmember Cowden: On Victoria.
COUNCIL MEETING 6 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Councilmember Carvalho: On the actual vote.
Councilmember Cowden: Usually when we just...I already said that I
was happy, but maybe we do not need to do that. Usually, we just go around, but we
do not have to.
Council Chair Rapozo:Okay, we can. That is entirely up to you folks.
Let us go back. Is there any discussion on Ms. Wichman's interview?
Councilmember Cowden: Okay, I guess we are not going to do that. We
usually do.
Council Chair Rapozo:Okay. Next item, Communications.
COMMUNICATIONS:
C 2023-06 Communication (11/03/2022) from the Director of Human
Resources, requesting Council approval of the attorney fees and costs provision in the
Law Enforcement Testing and Assessment (LETA) Services Agreement, which will be
used for civil service written promotional examinations for Ocean Safety Officers,which
aligns with the current promotional recruitments for Fire and Police.
Councilmember Carvalho moved to approve C 2023-06, seconded by
Councilmember Cowden.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Is there any discussion? Are
there any questions for Human Resources (HR) or anyone? No? Okay.
There being no one present to provide testimony, the meeting proceeded as
follows:
The motion to approve C 2023-06 was then put, and carried by a vote of 6:0:1
Councilmember Kuali`i was excused).
Council Chair Rapozo:The motion is carried. Next item.
C 2023-07 Communication (11/04/2022) from the Chief of Police, requesting
Council approval to accept and expend additional funds from the Hawai`i High Intensity
Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program, in the amount of$70,000.00, for payment of
overtime, replacement of K9 drug detector dogs, training, replacement of old equipment,
and the purchase of new technology. The increase would bring the new award amount
to $231,400.00.
Councilmember Carvalho moved to approve C 2023-07, seconded by
Councilmember Cowden.
COUNCIL MEETING 7 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Council Chair Rapozo:We have representatives here from the Kaua`i
Police Department, if you folks want to come up.
There being no objections, the rules were suspended.
BRYSON M. PONCE, Assistant Chief: Good morning, Chair Rapozo
and Councilmembers. Bryson Ponce, Assistant Chief, Kaua`i Police Department. I
am here with James Miller, Lieutenant of the Vice Section. Thank you for allowing
us to just touch a little bit on this agenda item regarding our requests that are asked
of our K-9 program. Lieutenant Miller.
JAMES J. MILLER, Lieutenant, Vice Section: Good morning. I have not
had to go to one of these for a while. I am just presenting to you folks or am I waiting
for questions?
Council Chair Rapozo:We have the communication, we have the
request, real briefly, this is the Hawai`i High Intensity Drug Trafficking
Area (HIDTA) grant, and you are asking for more money from the grant, which is
Federal money, or State money, for the replacement of two (2) K-9 dogs. That is what
I read.
Mr. Miller: Correct. Yes, sir.
Council Chair Rapozo:Are you retiring the two (2) dogs?
Mr. Miller: Yes, they are coming up for retirement due to
age. With the replacement of the K-9s, we are also replacing handlers, so that comes
along with the training that needs to be done for them, as well.
Council Chair Rapozo:Go ahead, Councilmember Cowden.
Councilmember Cowden: How long does the training process take? I
want to recognize one (1) of our K-9s was Officer of the Month last year. How long
does it take to do the training? What is that process? Do we have the dogs purchased
yet? How long does that time take? What is the turnaround time to have new dogs
working? Will there be overlap between the four (4) dogs, or no?
Mr. Miller: Just to get them to be certified to actually do
the job is about six (6) weeks or so.
Councilmember Cowden: Okay, short.
Mr. Miller: That is to just get them going. Just like
policemen, you have the brand-new man—because now you are working with two (2)
different entities—you have the brand-new handler and you have the brand-new dog,
they both have been trained, they both know what they are doing, but with time and
continued training, they will become better at what they do. The six (6) weeks is to
just to get us to legally say, "This dog and this handler know the basics of what they
are supposed to be doing." Then, they improve through that, we continue to send
COUNCIL MEETING 8 DECEMBER 14, 2022
them to training throughout, but this money is covering just getting them "kicked out
the door," and out into FTO phase, if you will.
Mr. Ponce: We also have a plan for overlap.
Councilmember Cowden: Okay, that was my real question.
Mr. Ponce: Our plan is not to have any time period where
we do not have any odor detection, narcotics dogs, we have a plan for overlap.
Councilmember Cowden: How long is that? Months or we do not know?
Mr. Miller: We already have a dog in training that should
be ready by January. We are going through our K-9 selection handler process now,
and we hope to have the handler selected within that time period, as well. Then, we
are also arranging for the training all at the same time, we are "shooting" for about
mid-January. We will have a dog that is still trained and a handler that is still
experienced with the experienced dogs.
Councilmember Cowden: Okay, thank you.
Council Chair Rapozo:Councilmember Carvalho.
Councilmember Carvalho: Just a clarification. You are asking for
replacement of old equipment, and the purchase of new technology. I just want to get
a little bit more on that.
Mr. Miller: We use a variety of different electronic
devices, and things that help us do what we do. There is a lot of things that we do
with that kind of things.
Councilmember Carvalho: Okay, I just wanted to clarify.
Council Chair Rapozo:Top secret.
Councilmember Carvalho: Top secret.
Councilmember Cowden: Top secret. I have one last question.
Councilmember Carvalho: I got that one very fast.
Councilmember Cowden: Our last officers who did this, they seem to
love their job. Are they moving on to a different section in the force, then we get
brand-new officers trained with the dogs?
Mr. Miller: One (1) is moving on to patrol, with our
rotational policy. We also have a senior handler who is also a trainer that helps
maintain our high-level of training that we do quarterly, and every day they have to
do so much. One (1) will still be here, as they train the trainer, he will get trained
COUNCIL MEETING 9 DECEMBER 14, 2022
additionally, as well, for another six (6) weeks. Then, that is the rotation, replace
one (1), one (1) will be the trainer, because you need an "x" amount of time as a
handler to be a trainer, as well. We will have one (1) new handler.
Councilmember Cowden: Okay, thank you.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Are there any further questions
for the Kaua`i Police Department (KPD)? If not, thank you, gentlemen.
Mr. Miller: Thank you.
Mr. Ponce: Thank you.
Council Chair Rapozo:Is there any public testimony? Seeing none.
There being no one present to provide testimony, the meeting was called back
to order, and proceeded as follows:
Council Chair Rapozo:Is there any final discussion? Seeing none.
The motion to approve C 2023-07 was then put, and carried by a vote of 6:0:1
Councilmember Kuali`i was excused).
Council Chair Rapozo:The motion is carried. Next item, please.
C 2023-08 Communication (11/16/2022) from Ka`aina S. Hull, Clerk of the
Planning Commission, transmitting the Planning Commission's recommendation to
approve Chapter 8, Kaua`i County Code 1987, as amended, relating to Zoning
designation in Lawa`i Homesteads, Kaua`i (Kurt Bosshard and Steven Absher,
Applicants).
Councilmember Carvalho moved to approve C 2023-08, seconded by
Councilmember Cowden.
Council Chair Rapozo:Is the Planning Department here?
Councilmember Cowden: Yes.
Council Chair Rapozo:If you could just come up and give us a broad
briefing. This will come up as a first reading bill. We will take the discussion in this
Communication, then you do not need to stay for the Bill.
There being no objections, the rules were suspended.
KA`AINA S. HULL, Planning Director: Good morning, Chair and
Members of the Council. Ka`aina Hull on behalf of the Planning Department. What
you folks have here is a proposed zoning amendment initiated by the landowner as
the applicant. It is a property located in Lawa`i. The property is roughly point
COUNCIL MEETING 10 DECEMBER 14, 2022
ninety-two (0.92) acres in size that is split zoned Residential R-4, and Open zone. The
applicant is proposing to rezone the Open portion of the property, which is roughly
point four (0.4) acres into the Residential R-4 district. The State Land Use
Designation (SLUD) is Urban for the entire property, the General Plan Designation
is Residential Community, which does facilitate zones within the Residential district
and residential development patterns. Quite honestly, this portion of the property
that is in Open is bounded on three (3) sides by the Residential R-4 district. It is a
cut and dry" simple zoning amendment request that fits within the land use pattern
in and around the area. The Department reviewed it, it went before the Planning
Commission, there were not much questions, quite honestly, it speaks for itself. The
Planning Commission approved it the first day they received it. It was transmitted
here, and that is it in a nutshell. If you have any questions, the applicant is here, I
believe.
Council Chair Rapozo:Councilmember DeCosta.
Councilmember DeCosta: Explain to me, how much more density would
it give this homeowner in that point four (0.4) area? Is it one (1) house or two (2)
houses?
Mr. Hull: The property, like I said previously, is split
zoned. Right now, it is roughly half an acre in the Agricultural Zoning District and
about point three (0.3) or point four (0.4) acres in the Open District. Right now, the
entire lot of record qualifies for two (2) dwelling units. If this proposed amendment
is adopted, ultimately, fully zoning the entire property into R-4, the entire property
would qualify outright for four (4) dwelling units, so it doubles the density of the
property. Should the R-4 designation be adopted, the property owner could later on
pursue subdivision options, and the subdivision option would essentially, if they fully
maxed it out, it could require infrastructure upgrades. We are not aware of what the
infrastructure capacity concerning a subdivision would be, but if they are able to
subdivide it, that could create four (4) quarter-acre parcels, each one (1) would qualify
for a house and an Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU).
Councilmember DeCosta: Almost eight (8) dwellings.
Mr. Hull: Through a subdivision process it could
quadruple the density, but again, they would have to go through the various
infrastructure demand, such as Water Department upgrades, there is no sewer in the
system, so they would have to upgrade the septic systems, but outright it doubles the
density.
Council Chair Rapozo:Do we know the intentions of the applicant?
Mr. Hull: My understanding is they would like to build
more homes; whether or not they are going to pursue subdivision, I am not aware,
but the applicant is here.
Council Chair Rapozo:In the planning process, is that something
that the Commission would ask the applicant who comes in and wants to up-zone
COUNCIL MEETING 11 DECEMBER 14, 2022
their parcel? Is that a question that they would ask? "What is your ultimate goal?
Are you planning to build eight (8) units, ten (10) units, or are you planning to build
ADUs?" We want to know the density. I think the public should know, especially us
making the decision. We want to know what is the ultimate impact of that request?
Was there a public hearing? I am assuming there was a public hearing. Were there
any concerns? I apologize, I did not have a chance to go through the file.
Mr. Hull: There were none raised at the time. It is not
standard for the Department to go through a full subdivision vetting proposal,
because that requires all the infrastructure agencies then to go into the analysis of
what if, on this measure, that measure," so a full subdivision vetting was not done
for this property.
Council Chair Rapozo:I am not asking about a full subdivision. I am
just asking if anyone asked the question, "What is your ultimate goal of this request?"
Mr. Hull: That was not asked.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Councilmember Cowden.
Councilmember Cowden: It is not that common that this comes before
us. I am very open-minded on it. Usually, we see a Director's Report, I do not see
that here. Are you supportive of this or are you not supportive of it?
Mr. Hull: Yes, the Department was supportive of this.
Sorry, we transmitted the Director's Report.
Councilmember Cowden: I did not catch that. Okay. I had something
on earlier that I was trying to see if we passed it, so you folks are supportive of it.
Thank you.
Council Chair Rapozo:Councilmember DeCosta.
Councilmember DeCosta: Thank you, Ka`aina, for all you do for our
Planning Department. Is this family land that was passed down through
generations, or is this something that was just purchased recently within the last
year or two? Can I get some information about this property?
Mr. Hull: I do not know that off the top of my head.
Again, the applicant and landowner is here, and you may want to ask the landowner.
Council Chair Rapozo:Are they here?
Mr. Hull: Yes.
Councilmember Cowden: Right there.
Council Chair Rapozo:Okay. Are there any other questions?
Councilmember Evslin.
COUNCIL MEETING 12 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Councilmember Evslin: I have read the Director's Report, and it
seems straightforward. It says that it was part of an old ditch that is dry. Are there
other open parcels along the ditch? I guess, part of the question is for a half-acre
property to go through this "rigmarole" and we are going to go through this every
time for a bunch of Open parcels along this ditch, for something that makes total
sense; one, is there a number of other Open parcels? Two, is it something that the
Department ever does to just go ahead and give all those R-4s in one swoop?
Mr. Hull: We have not done that in the past, quite
honestly, Councilmember Evslin. I was curious when this property came up, because
it was...I do not think I have seen another property so blatantly obvious that...I do
not quite understand, and Mr. Bosshard may have spoken to it in their analysis, they
evaluated from, because it was on this portion of the dip side, but it is bounded on
three (3) other sides by R-4. It seems to be blatantly apparent that this may have
been a mapping missed error back in the '70s, but as far as going on further analysis
further up the ditch or surrounding the R-4 existing area, we can go through the
exercise.
Councilmember Evslin: I guess for me, "kudos" to the landowner for
going through the process, but they hired an attorney to go through this lengthy
process through the Commission and the Council. If there is a mapping error, or
other obvious properties in the area that should be up-zoned similar to this, I hope
we could potentially be proactive and just do it in one fell swoop, and if there are
others, I do not see why you need to go through eye-to-eye through these maps and
identify all of these, but this one seems like an obvious case. Thank you for your work
here.
Council Chair Rapozo:Councilmember Carvalho.
Councilmember Carvalho: Based on what you just said, Ka`aina, based
on planning, you said that it is pretty much "clean-cut," I just want to clarify that.
Mr. Hull: Say that again, Councilmember.
Councilmember Carvalho: Is this "clean-cut," as far as what we have
here, the option for the landowner. Is everything in line with the Planning
Department and landowner?
Mr. Hull: Yes, as far as the long-range plans. When you
look at the SLUD it is Urban. When you look at the General Plan, it is Residential
Community. It appears to all of the overriding land use policies for this area.
Council Chair Rapozo:Are there any other questions for Planning?
If not, thank you very much.
Mr. Hull: Thank you.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you for being here, Kurt.
COUNCIL MEETING 13 DECEMBER 14, 2022
KURT BOSSHARD: Thank you for having me.
Council Chair Rapozo:If you could just state your name for the
record.
Mr. Bosshard: Kurt Bosshard, Wailua Homesteads,
applicant. May I address the Council?
Council Chair Rapozo:Sure, please.
Councilmember Cowden: Please.
Council Chair Rapozo:I think you heard some of the questions.
Mr. Bosshard: Yes. The broader questions are right on point.
The property is on Koloa Road, so it is accessible to the highway. I think the ditch
has not been there for about fifty (50) years. Alexander & Baldwin (A&B) sold it to
the prior landowner at that time, or waived the easement that it had, and I am
assuming that the Open zoning was a result of the ditch being there. As I understand
it, there are two (2) reservoirs in the neighborhood that connect the service of water
system that is mostly defunct, so you have ditches running through all these different
properties. I got a call from one of the other neighbor properties across the road
asking, "I have the same situation, how do you do this?" Many property owners that
have these defunct ditches, not just in the Lawa`i area, I understand, but I have had
numerous conversations with some of you about ditches. Particularly in the Wailua
area, where you have all these abandoned ditches that are showing up on people's
properties, but there is no movement to ever have water run in them again. The
Wailua Reservoir issue is a really big issue, right? They are talking about
decommissioning the reservoir and dumping the water in Wailua River. They have
turned it over to the Department of Agriculture, who has no resources here to deal
with it, and it is just not going to happen—there is no funding for it. I believe the
Planning Department occasionally is tasked with reviewing Open zoned lands, and
they just do not have the resources to do it. There are so much haphazard Open
zoning based upon the plantation activity that was going on around the 1970
timeframe. A review of those lands...I guess it would be helpful to the public, to go
through the processes is rather lengthy, and how much ditch water are we seeing
running right now, and we are losing it every day. You have seen this ditch issue,
Kaua`i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) at the south exit of the Wailua water to the
hydroelectric plants, and what they have to go through to get the permission to do
that through the State now. Much of the space at the Kaua`i Springs case, and they
just withdrew their application, I believe, to keep those activities going, because the
ditch maintenance is overwhelming, and now it is an issue of what to do with the
ditch, because if KIUC is not going to maintain it, and it has breaches...The State
does not have the funds to do it. We had the East Kaua`i Water Company for a while,
they did yeoman's work, but it is just like swimming upstream—there is not enough
money to do it, nor the will, and then the environmental laws conflict with this too,
because the cost of getting a permit, you need to have all these environmental studies.
I guess, I am getting back to the point that Councilmember Evslin raised about a
review of the whole system would be nice, but I do not think there is funding to do it.
COUNCIL MEETING 14 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Council Chair Rapozo:Okay. Councilmember Cowden, do you have
a question?
Councilmember Cowden: Yes, I do. I appreciate your background and
working with land management, law, and everything else. When I look at what
happened in Kilauea when we covered these ditches in the same way, then when we
were done, it was like, "Darn, we made a big mistake." What has struck me, and have
you considered or is this a consideration that Planning would have, if a large pipe
was put under the ground, so if there was ever a choice to want to put some water
through it, that we could, because in a small area...before you bury the ditch, the
ditch is dug, or it could get cleared, and a pipe get put in there.
Councilmember Carvalho was noted as not present.)
Councilmember Cowden: I know in Koloa along this water system, the
cattle do not have enough water, there is a lot of challenges, because that water is not
flowing. What are your thoughts on that? Is that something that is under
consideration for putting some kind of pipe, so we do not permanently remove,
because you could still be on top of it and the water goes underground?
Mr. Bosshard: All of this would be quite controversial with
the environmental laws and the use of water. You have the bureaucratic side and
you have the legal side, and the legal side is overwhelming in terms of the steps you
have to go through to draw water, so you are getting into native claims, concerns, all
of that type of thing, such that I think that there is not a long-range plan for any of
this. So, the scope of what you are talking about, and every circumstance being
different, but the scope of burying that pipe would be like burying money. It would
be deteriorating the moment you put it in, so if you did not have an immediate need
for it, you would be wasting your money, and there is no plan for this. Just taking
the Wailua Reservoir, we just spent three million dollars ($3,000,000) to five million
dollars ($5,000,000)restoring it, and now they are talking about draining it, and there
is no organization, concern, or means of dealing with the threat of one (1) agency
handing this over to the Department of Agriculture, and there is no resources
associated with the transfer, it is going to be abandoned and it is going to be strange.
Councilmember Carvalho was noted a present.)
Mr. Bosshard: The consequences of draining the reservoir
now, I do not think have been looked at, not so much from a farming aspect, because
there really is not that much farming going on in that zone in between Kapa'a Middle
School and the Wailua Reservoir, which services that area.
Council Chair Rapozo:We need to get back to Koloa.
Councilmember Cowden: Yes.
Mr. Bosshard: I am glad I got the chance though.
COUNCIL MEETING 15 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Council Chair Rapozo:I know. We need to get to the item, which is
the zoning application.
Councilmember Cowden: I was just looking and knowing when the
people upstream, I believe on that same auwai, are trying to get the water coming
down.
Council Chair Rapozo:I share your concerns.
Councilmember Cowden: Even if you put a cap on either side, because I
get what you are saying, because I am following this Board of Land and Natural
Resources issue and I followed that whole Supreme Court passageway, but what I do
know from Kilauea, is once we buried that ditch, it is done, and we have these
reservoirs that could be giving us...
Council Chair Rapozo:Direct the question to him.
Councilmember Cowden: Okay. You are saying it is too difficult to put
a capped pipe in there.
Mr. Bosshard: Yes.
Councilmember Cowden: Alright.
Mr. Bosshard: I think there are environmental issues and
every other issue that is going to come up that we do not have the resources to address
right now.
Council Chair Rapozo:Councilmember DeCosta.
Councilmember DeCosta: I had this question for Ka`aina, when he said
maybe the landowner can answer it, and that would be you. Agriculture, open space,
is what you said your two (2) parcels are, and you are surrounded by Urban and
Residential. Is this a long-time family property or was it just recently purchased, and
would the lots or the homes be built for your family members?
Mr. Bosshard: First, there is no agriculture around it. It is
Residential R-4 in each direction. I purchased my interest in the property several
years ago and I am constructing a roughly one thousand four hundred (1,400) square
foot house on it, presently. The purpose of this is to be able to build a one
thousand (1,000) square foot house on it, as well. There is no way that this density
is going to get...what is available due to infrastructure, the layout of the lot, although
it is level, it is not all contiguous to Koloa Road, so the infrastructure needs would be
too great to do. I do not think a subdivision would happen there, period. Other than
that, I would see probably three (3) houses being on the property. You have septic
issues, you have to have ten thousand (10,000) square feet for a septic system—there
are so many different things. I would raise the point that with the intentions of
increasing density with Additional Rental Units (ARUs) or ADUs, and all of that,
which is good, but if you are not on the sewer system, you are not seeing much being
COUNCIL MEETING 16 DECEMBER 14, 2022
built, because of the septic issues, the layout of the land, the infrastructure that is
around—it is just not available.
Councilmember DeCosta: I understand, but you bought this as an open
space area when you bought that extra piece of land.
Mr. Bosshard: Yes.
Councilmember DeCosta: So the price you paid on that land was not a
residential lot, it was an open space lot, because the zoning did not qualify for a house
at that time.
Mr. Bosshard: It had qualified for one (1) house and this
would add a second home.
Councilmember DeCosta: Okay, I just want to make sure we do not open
up a "can of worms" to speculative buyers to come in and say, "I am going to buy an
open space lot, and come to the Planning Department or the Council and have it
rezoned." But I can see it is for family and long-time residents of Kaua`i.
Mr. Bosshard: You are always going to face that question.
The bottom line is, right now we need houses, and a thousand (1,000) square foot
house would be a reasonable addition to the inventory. It will always be a concern,
but I think that the limitation is the infrastructure. I think that is where you are
going to get...whatever you do, "the cows are not leaving the barn."
Councilmember DeCosta: I am all for public housing, especially for our
local families, so I support this one hundred percent (100%). I just wanted to send a
message to the community out there who want to move to Kaua`i, and find a spot they
can buy as an open space, and think they will come to us a year later, and ask us for
a zoning change.
Councilmember Cowden: Okay.
Council Chair Rapozo:Go ahead.
Councilmember Cowden: I have a follow-up on that. I am not holding
the same attachment, but I did not think I heard you saying you are doing this for
yourself and your family, right? That is what his question was. Are you moving into
the house?
Mr. Bosshard: No.
Councilmember Cowden: No.
Mr. Bosshard: Everything is about family. Everything we do
is about family.
Councilmember Cowden: Right.
COUNCIL MEETING 17 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Mr. Bosshard: I mean, my family, yes. I have probably
eight (8) or nine (9) affordable rentals.
Councilmember Cowden: Yes.
Mr. Bosshard: So, I think I do my share on that front.
Councilmember Cowden: Yes.
Mr. Bosshard: Particularly with how much the taxes have
gone up.
Councilmember Cowden: I just wanted to make sure that we were super
clear, because I know that you have a number of affordable rentals that you have
built. I have seen the houses that you have had, and I see who is in them. I do not
know if we can say "yes" or "no" to something based on that.
Council Chair Rapozo:Councilmember Cowden, is there a question?
Councilmember Cowden: Okay.
Council Chair Rapozo:We will have time to share our comments, but
right now, it is not the time.
Councilmember Cowden: Okay. Alright, I am fine. He answered my
question.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Are there any other questions?
Thank you, sir.
Mr. Bosshard: Thank you.
Council Chair Rapozo:Is there anyone in the audience wishing to
testify? If not, I will call the meeting back to order.
There being no one present to provide testimony, the meeting was called back
to order, and proceeded as follows:
Council Chair Rapozo:Now, we will have discussion. Again, let us
have the discussion here; when we get to first reading, we will move it on to public
hearing. Councilmember Evslin.
Councilmember Evslin: To me, this is clear. State Land Use District
Urban in the General Plan, this is Residential Community surrounded by R-4, it is a
dry ditch. I just want to clarify my own request to the Planning Department, was not
necessary to go through the island and find all these ditches and start up-zoning
them, it was really, just that we know that this ditch in particular is dry, if there are
a half dozen Open zoned parcels around it, we could look at up-zoning them all at the
same time. Also, when I spoke my piece earlier, I did not realize that Kurt was both
COUNCIL MEETING 18 DECEMBER 14, 2022
owner and applicant/attorney for the project, so when I said "hire an attorney," I
guess they are lucky that the owner happens to be an attorney and can go through
this process on their own. The other landowners in the area probably do not have
that, and it would potentially be good for us to look it up. Yes, no brainer for me.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Councilmember Cowden.
Councilmember Cowden: I am sorry. We are just changing what I am
used to. So, can I ask Ka`aina another question?
Council Chair Rapozo:Sure.
There being no objections, the rules were suspended.
Mr. Hull: Thank you, again, Council. Ka`aina Hull on
behalf of the Planning Department.
Councilmember Cowden: Thank you. I just want to ask, this property
where there is a dry ditch, if you go upstream of this ditch, is it completely covered
off in any other areas? Has this been a ditch that has been closed off? Because this
is in a central area.
Mr. Hull: I am not aware of what the state of the ditch
is further up.
Councilmember Cowden: Where does that get looked at? Seems like
that is a Planning issue. Where does the ditch come from and where does it go? Have
we looked at that?
Mr. Hull: The Department has maps through the
Bureau of Conveyances that will depict some ditches, but many ditches have not been
necessarily officially mapped and recorded on a Bureau of Conveyances map. We do
have access to those maps.
Councilmember Cowden: Can you send the map of this ditch to me?
Mr. Hull: Oh, this ditch.
Councilmember Cowden: Yes.
Mr. Hull: Absolutely.
Councilmember Cowden: Just that ditch before the Committee Meeting
I would like to see the ditch, just to know where else has been covered.
Mr. Hull: Yes, we can get that.
Councilmember Cowden: Thank you.
COUNCIL MEETING 19 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. This ditch goes through several
R-4 lots, or several residential lots on Koloa Road, as I am looking at this map here?
Mr. Hull: Yes.
Council Chair Rapozo:Are other properties along this ditch?
Mr. Hull: Yes, there are other properties along that
ditch.
Council Chair Rapozo:Is that ditch still open on all the other
properties or did the other property owners fill it in?
Mr. Hull: I do not know.
Council Chair Rapozo:Did we go down there and look?
Mr. Hull: Not on the other properties.
Council Chair Rapozo:Okay.
Mr. Hull: I will just point out too that there are ditches
on Open properties, as well as there is ditches on Residential properties, so that is
why my earlier statements as to why this was Open, I am not sure, but it is a valid
point that Councilmember Evslin brings up, as far as assessing some of these lands.
I am not quite sure what type of criteria we could set up, per se, but it is a valid point.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you.
Councilmember DeCosta: I wanted to follow up on what Councilmember
Evslin said about there probably being more properties out there. I know I brought
one (1) of them to your attention in Kalaheo with the Perreira family. That ditch,
same thing, it is in the middle of their property, would we be able to assist those
families if they all come forward, or is this going to be a case-by-case scenario that we
will be doing?
Mr. Hull: So far, it has been a case-by-case situation.
But like I said, and I was just texting a Geographical Information System (GIS)
analyst while sitting in the back, who is trying to figure out what type of criteria we
could set up to say, "This we will put into the system, now GIS map it, and let us see
what those properties look like."
Councilmember DeCosta: I think that would be helpful for our
community because I am sure there are other families. I would like to see more
affordable homes going into our community, and this looks like it will add one (1)
more dwelling into our affordable community. Thank you, Ka`aina.
Council Chair Rapozo:Councilmember Cowden.
COUNCIL MEETING 20 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Councilmember Cowden: Was any outreach done to the Commission on
Water Resource Management?
Mr. Hull: For this, no.
Councilmember Cowden: Okay. Then, when it rains hard, has any
evaluation been made of what the pooling or what the water levels are? Has anyone
looked at any of that kind of water elements, like where the water is sitting or moving
in a heavy rain or any kind of flooding condition?
Mr. Hull: The Engineering Division reviewed the
zoning amendment and they also will review any proposed improvements to it, and
they would agree addressing flooding issues at that point.
Councilmember Cowden: Okay. They already did it, or can I have a
report from them?
Mr. Hull: They had no comment on this zoning
amendment, so no concerns were raised.
Councilmember Cowden: Okay.
Council Chair Rapozo:We will get that sent over.
Councilmember Carvalho: Just following up on what you mentioned
about the GIS overall, is that part of the open part of it as we move forward?
Mr. Hull: Moving forward, to try and see if we can set
up a criteria system to look at lots like this that are in Open District, ditches or
otherwise that are adjacent to existing urban land use patterns, as well as within the
existing State Land Use District is something that is an appropriate task to at least
try to undertake. I am trying to map it out in my head, but I do not have it set, but
it raises a good point, and it is something that we will be discussing with our GIS
folks as soon as I get back.
Councilmember Carvalho: Okay, thank you.
Council Chair Rapozo:Are there any other questions for the
Planning Department? If not, thank you very much.
Mr. Hull: Thank you.
There being no objections, the meeting was called back to order, and proceeded
as follows:
Council Chair Rapozo:Is there any further discussion?
Councilmember Cowden.
COUNCIL MEETING 21 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Councilmember Cowden: I very much would like to say "yes" to this,
because I think it is important to be able to create more space for affordable housing.
I appreciate the work that this particular applicant has done and in other places
typically, very responsible. When I am asking these questions about the water, I
think it is really important. When we get a Director's Report, it seems like anytime
we are closing a ditch, we should be working with the Commission on Water Resource
Management. What I have seen heavily in Wailua, Kilauea, Ha'ena, Wainiha, and
up in Kapahi, when ditches get filled with someone's green waste and rubbish, the
way the water moves when it is raining hard, it spreads out, so anytime you are
stopping the ability of the land to absorb that water, whatever amount of water that
does come in that area, is going to then not come to this area and flood laterally, or
some other way, so it is not trivial to be closing these ditches. I know in Kilauea,
when we closed in our ditches it was a whole big community conversation, and
everyone did it at the same time. Though now, we are having to run a new pipe. They
had been digging the pipe from the Kalihiwai Reservoir down into the area where
that ditch had once gone, and that is quite a bit of expense, and we have a lot of these
issues. It seems to me, whenever we are covering a ditch, we need to really think
about the waterflow, because when it is dry, it is dry when it is not raining. It is dry
when a valve is turned off somewhere, and those valves are in place to be able to
diffuse the water in different areas, so there must be a hanawai man from that area.
I could name names in the different time, but it seems like this is certainly
information that we could get. I think it is really important that we do not just
spot-do this without at least getting a quality report on the waterflow in the area,
and that would be the Commission on Water Resource Management—they have that,
and we should be talking to them.
Council Chair Rapozo:I agree with you. Is there any other
discussion? I will just say, I definitely agree with that. When we look at ditches, we
need to be very careful. Reading this report, it says that it was connecting two (2)
reservoirs, that I am assuming are still active reservoirs, they are not
decommissioned reservoirs, so at some point with the focus on agriculture, I definitely
want to get clarification from whoever is responsible or qualified to make that
determination on whether or not this ditch should or should not be covered. The
second question was answered...when I read these Director's Reports, I go straight
to the section that has the General Plan, because I want to make sure that the
General Plan is in compliance. One of the sections in the General Plan that was
highlighted or mentioned in here was, "The amendment would offer opportunities for
local housing, and more importantly would be considered infill housing by supporting
infill development." I heard your question, I heard the answer that this would be for
local housing and not investment, not Transient Vacation Rentals (TVRs), because I
will be honest with you, if the development is going to produce Airbnbs, although not
allowed, or investment properties, I am not inclined to support any zoning change,
but in this case, he answered the question, I am satisfied. I still agree with
Councilmember Cowden, and we need to definitely pursue the ditch issue. Is there
any other discussion? Councilmember Evslin.
Councilmember Evslin: Sorry, Chair, I did not mean to speak after
you. We are not voting here to fill the ditch in. As the Planning Director said, there
are actual running ditches with R-4 associated with them or Residential zoning
COUNCIL MEETING 22 DECEMBER 14, 2022
associated with them. In the Director's Report it says one of the conditions is that
you have to evaluate potential drainage impacts upon further development. It is
something that seems like it will get, if there is development in the surrounding area,
then that is the time where you need to analyze the drainage impacts.
Council Chair Rapozo:Go ahead.
Councilmember Cowden: I just want to make sure I am understanding.
Honestly, I looked in the wrong place. I was looking for information. I was looking
in the wrong place. We are not going to fill in the ditch, because typically, if we are
changing it, is that conditional in here that we would not be filling in the ditch,
because I think that is the critical piece.
Councilmember Evslin: I can speak to whether they are eventually
going to fill in the ditch. Even if the ditch is already filled, my only point was that,
all we are doing is changing the zoning associated with the land in the dry ditch.
Presumably, it says it is a right-of-way, presumably there is land on either side of
that ditch, when associated with the rest of the parcel it gives the whole parcel the
ability to develop more housing, which might be clustered somewhere, theoretically,
but all I am saying is that as a condition of this, it says that you have to evaluate
drainage impacts when it eventually gets developed.
Councilmember Cowden: Okay. If I can just follow up.
Council Chair Rapozo:Go ahead.
Councilmember Cowden: I see that we have a pattern of checker
boarding and one Council with the best of intentions will make a decision, then
four (4) years later there will be another impact and another impact, so I want to be
really careful, because if we have not done that drainage piece well, that we would
need to maybe put a caveat in there. Can we do that? Can we put a caveat in there
that that ditch stays open, because Ha'ena and other areas, we have seen such a
problem. Certainly in Wailua Homesteads, and it scours around one area, and it
creates a problem somewhere else, so we have to be responsible to that.
Council Chair Rapozo:Yes. The ultimate language of the zoning
amendment is in the form of a bill, so if we do our due diligence, and we determine
that we want that restriction in the zoning amendment, yes, we absolutely can put
that in.
Councilmember Cowden: Okay.
Council Chair Rapozo:I totally understand what Planning was
saying. This applicant, should he want to do anything on that property, still needs
to go through the regulatory and permitting process. I would be comfortable if we
can get a confirmation from an agency that is responsible, I am not sure what that
agency is, it could be Water Resource Management, I do not know. What is the other
one? Corps of Engineers. I do not know who to ask, but we will find out, and to
determine if in fact there is a possibility...this is what I am concerned about, is there
COUNCIL MEETING 23 DECEMBER 14, 2022
a possibility that we will reuse that ditch again, later, to provide water to farmers
down the road. That is all. Is there any other discussion?
Councilmember Carvalho: I just wanted to clarify what you just said,
Chair, about the applicant, they would have to come back.
Council Chair Rapozo:Correct.
Councilmember Carvalho: Based upon what we are hearing today and
based upon everything, it is in one (1) area,but anything else that comes before, needs
to come back, and we need to talk about it.
Council Chair Rapozo:Yes.
Councilmember Carvalho: Yes, they go through the Planning
Department.
Council Chair Rapozo:This is our only shot at having our concerns
addressed. I believe our Council should take advantage of every opportunity to make
sure that what gets approved is really what we want.
Councilmember Cowden: I am just covering it that this is a bill, so we
are going to have three (3) times to look at it. I just want to make a correction on
what I believe is a correction on what you had. These ditches are not just about
agriculture, these ditches are about waterflow, so that area in Koloa has flooded
badly, so when we close off a ditch, we stop an area for it flowing beyond a certain
area.
Council Chair Rapozo:Right.
Councilmember Cowden: It really should not be confused with only
benefiting agriculture, that is a parallel benefit. Certainly Koloa has a lot of waer
management problems, and there are a number of ditches and earthen dams in that
area, and we need to be very careful.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Is there any other discussion?
This is it. We will not have any discussion, because my plan is to release Planning
after this item.
The motion to receive C 2023-08 for the record was then put, and carried by a
vote of 6:0:1 (Councilmember Kuali i was excused).
Council Chair Rapozo:The motion is carried. Next item, please.
C 2023-09 Communication (11/17/2022) from the Emergency Management
Administrator, requesting Council approval to apply for, receive, and expend United
States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant funds, via the State of Hawai`i
Department of Defense — Hawai`i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA), in the
amount of $150,000.00 with a 50% cost-match, for the Fiscal Year 2022 Emergency
COUNCIL MEETING 24 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Management Performance Grant,which will support two (2)existing Kaua`i Emergency
Management Agency (KEMA) staff positions (Emergency Management Staff Specialist
and Emergency Management Program Support Technician II), which support
day-to-day prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery activities.
Councilmember Carvalho moved to approve C 2023-09, seconded by
Councilmember Cowden.
Councilmember Evslin was noted as not present.)
Council Chair Rapozo:Are there any questions?
Councilmember Cowden: Very quick question.
Council Chair Rapozo:That is fine. I will suspend the rules. Elton,
Clerk, whoever. I have one question, as well.
Councilmember Cowden: Thank you for being here. My very quick
question.
Council Chair Rapozo:Hold on, let them get settled.
Councilmember Cowden: Okay, sorry.
Council Chair Rapozo:You can just introduce yourselves.
There being no objections, the rules were suspended.
ELTON USHIO, Emergency Management Administrator: Aloha, Elton
Ushio, Emergency Management Administrator.
DIANE DEHART, Emergency Management Staff Specialist II: Diane
DeHart, Staff Specialist.
Councilmember Cowden: Okay, very quick question. Are these existing
positions? Is this just re-funding those existing positions? Just an affirmation of
that. That is not adding to our budget, is this what we are regularly doing?
Mr. Ushio: Yes, these are existing positions. This is a
Federal grant that has been recurring for many years.
Councilmember Cowden: Alright. What we see clear here is that your
day-to-day functions is a routine needed job.
Mr. Ushio: Yes.
Councilmember Cowden: Okay. That is my question.
COUNCIL MEETING 25 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Council Chair Rapozo:Are there any other questions? Are these
temporary positions?
Mr. Ushio: These positions are contract positions. Our
intent is that they be semi-permanent, but they are not General Fund funded civil
servants.
Council Chair Rapozo:This is grant funding, right?
Mr. Ushio: Yes.
Council Chair Rapozo:So, when the grant runs out...
Mr. Ushio: This grant has been around for, as far as I
recall, my entire tenure at the Kaua`i Emergency Management Agency (KEMA), and
before that Civil Defense. It is a very stable source of funds that supports states,
counties, territories, and tribal organizations.
Councilmember Evslin was notes as present.)
Council Chair Rapozo:Explain the seventeen and a half(17%) month
performance period with the fifty percent (50%) cost-match. I am assuming they are
funding fifty percent (50%) of the salary, and the County funds the other fifty
percent (50%).
Mr. Ushio: There is a Federal performance period. If you
look at the grant guidance, I believe the performance period given to the State
Emergency Management Agency started...I can actually pull that data up right here.
Hang on for a second. Our performance period is retroactive, although it is
July 1, 2022 through January 31, 2024.
Council Chair Rapozo:That is the seventeen and a half (171/2)
months.
Mr. Ushio: I believe so.
Council Chair Rapozo:Whatever it is.
Mr. Ushio: As far as the match, we do an in-kind match
where we count General Fund positions against it, and we actually have more than
enough to match the one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000).
Council Chair Rapozo:So, there is no out-of-pocket cost to the
County.
Mr. Ushio: No.
Council Chair Rapozo:Are there any other questions? If not, thank
you very much.
COUNCIL MEETING 26 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Mr. Ushio: Thank you.
Council Chair Rapozo:Is there anyone in the audience wishing to
testify? Seeing none.
There being no one present to provide testimony, the meeting was called back
to order, and proceeded as follows:
Council Chair Rapozo:Is there any discussion? Seeing none.
The motion to approve C 2023-09 was then put, and carried by a vote of 6:0:1
Councilmember Kuali`i was excused).
Council Chair Rapozo:The motion is carried. Next item, please.
C 2023-10 Communication (11/17/2022) from the Fire Chief, requesting
Council approval to purchase non-budgeted equipment of one (1) Fire Engine with
Fiscal Year 2023 funds in the amount of$900,000.00, which will replace a Fire Engine
for the Kaiakea Fire Station, and due to supply chain issues and increased demand,
Fire Apparatus manufacturers are advising of a two-year turnaround time for delivery
from the time of order.
Councilmember Carvalho moved to approve C 2023-10, seconded by
Councilmember DeCosta.
Council Chair Rapozo:Are there any questions from the Members?
There being no objections, the rules were suspended.
SOLOMAN KANOHO, Fire Assistant Chief: Aloha, good morning, Soloman
Kanoho, Program Manager of Kaua`i Fire and Ocean Safety.
Council Chair Rapozo:Go ahead, Councilmember Cowden.
Councilmember Cowden: Thank you. I appreciate how the Council has
been invited out to the dedications for these rather impressive fire trucks that we are
getting. If I remember correctly, one of the last ones in Waimea was six hundred
thousand dollars ($600,000), do I have that right? It was either that one or one in
Lihu`e.
Mr. Kanoho:Correct. At that time, the purchase for that
piece of fire pumper apparatus was a little over six hundred thousand
dollars ($600,000).
Councilmember Cowden: What brings this one up to nine hundred
thousand dollars ($900,000)? Is it just inflation and all that we have been going
through?
COUNCIL MEETING 27 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Mr. Kanoho:Part of it has to do with COVID-19 over the
last two (2) years. There has been a steady increase anywhere from ten percent (10%)
to fifteen percent (15%) over the last decade. Also,just the sourcing of raw materials,
especially steel, and metal items, including electronics that are involved. Current bid
quotes that we received recently from some manufacturers are in the ballpark of
approximately eight hundred seventy thousand dollars ($870,000) to nine hundred
thousand dollars ($900,000) per pumper.
Councilmember Cowden: Is this from that manufacturer in North
Dakota?
Mr. Kanoho:Correct. There are also manufacturers that
we have dealt with before, which was Pierce Manufacturing. Our Engine 2
apparatus, which we purchased in 2011, that apparatus was actually eight hundred
eleven thousand dollars ($811,000) at the time.
Councilmember Cowden: Not too long ago we had an evaluation for our
fire being at capacity, I think the audit was conducted by Spire, do I have that right?
It was a forty-thousand-dollar ($40,000) Fire Department study that we did, were you
here for that discussion?
Mr. Kanoho: Yes, correct.
Councilmember Cowden: I asked him about what happens when the
motherboard in these trucks fail, and if they need to be replaced? He said that he
had a short period of time. Do you remember his response when I asked, had it ever
happened?
Mr. Kanoho:Great question. It has happened to several of
our apparatuses. The module that you are talking about is called an ECU. Basically,
it is a computer module. We have had issues, which is basically the electronic brain
that controls the apparatus on that. To get a replacement for that, we have had that
happen to two (2) of our front-line apparatuses in the past. They have since been put
off-line. They were in reserve status, but now they are in the process of being disposed
of at the moment.
Councilmember Cowden: Okay. Our auditor or the person who did that
study, I asked what typically happens, and that truck gets thrown away, which
sounds like what is happening.
Mr. Kanoho:Correct. It goes out for auction through the
County process. Just to give some other broad information regarding the audit, but
not only...there was a document that was handed out to everyone. Basically, it is
what is called National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1911. They are the
governing organization that sets the standards for operation for all fire departments
across the country. This one pertains specifically to apparatus standards for
inspection, maintenance, testing, and also the retirement of an apparatus. One of
the issues that we have, which compounds our ability to maintain and inspect our
apparatuses is we do not have a facility for our mechanics to operate, repair, or to do
COUNCIL MEETING 28 DECEMBER 14, 2022
just basic routine maintenance on the apparatuses. They do not have a bay or any
type of lifts available to them. We have been very fortunate that we sought assistance
from the Department of Public Works at the Lihu`e Baseyard. Recently, we asked
them to assist us with one of our reserve trucks in allowing us to fix an issue that we
had with our transmission on one of our apparatus.
Councilmember Cowden: My next couple of questions are intended with
maximum respect, so please do not feel bad. Do you recall me asking the question of,
can we please get extra, you said, ECU? I think of it as the Central Processing Unit
CPU), but remember I have asked that before, can we get it? Do you remember that
question?
Mr. Kanoho:Vaguely. My apologies.
Councilmember Cowden: Can I get just a little bit of clarity?
Council Chair Rapozo:I am trying to figure out what the direction is.
Councilmember Cowden: This is very important.
Council Chair Rapozo:The ECU.
Councilmember Cowden: Yes, the ECU.
Council Chair Rapozo:Is the question, can we stockpile these ECUs
so when one goes down we can replace the ECU?
Councilmember Cowden: Yes.
Council Chair Rapozo:Was that the question?
Councilmember Cowden: That is basically where the question is going,
because I was told before that they are not going to go out and I do not need to worry
about it, but now, I have learned that two (2) of them have gone out.
Council Chair Rapozo:Right.
Councilmember Cowden: As Committee Chair for Public Safety &
Human Services, that has not been given back to me in a report. What I would like
to ask, and what I want to say is, I have some background in this. Typically, if we
are having a specially-manufactured truck to our individual requirements, we can
require them to give us a second motherboard or ECU. We could ask that, and we
should at least ask if we could ask that, and put that in there so we do not risk nine
hundred thousand dollars ($900,000) for a fifty thousand dollar ($50,000) component
or thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) or whatever it might be. Let him answer that
question first.
Mr. Kanoho:Very good question. At the time the ECU
units that you are talking about were related to an apparatus that we received from
COUNCIL MEETING 29 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Pierce Manufacturing. We started with that company back in 2001 and the last
purchase or invitation for bid in 2011. The ECUs that were affected were those last
two (2) engines, which was our frontline Engine 4 and our frontline Engine 3 that we
actually got replaced, repaired, and fixed. Those ECUs at the time that we were going
through this process were approximately over two thousand dollars ($2,000) apiece,
and they had to be programmed. For Engine 4, we could not get that component
directly from the manufacturer. We actually had to solicit and find a manufacture in
Texas that was able to do that. We were successful in getting one (1) of the ECUs to
work in one (1) of the pumpers, but we struggled and had issues with getting it to
work on the Engine 4 spare pumper. After approximately three (3) tries to program
and get that module to work, we still could not get that module to work. At this time,
the only frontline apparatus that we have that is a Pierce unit is our Hazmat vehicle.
I think you should have a copy of what we had as our current apparatus specification.
Council Chair Rapozo:Sol, the equipment that this item is about, the
apparatus is a fire truck.
Mr. Kanoho: Yes, correct. It is basically our engine.
Council Chair Rapozo:The big fire truck.
Mr. Kanoho:Yes, the big fire truck, correct.
Council Chair Rapozo:Not the pumper.
Mr. Kanoho:That is the pumper.
Council Chair Rapozo:Sorry. I am not...
Mr. Kanoho:Sorry, we have a lot of acronyms and a lot of
identifications.
Council Chair Rapozo:Are we talking about a big fire truck?
Mr. Kanoho:Pardon?
Council Chair Rapozo:Are we talking about a big fire truck?
Mr. Kanoho:Yes, we are talking about the big fire truck
and not the smaller brush trucks. I do apologize, Engine 8 is also here.
Council Chair Rapozo:No problem. I kind of figured it out. Are you
looking at replacing?
Mr. Kanoho:Yes. On that list, if you look towards the left,
you see three (3) highlighted numbers, and I apologize that it is so dark on there. In
our current budget, we are replacing Engine 6, but that is in our current budget right
now, but because of the timeframe, it is taking approximately a year and a half(1%)
COUNCIL MEETING 30 DECEMBER 14, 2022
to two and a half(2%) years with the average being two (2) years for manufactures to
build and send us an apparatus right now.
Council Chair Rapozo:Engine 6 is already funded.
Mr. Kanoho:Engine 6 is going out for bid, correct. It is
funded, it is in this budget, and we are asking for funding, but because of that build
timeframe, we need to act now.
Council Chair Rapozo:Okay. Which one (1) are you looking to
replace?
Mr. Kanoho:We are looking at replacing Engine 8.
Originally, in this document, it had not been updated, at the time, due to the years of
service in the NFPA 1911 document, apparatus frontline service is normally
anywhere from ten (10) to twelve (12) years if you are a municipality or a major city.
For jurisdictions such as the Kaua`i Fire Department (KFD), we can get by with
twelve (12) to fifteen (15) years of frontline service. After that, it is recommended
that the apparatus be placed on a reserve status, and be utilized from anywhere from
twenty (20) to twenty-five (25) years of service.
Council Chair Rapozo:Okay. Are you going for a request for
proposal (RFP) for this?
Mr. Kanoho: A RFP for this, yes, or there is a cooperative
purchasing agreement.
Council Chair Rapozo:My only concern is, if this gets approved, it is
going to be spent before the end of the Fiscal Year.
Mr. Kanoho: Yes, that is correct.
Council Chair Rapozo:Okay.
Mr. Kanoho:We did identify within our budget, we have
seven (7) firefighter vacancy positions right now. Part of my task was to try and
locate those funds, so that we could at least accomplish the first-year payment that
was necessary. That would be approximately one hundred twenty-eight thousand
five hundred seventeen dollars ($128,517), but please do not quote me on that.
Council Chair Rapozo:But the request is for nine hundred thousand
dollars ($900,000).
Mr. Kanoho:Yes, that is based on a seven-year lease.
Council Chair Rapozo:Okay.
Mr. Kanoho: Approximately one hundred twenty-eight
thousand five hundred seventeen dollars ($128,517).
COUNCIL MEETING 31 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Council Chair Rapozo:Got it.
Mr. Kanoho:I might add that this year on our budget, we
also are having another apparatus Engine 1, which is coming off lease payment.
Then, the following year, we have another apparatus that would be the seventh year,
so its last payment.
Council Chair Rapozo:And that frees up that.
Mr. Kanoho: Yes, that would free up additional funds to
accomplish that.
Council Chair Rapozo:Got it. Are there any other questions?
Councilmember Cowden.
Councilmember Cowden: How many mechanical apparatus fire trucks
do we have left? How many vehicles do we have that are not dependent on this ECU?
Mr. Kanoho:Well, with the way everything works these
days, every vehicle right now has an electronic module.
Councilmember Cowden: Short answer is, none. We do not have any
that do not have that.
Mr. Kanoho:Correct.
Councilmember Cowden: Do you have any in the back lot or anywhere?
Mr. Kanoho: Are you asking if we have reserve
apparatuses available for use?
Councilmember Cowden: I am just wondering if we have any. I will not
give any examples. Do we have any sitting in the back that are mechanical, or does
everything have an ECU?
Mr. Kanoho:It is my understanding that all of our current
and existing fleet has the ECU module units. Just that different manufacturers...the
issues that we had was just with that one (1) manufacturer.
Councilmember Cowden: I understood that, so every one of them. That
is all I wanted to know.
Mr. Kanoho:Yes, correct.
Councilmember Cowden: That is all I wanted to know. Can Kaua`i Fire
Department please ask the manufacturer for the possibility and the cost to provide a
backup or two (2) of these ECUs, because the reason why you need it done when it is
manufactured is each one (1) of these trucks is really custom, so when they build
one (1) ECU, they can easily construct three (3). Then, they send them in a big packet,
COUNCIL MEETING 32 DECEMBER 14, 2022
so if they say you cannot replace it...we want them to customize it, so they can put
the replacement part in, so we do not lose the availability and have it sit in the back
lot for six (6) months or a year. Can we ask for that please?
Mr. Kanoho:We could ask for that. Normally, there is a
one-year bumper-to-bumper warranty that covers issues like that.
Councilmember Cowden: That is not what I am asking.
Council Chair Rapozo:I think he answered the question.
Councilmember Cowden: No, he did not.
Mr. Kanoho: Yes, we could ask for that.
Council Chair Rapozo:He said we could ask.
Mr. Kanoho:We could ask for that.
Councilmember Cowden: So, you could, but I asked will you, please.
Council Chair Rapozo:Let me say, this is like going to the dealership,
buying your car, and saying, "Hey, can I get another ECU for this pickup truck that
I just bought?" I mean, yes, you can buy whatever you want. The bottom line is that
these ECUs are built with the truck. So, if three (3) years from now your ECU goes
down, that ECU that you bought three (3) years ago is no good.
Councilmember Cowden: That is right. Well, wait a minute.
Council Chair Rapozo:That is right. That is what I am saying.
Councilmember Cowden: No, no, no, no, no.
Council Chair Rapozo:I am telling you. So, it would be foolish to buy
an ECU.
Councilmember Cowden: No.
Council Chair Rapozo:Okay. Can you at least research the
possibility.
Mr. Kanoho:Yes, I can. We have two (2) Fire Mechanics
on staff, they would be able to get that. As Council Chair Rapozo had alluded to
earlier, we can ask for these additional items, it is just a matter of do we know when
or if that particular item...we do not know the date that it would expire, or not expire
at all. Currently, we have a similar apparatus, which is our ladder truck, Ladder 4,
that has been in service since 2016, and thus far we have not had an issue. The ECU
on the previous apparatuses—those issues happened eight (8) years down the road
after they were in service. So, to get spares for those pieces of equipment, they would
COUNCIL MEETING 33 DECEMBER 14, 2022
be sitting on the shelf, and electronics, normally, unless they are taken care of, there
is an expiration time on those pieces of equipment. It might mean a better use of
time and money to be able to work out some type of package with the dealer down the
road, which is something I will explore with our Fire Mechanics to cover that.
Council Chair Rapozo:Like an extended warranty.
Mr. Kanoho:Correct. That is a cost factor.
Council Chair Rapozo:I understand.
Mr. Kanoho:Correct.
Council Chair Rapozo:It is not for this discussion, we can definitely
have this up on an item to discuss your fleet, but how big of an issue are ECU failures?
Mr. Kanoho:The two (2) issues that we had happened a
couple of years ago.
Council Chair Rapozo:We have had two (2).
Mr. Kanoho: Yes, we had those two (2).
Council Chair Rapozo:How many trucks are in our fleet?
Mr. Kanoho:Right now, every station (8) has a pumper.
We also have our hazmat truck, a tanker, a truck (3), and also our ladder truck on
top of that, so approximately fourteen (14).
Council Chair Rapozo:So, it is not common.
Mr. Kanoho:It is not common. That issue that happened
with the ECU happened with a different manufacturer that was across the country.
We had one (1) out of two (2) success in reprogramming that module. So far, out of
the first six (6) years we have had with different manufacturer on half of the fleet
that we currently have, we have not had an issue yet with our ECUs.
Council Chair Rapozo:Got it.
Councilmember Cowden: Just a simple follow-up. What was the cost of
those two (2) trucks that we had to decommission because of the loss of the ECU? To
not be able to successfully replace it. What is the cost of each of those trucks?
Mr. Kanoho:Each of those trucks, at that time, I do not
have the exact figure, but I want to say that one (1) was approximately four hundred
fifty thousand dollars ($450,000) to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000), and the
other one (1) was about five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000), based on just the
time that they were purchased.
COUNCIL MEETING 34 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Councilmember Cowden: Thank you.
Council Chair Rapozo:And how long after?
Mr. Kanoho:Those issues started happening
approximately eight (8) to ten (10) years after they were in service on the line.
Council Chair Rapozo:Got it. Councilmember DeCosta.
Councilmember DeCosta: I think I can shed a little bit of light on this. I
have been listening about motherboards and purchasing an extra motherboard.
When our motherboard went down on those vehicles, was it a malfunction of that
specific motherboard, or was it a malfunction of all the motherboards that were built
for that certain pumper truck across the nation, and they had a recall? What is your
professional knowledge on it?
Mr. Kanoho:I wish I had one of our Fire Mechanics here,
he would probably be able to identify specifically what that is. If I am not mistaken,
there is a series of different electronic boards within that apparatus, and the board
in particular affected the transmission and the pump transmission, not working
together to engage the pump from being able to drive and disengage from a road
operation to being able to pump with the apparatus.
Councilmember DeCosta: I was just thinking about this, so if we are
going to purchase an additional motherboard, but there was a malfunction in the
original one that we bought, and it was across all the motherboards that were made
for that specific pumper truck, then we are actually buying a motherboard that could
malfunction also—that is why I asked about that.
Mr. Kanoho:Yes, that is correct. There is no guarantee
that the new one would not also become a defect. Now, there is also the ability to
refurbish the motherboard, which is a cheaper cost. Approximately between two
thousand two hundred dollars ($2,200) to two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500),
if I am not mistaken, was to refurbish our motherboard. To purchase a brand-new
one with no guarantee that it would also fail eventually down the line, that was
double the cost.
Councilmember DeCosta: Just thinking out loud, we are working with
public safety, the community is where our funds should go, which is safety, so these
trucks that are retiring, I noticed twenty-five (25) years, they still may have some life
out of them, if we would keep one of them around, so when we send the motherboard
back to get refurbished, if it took six (6) months to refurbish that motherboard, we
still have another pumper in the mix.
Mr. Kanoho:Correct.
Councilmember DeCosta: Correct.
COUNCIL MEETING 35 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Mr. Kanoho: Yes, one of the standard requirements is that
we have, based on the number of apparatuses frontline on our fleet, we need to have
two (2) reserves. We currently have three (3).
Councilmember DeCosta: Perfect. You folks have it all covered.
Mr. Kanoho: Yes.
Councilmember DeCosta: Thank you.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Are there any other questions? If
not, thank you.
Mr. Kanoho:Thank you.
Council Chair Rapozo:Is there any public testimony? Seeing none.
There being no one present to provide testimony, the meeting was called back
to order, and proceeded as follows:
Council Chair Rapozo:Councilmember Cowden.
Councilmember Cowden: I feel it is foolish to not look into this topic and
this was an area of specialty for me. At one time, I was a test engineer; we made
these products, we looked at these products. When these products fail, it is because
there is a crack. Like maybe the truck goes off the road or hits something that cracks
that piece. Maybe it gets overheated, it is too close to a fire. The things that make
ECU fail or some of the other pieces in the components that are connected fail because
of environmental problems, typically, not because of programming problems, so this
is a hardware issue, not a software issue. The reason why you cannot just get
something like you gave the example, if you buy a truck and you do not ask for a new
CPU in your car. I have had mine go out in two (2) different,vehicles. By the way,
they never worked right again when I get a new one. What happens is, if say you
have a 2015 vehicle, all the rest of the components and chips are designed for that
customized truck, in the time period that ECU is designed. These are computers that
sit inside the system and they work together, so to choose to have a storage place,
which is completely possible, this is the industry that I worked in, and my friends are
still running these industries, there is equipment that you can put when you have
this replacement board where you sit it in there, so when your piece goes down...it
would have been nice if the mechanic was here, but it should be designed...these are
all customized pieces of equipment, whether they are high or kind of a front hose, it
has been very impressive—these trucks, these apparatuses—they are uniquely
designed, so you could uniquely design it. When we are here in Hawai`i where we
have geckos, salt air, and all kinds of things, I cannot get a washing machine to last
two (2) or three (3) years, because that chip goes out, stereos go out. This is fine
computerized equipment inside, so having it sit in the back lot for six (6) months, we
basically burned nine hundred thousand dollars ($900,000) worth of equipment,
because we could not replace that ECU. I think I am asking a very valid question.
When we are saying we want to buy a nine hundred thousand dollar ($900,000)
COUNCIL MEETING 36 DECEMBER 14, 2022
apparatus, to ask that extra question, "What can we do?" What if it is right along
these places with salt air? Almost every place is salt air where we have our fire
stations. What can we do? I think that it is a very minor question to be asking. I do
not appreciate having that set aside like it is not a reasonable question—it is a
reasonable question. This is a computerized piece of equipment; it is not a new
carburetor. We do not even have carburetors anymore.
Council Chair Rapozo:I am not sure why you are so defensive. You
asked the question, and he said he was going to look into it.
Councilmember Cowden: Because you said it was a truck.
Council Chair Rapozo:Because I what...
Councilmember Cowden: You said it was like changing a piece in a
truck, it is not, these are customized equipment.
Council Chair Rapozo:Okay, I am just saying...
Councilmember Cowden: I want to know.
Council Chair Rapozo:I thought I heard, you do not need to come
back up, I thought I heard him say clearly, that he was going to look into it—that is
what I heard, so I am not sure why the defensiveness.
Councilmember Cowden: I do not want us to make that mistake again.
Nine hundred thousand dollars ($900,000) is a lot to put in. If we have an electrical
storm like we did when we had our 2018 flood, we had six (6) hours of two (2) highly
charged electrical cells. If we had something like that, it is going to hurt all of our
equipment, or it has the potential to hurt all of our equipment—that kind of static
charge in the atmosphere is the type of thing that damages these. So, when we see a
trend, when we talk about climate change, I think it is a small ask.
Council Chair Rapozo:He said he was going to look into it.
Councilmember Cowden: Okay.
Council Chair Rapozo:We are good, we are not mad, we are good. Is
there anyone else? Councilmember DeCosta.
Councilmember DeCosta: Thank you for your explicit definition and
defining everything. I look at those motherboards like how I look at our Apple phones.
Do they not come up with an Apple phone every year? Every couple of years they find
new faults, or new improvements. So, if we are going to buy a motherboard and let
it sit on the shelf for two (2) or three (3) years, in that third year, they may have
improved the motherboard, and it might be obsolete. I think looking into it is a much
better option than just trying to buy it, right now.
Council Chair Rapozo:Councilmember Bulosan.
COUNCIL MEETING 37 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Councilmember Bulosan: I appreciate Councilmembers due diligence
for looking into all these issues, and making sure that we make the best decision for
our public funds, and I also appreciate the Fire Department for looking ahead of time,
considering the timeline of how we make sure these get fixed in time, so that we are
never understaffed or underequipped for situations in our community. I know this is
important for all of our stations, especially as we have a growing community, so I
really appreciate this discussion.
Council Chair Rapozo:Is there anyone else? If not, thank you. It is
one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) this year for a new truck that is sorely
needed. Is there any final discussion?
The motion to approve C 2023-10 was then put, and carried by a vote of 6:0:1
Councilmember Kuali`i was excused).
Council Chair Rapozo:The motion is carried. Next item, please.
C 2023-11 Communication (12/01/2022) from the Director of Finance,
requesting Council approval to accept terms contained within Elavon's Terms of Service
Agreement for over-the-counter transactions, to also include online payments
associated with the Land Information Management System (LIMS).
Councilmember Carvalho moved to approve C 2023-11, seconded by
Councilmember DeCosta.
Council Chair Rapozo:Is there any discussion?
Councilmember Cowden: I have a question.
Council Chair Rapozo:Okay. Finance.
There being no objections, the rules were suspended.
REIKO MATSUYAMA, Director of Finance: Good morning, Reiko
Matsuyama, Finance Department.
Councilmember Cowden: Hi, this is very simple. I have been so excited
that we are going to be getting the Land Information Management System (LIMS).
When I was reading this, I could not quite determine if we already have something
up and running. If so, when is it up and running? If not, is this for the future, or is
this something we have?
Ms. Matsuyama: We do not have any online payment portal
yet. But yes, LIMS itself, which is a product of its elements, it is up and running in
multiple departments. You can find it at connect.kauai.gov. Basically, it is a
public-facing platform, but then it provides the internal workflow, and the workflow
pushes it out to many County agencies, so we can get approvals throughout the
multiple stages, so that the public does not need to go to the Planning Department,
then to the Building Division, then to the Fire Department.
COUNCIL MEETING 38 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Councilmember Cowden: When I think of Land Information
Management System as we discussed, is this part of what we purchased with the
original six million dollars ($6,000,000) four (4) years ago, or is this pre-existing that?
Ms. Matsuyama: I do not think we spent that much money.
Councilmember Cowden: We did spend six million dollars ($6,000,000)
for a whole network of things that we approved. I am putting those numbers together
in the first budget in 2018, because we were trying to become more modern, for lack
of a better word, that is like an old-style word. Does the Planning Department have
LIMS working on it already?
Ms. Matsuyama: Yes.
Councilmember Cowden: How long has the Planning Department had
LIMS working?
Ms. Matsuyama: For well over a year now, they have had ARU
and ADU applications online, but they do not have the payment part of it. This
payment part of it that you are approving today will kind of complete the cycle, so
that they do not need to come in and pay a check after they have already done their
online application.
Councilmember Cowden: Is the Department of Public Works in our
LIMS now, too?
Ms. Matsuyama: The Department of Public Works is, the
Engineering Division, the Roads Division—I think you saw the demonstration on
roads—the Solid Waste Division, the Wastewater Division, and the Buildings
Divisions, are all in the works, so there are a lot of different agencies. The
Department of Parks & Recreation is on it. Department of Finance, Real Property
Division, Fire Department is on it, and Economic Development.
Councilmember Cowden: Okay.
Ms. Matsuyama: The Planning Department is ahead of
everyone.
Councilmember Cowden: Okay. In this request here, you are asking for
the terms of service, so I am happy on that. This was just an opportunity to ask that
question. Maybe in the next couple of months, I will ask for a briefing from the
Information Technology (IT) Division, so we can see a diagram of how everything is
up and running, because that was a big step that we were moving into.
Ms. Matsuyama: Yes. I would encourage you to go to the
website connect.kauai.gov and check it out.
COUNCIL MEETING 39 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Councilmember Cowden: Connect.kauai.gov. Yes, I will look through
that. I look in different little portals, but I was not aware of how it was coming
together. Okay, thank you.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Are there any other questions?
Councilmember Carvalho.
Councilmember Carvalho: The online payments, again, to be specific, it
is not everyone right now?
Ms. Matsuyama: Whoever is on LIMS and needs payment
attached to whatever application or permit they are applying for, they could have
this. The online payment would accept credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks, so you
can pay directly to your bank. What we are trying to do is, the credit and debit card
fees would be passed on, but the County will absorb the processing fees for the
e-check, so it would provide a free avenue to pay instead of coming in.
Councilmember Carvalho: Thank you.
Council Chair Rapozo:Are there any other questions? If not, thank
you.
There being no objections, the meeting was called back to order, and proceeded
as follows:
Council Chair Rapozo:Councilmember Bulosan.
Councilmember Bulosan: I am very excited. As a millennial, I am most
excited about any advancement in technology, and ability for our community to have
access to paying things, so thank you for going after this.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Councilmember Cowden.
Councilmember Cowden: I just want to say, I am really happy that all
of this is moving forward, too. With maximum respect to our last Administration and
team, they did a great job from anywhere from pen and paper to an old-style way of
doing things, and now we are moving forward. I am happy to be hearing about this
and to have people in the room, because we have not had as much updates on that.
Great. I am happy.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Is there any other discussion?
There being no one present to provide testimony, the meeting proceeded as
follows:
The motion to approve C 2023-11 was then put, and carried by a vote of 6:0:1
Councilmember Kuali i was excused).
COUNCIL MEETING 40 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Council Chair Rapozo:The motion is carried. Next items are claims,
Clerk.
CLAIMS:
C 2023-12 Communication (11/14/2022) from the County Clerk,
transmitting a claim filed against the County of Kaua`i by Dordick Law Corporation
representing Evan Schaben, for personal injury and medical bills, pursuant to
Section 23.06, Charter of the County of Kaua`i.
C 2023-13 Communication (11/21/2022) from the County Clerk, transmitting
a claim filed against the County of Kaua`i by Craig Koga, for damage to his vehicle,
pursuant to Section 23.06, Charter of the County of Kaua`i.
C 2023-14 Communication (11/22/2022) from the County Clerk, transmitting
a claim filed against the County of Kaua`i by Melva Christunas, for vehicle damage,
pursuant to Section 23.06, Charter of the County of Kaua`i.
C 2023-15 Communication (11/25/2022) from the County Clerk, transmitting
a claim filed against the County of Kaua`i by John Mullen & Company representing DB
Insurance Company, as subrogee of Kim Murriera, for damage to personal property,
pursuant to Section 23.06, Charter of the County of Kaua`i.
C 2023-16 Communication (11/29/2022) from the County Clerk, transmitting
a claim filed against the County of Kaua`i by Merlene Takemoto, for vehicle damage,
pursuant to Section 23.06, Charter of the County of Kaua`i.
Councilmember Carvalho moved to refer C 2023-12, C 2023-13, C 2023-14,
C 2023-15, and C 2023-16 to the Office of the County Attorney for disposition
and/or report back to the Council, seconded by Councilmember Cowden.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Is there any discussion? Is there
any public testimony? Seeing none.
There being no one present to provide testimony, the meeting proceeded as
follows:
The motion to refer C 2023-12, C 2023-13, C 2023-14, C 2023-15, and
C 2023-16 to the Office of the County Attorney for disposition and/or report
back to the Council was then put, and carried by a vote of a vote of 6:0:1
Councilmember Kuali`i was excused).
Council Chair Rapozo:The motion is carried. Next item, please.
COMMITTEE REPORT:
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
COUNCIL MEETING 41 DECEMBER 14, 2022
A report (No. CR-COW 2023-01) submitted by the Committee of the Whole,
recommending that the following be Approved on second and final reading:
Bill No. 2889 — A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
CHAPTER 5A, SECTION 5A-6.3(g), KAUAI COUNTY CODE 1987, AS
AMENDED, RELATING TO REAL PROPERTY TAX (Ni`ihau Minimum
Tax),"
Councilmember Carvalho moved for approval of the report, seconded by
Councilmember Cowden.
Council Chair Rapozo:Is there any discussion? Is there any public
testimony? Seeing none.
There being no one present to provide testimony, the meeting proceeded as
follows:
The motion for approval of the report was then put, and carried by a vote of a
vote of 6:0:1 (Councilmember Kuali i was excused).
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Next item.
RESOLUTIONS:
Resolution No. 2023-04 — RESOLUTION CONFIRMING MAYORAL
REAPPOINTMENT TO THE BOARD OF ETHICS (Rose Ramos-Benzel)
Councilmember Carvalho moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-04,
seconded by Councilmember DeCosta.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Is there any discussion or public
testimony?
Councilmember Cowden: I have a simple question for Ellen.
Council Chair Rapozo:Sure.
There being no objections, the rules were suspended.
ELLEN CHING, Administrator Boards & Commission: Good morning.
Council Chair Rapozo:Good morning.
Ms. Ching: Boards & Commissions Administrator Ellen
Ching.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Councilmember Cowden.
COUNCIL MEETING 42 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Councilmember Cowden: I have a simple question. Some of these we
have appointed very recently. Just help me understand why we are reappointing
them. Does this have to do with the Inauguration and a new Mayoral position? If we
just approved them in the last year, why are we doing it again?
Ms. Ching: Because they have filled a partial term.
Councilmember Cowden: Okay.
Ms. Ching: By Charter, we are required to keep the terms
as they are, we cannot change terms. So, if someone resigns for personal reasons,
health reasons, that is usually the case, then we fill that position. The person coming
in will fill that person's term, so it may be a couple of months, it may be six(6) months,
sometimes it is even just one (1) month. Then, when that term ends, we reappoint
them.
Councilmember Cowden: Okay, thank you.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you, Ellen.
There being no objections, the meeting was called back to order, and proceeded
as follows:
Council Chair Rapozo:Is there any further discussion? Seeing none.
Roll call.
The motion for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-04 was then put, and carried by
the following vote:
FOR ADOPTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Rapozo TOTAL— 6,
AGAINST ADOPTION: None TOTAL — 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: Kuali`i TOTAL — 1,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL — 0.
JADE K. FOUNTAIN-TANIGAWA, County Clerk: Six (6) ayes.
Council Chair Rapozo:Next item.
Resolution No. 2023-05 — RESOLUTION CONFIRMING MAYORAL
REAPPOINTMENT TO THE BOARD OF ETHICS (Kelly M. Gentry)
Councilmember Carvalho moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-05,
seconded by Councilmember DeCosta.
Council Chair Rapozo:Is there any discussion or public testimony?
Seeing none. Roll call.
COUNCIL MEETING 43 DECEMBER 14, 2022
There being no one present to provide testimony, the meeting proceeded as
follows:
The motion for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-05 was then put, and carried by
the following vote:
FOR ADOPTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Rapozo TOTAL— 6,
AGAINST ADOPTION: None TOTAL — 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: Kuali`i TOTAL — 1,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL — 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Six (6) ayes.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Next item.
Resolution No. 2023-06 — RESOLUTION CONFIRMING MAYORAL
REAPPOINTMENT TO THE BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (Julie Simonton)
Councilmember Carvalho moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-06,
seconded by Councilmember DeCosta.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Is there any discussion or public
testimony? Seeing none. Roll call.
There being no one present to provide testimony, the meeting proceeded as
follows:
The motion for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-06 was then put, and carried by
the following vote:
FOR ADOPTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Rapozo TOTAL— 6,
AGAINST ADOPTION: None TOTAL — 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: Kuali`i TOTAL— 1,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Six (6) ayes.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Next item.
Resolution No. 2023-07 — RESOLUTION CONFIRMING MAYORAL
REAPPOINTMENT TO THE CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION (Bronson
Bautista)
Councilmember Carvalho moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-07,
seconded by Councilmember DeCosta.
COUNCIL MEETING 44 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Is there any discussion or public
testimony? Seeing none. Roll call.
There being no one present to provide testimony, the meeting proceeded as
follows:
The motion for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-07 was then put, and carried by
the following vote:
FOR ADOPTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Rapozo TOTAL— 6,
AGAINST ADOPTION: None TOTAL — 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: Kuali`i TOTAL — 1,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Six (6) ayes.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Next item.
Resolution No. 2023-08 — RESOLUTION CONFIRMING MAYORAL
REAPPOINTMENT TO THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION (Beverly Gotelli)
Councilmember Carvalho moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-08,
seconded by Councilmember DeCosta.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Is there any discussion or public
testimony? Seeing none. Roll call.
There being no one present to provide testimony, the meeting proceeded as
follows:
The motion for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-08 was then put, and carried by
the following vote:
FOR ADOPTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Rapozo TOTAL— 6,
AGAINST ADOPTION: None TOTAL — 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: Kuali`i TOTAL — 1,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Six (6) ayes.
Council Chair Rapozo:Next item, please.
Resolution No. 2023-09 — RESOLUTION CONFIRMING MAYORAL
REAPPOINTMENT TO THE LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION (Dee Crowell)
COUNCIL MEETING 45 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Councilmember Carvalho moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-09,
seconded by Councilmember DeCosta.
Council Chair Rapozo:Is there any discussion or public testimony?
Seeing none. Roll call, please.
There being no one present to provide testimony, the meeting proceeded as
follows:
The motion for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-09 was then put, and carried by
the following vote:
FOR ADOPTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Rapozo TOTAL— 6,
AGAINST ADOPTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: Kuali`i TOTAL— 1,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Six (6) ayes.
Council Chair Rapozo: Thank you. Next item, please.
Resolution No. 2023-10 — RESOLUTION CONFIRMING MAYORAL
REAPPOINTMENT TO THE LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION (Randall
Nishimura)
Councilmember Carvalho moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-10,
seconded by Councilmember DeCosta.
Council Chair Rapozo:Is there any discussion or public testimony?
Seeing none. Roll call.
There being no one present to provide testimony, the meeting proceeded as
follows:
The motion for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-10 was then put, and carried by
the following vote:
FOR ADOPTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Rapozo TOTAL— 6,
AGAINST ADOPTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: Kuali`i TOTAL— 1,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL — 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Six (6) ayes.
Council Chair Rapozo:Next item, please.
COUNCIL MEETING 46 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Resolution No. 2023-11 — RESOLUTION CONFIRMING MAYORAL
REAPPOINTMENT TO THE LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION (Leland Kahawai)
Councilmember Carvalho moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-11,
seconded by Councilmember DeCosta.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Is there any discussion or public
testimony? Seeing none. Roll call.
There being no one present to provide testimony, the meeting proceeded as
follows:
The motion for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-11 was then put, and carried by
the following vote:
FOR ADOPTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Rapozo TOTAL— 6,
AGAINST ADOPTION: None TOTAL — 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: Kuali`i TOTAL — 1,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Six (6) ayes.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Next item, please.
Resolution No. 2023-12 — RESOLUTION CONFIRMING MAYORAL
REAPPOINTMENT TO THE PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, NATURAL
RESOURCES PRESERVATION FUND COMMISSION (Mark Ono—Kapa a—Wailua)
Councilmember Carvalho moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-12,
seconded by Councilmember DeCosta.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Is there any discussion or public
testimony? Seeing none. Roll call.
There being no one present to provide testimony, the meeting proceeded as
follows:
The motion for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-12 was then put, and carried by
the following vote:
FOR ADOPTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Rapozo TOTAL — 6,
AGAINST ADOPTION: None TOTAL — 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: Kuali`i TOTAL — 1,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Six (6) ayes.
COUNCIL MEETING 47 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Next item, please.
Resolution No. 2023-13 — RESOLUTION CONFIRMING MAYORAL
REAPPOINTMENT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION (Francis DeGracia, Jr. —
Labor)
Councilmember Carvalho moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-13,
seconded by Councilmember DeCosta.
Council Chair Rapozo:Is there any discussion or public testimony?
Seeing none. Roll call.
There being no one present to provide testimony, the meeting proceeded as
follows:
The motion for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-13 was then put, and carried by
the following vote:
FOR ADOPTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Rapozo TOTAL— 6,
AGAINST ADOPTION: None TOTAL — 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: Kuali`i TOTAL — 1,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Six (6) ayes.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Next item.
Resolution No. 2023-14 — RESOLUTION CONFIRMING MAYORAL
REAPPOINTMENT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION (Lori Otsuka—Business)
Councilmember Carvalho moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-14,
seconded by Councilmember DeCosta.
Council Chair Rapozo:Is there any discussion or public testimony?
Seeing none. Roll call.
There being no one present to provide testimony, the meeting proceeded as
follows:
The motion for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-14 was then put, and carried by
the following vote:
FOR ADOPTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Rapozo TOTAL— 6,
AGAINST ADOPTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: Kuali`i TOTAL— 1,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL — 0.
COUNCIL MEETING 48 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Six (6) ayes.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Next item, please.
Resolution No. 2023-15 — RESOLUTION CONFIRMING MAYORAL
REAPPOINTMENT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION (Jerry Ornellas —
Environmental)
Councilmember Carvalho moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-15,
seconded by Councilmember DeCosta.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Is there any discussion or public
testimony? Seeing none. Roll call.
There being no one present to provide testimony, the meeting proceeded as
follows:
The motion for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-15 was then put, and carried by
the following vote:
FOR ADOPTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Rapozo TOTAL— 6,
AGAINST ADOPTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: Kuali`i TOTAL— 1,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Six (6) ayes.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you very much. Next item, please.
Resolution No. 2023-16 — RESOLUTION CONFIRMING MAYORAL
REAPPOINTMENT TO THE SALARY COMMISSION (Patrick Ono)
Councilmember Carvalho moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-16,
seconded by Councilmember DeCosta.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Is there any discussion or public
testimony? Seeing none. Roll call.
There being no one present to provide testimony, the meeting proceeded as
follows:
The motion for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-16 was then put, and carried by
the following vote:
COUNCIL MEETING 49 DECEMBER 14, 2022
FOR ADOPTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Rapozo TOTAL— 6,
AGAINST ADOPTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: Kuali`i TOTAL— 1,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Six (6) ayes.
Council Chair Rapozo:Next item, please.
Resolution No. 2023-17 — RESOLUTION CONFIRMING COUNCIL
APPOINTMENT TO THE KAUAI HISTORIC PRESERVATION REVIEW
COMMISSION (Lee S. Gately—At-Large)
Councilmember Carvalho moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-17,
seconded by Councilmember DeCosta.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Is there any discussion or public
testimony? Seeing none. Roll call.
There being no one present to provide testimony, the meeting proceeded as
follows:
The motion for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-17 was then put, and carried by
the following vote:
FOR ADOPTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Rapozo TOTAL— 6,
AGAINST ADOPTION: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: Kuali`i TOTAL— 1,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Six (6) ayes.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Next item, please.
Resolution No. 2023-18 — RESOLUTION APPOINTING BERNARD P.
CARVALHO, JR. AS REPRESENTATIVE AND BILL DECOSTA AS THE
ALTERNATE TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE HAWAII STATE
ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES
Councilmember Carvalho moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-18,
seconded by Councilmember Evslin.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Is there any discussion or public
testimony? Seeing none. Roll call.
There being no one present to provide testimony, the meeting proceeded as
follows:
COUNCIL MEETING 50 DECEMBER 14, 2022
The motion for adoption of Resolution No. 2023-18 was then put, and carried by
the following vote:
FOR ADOPTION: Bulosan, Carvalho, DeCosta, Evslin,
Rapozo TOTAL— 5,
AGAINST ADOPTION: Cowden TOTAL— 1,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: Kuali`i TOTAL— 1,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Five (5) ayes, one (1) no.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Next item, please.
BILL FOR FIRST READING:
Proposed Draft Bill (No. 2893) — A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
CHAPTER 8, KAUAI COUNTY CODE 1987, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO
ZONING DESIGNATION IN LAWAI HOMESTEADS, KAUAI (Kurt Bosshard and
Steven Absher, Applicants)
Councilmember Carvalho moved for passage of Proposed Draft Bill (No. 2893)
on first reading, that it be ordered to print, that a public hearing thereon be
scheduled for January 11, 2023, and that it be referred to the Planning
Committee, seconded by Councilmember DeCosta.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Is there any discussion? Is there
any public testimony?
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: We have one (1) registered speaker.
Council Chair Rapozo:Mr. Bosshard.
There being no objections, the rules were suspended to take public testimony.
Mr. Bosshard: The broader discussion kind of strayed from
what the circumstances are on the property, which is there is no ditch, there is no
easement, and the kama aina that I have talked to have never seen a ditch on it. It
was a zoning situation whether it was Open zoning, and you can kind of tie that to a
ditch system that has been abandoned years ago. The Department of Public Works
is the entity that would address this like any other property, because the (inaudible)
and apparently, they did, there was a site visit was done of the property. There is a
house that is under construction right where the ditch would have otherwise been.
Koloa Road is right here and there is no place for water to enter the property as it
used to. A&B gave up the ditch rights or the easement many years ago, and there is
a transfer document on that. This is not a Commission on Water Resource
Management (CWRM) thing, it is not a Corps of Engineers thing, there is no water,
and there is not ever going to be any water in this ditch, so I hope you will take that
into account, because otherwise I am going to get dragged into something...
COUNCIL MEETING 51 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Council Chair Rapozo:No, no, thank you. That is the way it was
presented by the Planning Department; it seemed like the ditch was there.
Mr. Bosshard: No, there is a house there.
Council Chair Rapozo:Okay.
Mr. Bosshard: It is the natural drainage of the property as it
would have been. It was the alteration of the natural drainage historically by a ditch,
which no longer exists. There is no sign of a ditch there.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you.
Mr. Bosshard: Nor any legal right for anyone to claim access.
Council Chair Rapozo:Understood. Thank you. Councilmember
Cowden.
Councilmember Cowden: Thank you for that clarification. Thank you
for watching. I was disappointed when you left because I wanted your input. Extra
clarification, when you bought the property, there was no ditch there.
Mr. Bosshard: No ditch.
Councilmember Cowden: To your knowledge there has never been a
ditch there, it was simply the potential for a ditch.
Mr. Bosshard: I believe there may have been a ditch there at
one time—I do believe that. But I have the transfer document from A&B from
fifty (50)years ago to the Hamamoto family as the water was no longer running there,
and they eliminated it. It is right next to Koloa Road, so there is no access point for
any ditch water to come onto the property.
Councilmember Cowden: Okay, and no record of flooding in the past
ten (10) years on that property from what would be a ditch.
Mr. Bosshard: No. That is not the flooding side of the Koloa
issue of the tourist area down there, any water goes west.
Councilmember Cowden: Yes. Okay.
Mr. Bosshard: There are houses all along Koloa Road. It is
actually in Lawa`i Town.
Councilmember Cowden: Okay. Thank you for that clarification.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. I would like to explain why I had
that question, let me just read the report, it says, "The Department's research
indicates that the Open zoned portion of the lot was used in conjunction...where an
COUNCIL MEETING 52 DECEMBER 14, 2022
existing ditch right-of-way travels through the area. The ditch provided a connection
between two (2) nearby reservoirs located on the mauka and makai side of Koloa
Road. As a result the foregoing parcels were designated Open. It is noted that the
ditch is no longer utilized for agricultural purposes, and remains dry." I read that as
the ditch is there, but it is dry. If it was written where "there is no ditch..."
Mr. Bosshard: I hear you.
Council Chair Rapozo:Okay.
Mr. Bosshard: When you are there and you are used to
having it a certain way, you do not associate it with it, you are going to have
reasonable questions about whether there is one or not.
Council Chair Rapozo:Yes, I expect the report to tell me what is
there, so I can visualize. I visualize a ditch that was connecting two (2) reservoirs
that are no longer being used.
Mr. Bosshard: I do not know how they are connected,
because it has to come across Koloa Road, too.
Council Chair Rapozo:I am just reading what is in the report. Thank
you.
Mr. Bosshard: If there was a tunnel or whatever.
Council Chair Rapozo:Overpass.
Mr. Bosshard: Aqueduct.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you, my friend.
Mr. Bosshard: Sorry about that.
Council Chair Rapozo:No, no. Thank you.
Councilmember Cowden: Thank you very much.
There being no further testimony, the meeting was called back to order, and
proceeded as follows:
Council Chair Rapozo:Is there any further discussion? The motion
is to send to public hearing and off to the Planning Committee. No further discussion.
Roll call.
COUNCIL MEETING 53 DECEMBER 14, 2022
The motion for passage of Proposed Draft Bill (No. 2893) on first reading, that
it be ordered to print, that a public hearing thereon be scheduled for
January 11, 2023, and that it be referred to the Planning Committee was then
put, and carried by the following vote:
FOR PASSAGE: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Rapozo TOTAL— 6,
AGAINST PASSAGE: None TOTAL — 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: Kuali`i TOTAL— 1,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Six (6) ayes.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. Last item, please.
BILL FOR SECOND READING:
Bill No. 2889 — A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
CHAPTER 5A, SECTION 5A-6.3(g), KAUAI COUNTY CODE 1987, AS AMENDED,
RELATING TO REAL PROPERTY TAX (Niihau Minimum Tax)
Councilmember Carvalho moved to approve Bill No. 2889 on second and final
reading, and that it be transmitted to the Mayor for his approval, seconded by
Councilmember Cowden.
Council Chair Rapozo:Is there any discussion or public testimony?
Seeing none. Motion is to approve. Roll call.
There being no one present to provide testimony, the meeting proceeded as
follows:
The motion to approve Bill No. 2889 on second and final reading, and that it be
transmitted to the Mayor for his approval was then put, and carried by the
following vote:
FOR APPROVAL: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Rapozo TOTAL— 6,
AGAINST APPROVAL: None TOTAL— 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: Kuali`i TOTAL— 1,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL — 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Six (6) ayes.
COUNCIL MEETING 54 DECEMBER 14, 2022
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. That concludes the open public
agenda. We have an Executive Session, is Matt around?
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Yes, right here.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
ES-1087 Pursuant to Hawai`i Revised Statutes (HRS) Sections 92-4 and
92-5(a)(4), and Kaua`i County Charter Section 3.07(E), the Office of the County
Attorney requests an Executive Session with the Council to provide the Council with
a briefing and request for settlement authority regarding In the Matter of the Tax
Appeal of Hope Kallai, Case No. 1CTX-22-0000126 (Tax Appeal Court of the State of
Hawai`i). This briefing and consultation involves consideration of the powers, duties,
privileges, immunities, and/or liabilities of the Council and the County as they relate
to this agenda item.
Councilmember Carvalho moved to convene in Executive Session for ES-1087,
seconded by Councilmember DeCosta.
Council Chair Rapozo:Is there any discussion or public testimony?
Seeing none. Roll call.
There being no one present to provide testimony, the meeting proceeded as
follows:
The motion to convene in Executive Session for ES-1087 was then put, and
carried by the following vote:
FOR APPROVAL: Bulosan, Carvalho, Cowden, DeCosta,
Evslin, Rapozo TOTAL — 6,
AGAINST APPROVAL: None TOTAL — 0,
EXCUSED & NOT VOTING: Kuali`i TOTAL— 1,
RECUSED & NOT VOTING: None TOTAL— 0.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Six (6) ayes.
Council Chair Rapozo:Just for clarification, the motion was to go
into Executive Session.
Ms. Fountain-Tanigawa: Go into Executive Session, correct.
Council Chair Rapozo:Thank you. With that, the Council Meeting is
adjourned.
COUNCIL MEETING 55 DECEMBER 14, 2022
ADJOURNMENT.
There being no further business, the Council Meeting adjourned at 10:40 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
JAD . FOUNTAIN-TANIGAWA
County Clerk
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