Urging the County of Hawaiʻi to Establish a Jobs Corp Program for Hawaiʻi Island to Help Address Unemployment Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic and to Support Economic Diversification.

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During COVID, the State used a portion of its CARES money to fund workforce development programs that put people to work. Inspired by this and wanting to build off of models that worked, our office introduced Reso. 35-21 to call for the County to establish a Green Jobs Corps program to support COVID recovery and economic diversification in recession proof sectors like ‘āina restoration and preservation, climate change, renewable energy, science and technology, and food security.

We wanted to leverage the moment and seize opportunities to invest in a more equitable future to build a resilient economy that works in concert with our environment, elevates island values, and empowers our people up to be the best they can in jobs they are passionate about.

This resolution served as the catalyst for HB1176, which was passed by the Hawai‘i State Legislature, creating hundreds of green jobs across the islands.

Strongly Supporting Digital Equity and Urging Development of Broadband Infranstructure to Bolster COVID-19 Recovery and Foster Economic Development

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COVID highlighted the need for an expansion in broadband infrastructure and to increase digital equity – that is the ability for a person to successful access and navigate the online space, which is critical as society shifts to an increasingly digital world.

That's we collaborated with Council Member Heather Kimball to introduce Reso. 43-21, supporting digital equity and urging development of broadband infrastructure to bolster recovery and foster economic development.

We recognized access to digital services across Hawai‘i County created a "digital divide," particularly among our most vulnerable populations and along racial, economic, and geographical. boundaries. Digital inequity was exacerbated during the pandemic and has prevented residents from accessing employment, education, healthcare, civic engagement, emergency preparedness and other critical services.

This Resolution led to our County becoming a signatory to the Digital Equity Declaration drafted by the Broadband Hui and ensuring implementation of our Hawai‘i Broadband Strategic Plan.

A Resolution Urging the Designation of March as Youth Art Month in the County of Hawaii and Supporting Activation of Art in the Park Islandwide to Showcase Youth Artwork

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Recognizing June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual Pride Month in the County of Hawaiʻi

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We introduced Reso. 135-21 recognizing June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA) Pride Month in the County of Hawai‘i.

Hawai‘i County has a thriving LGBTQIA community sustaining and sustained by so many welcoming organizations, places of worship, businesses, neighborhoods, schools, events, and more.

Native Hawaiians recognized "māhu" as "the third gender" and accepted diversity of gender and sexual identity before the introduction of missionaries' ideological influences.

Through this resolution, the Council recognized the experiences, sacrifices, and struggles of the LGBTQIA community for equality and justice throughout history and in modern times, and proclaimed itself as an ally of support.

Authorizing the Formation of a Working Group to Develop a Condition Assessment of County Assets and to Urge the Administration to Utilize this Assessment to Transform the Development and Reporting of the Capital Budget and Capital Program as Outlined in Article X, Section 10-6, of the Hawaiʻi County Charter.

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Council Members Ashley Kierkiewicz and Sue Lee Loy co-introduced Resolution 142-21 authorizing formation of a working group to develop a condition assessment tool for County assets.

The goal is for all departments to utilize this tool in order to have clear data that informs Council Members and members of the public on how projects were selected and prioritized in the annual capital budget.

Looking back 15 years at the capital budget and capital program provides little guidance on project measures and priorities, except for those tied to compliance or mandates from other authorities or controls.

A working group has been authorized to develop a condition assessment tool to rate the condition of assets in anticipation of the next budget review cycle for FY2022-23.

Authorizing the Director of Finance to Enter into Negotiations for the Acquisition of Waiʻele in the District of Puna, Utilizing the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund.

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Introduced Reso. 170-21 in August 2021 to authorize negotiations for acquisition of Wai‘ele utilizing the PONC fund.

The old coastal village of Wai‘ele in the ahupua‘a of Kanekiki totals 165 acres with 2,000 feet of shoreline and contains sacred treasures including fresh water springs, rare groves of kukui, hau and hala trees, an ancient pōhaku (stone) trail, ancient burial sites, and animals such as the ‘io (Hawaiian hawk), ‘ōpae‘ape‘a (Hawaiian bat), and pueo (Hawaiian owl).

Proud to share the property was acquired by the County PONC fund in Dec. 2021.

Supporting the Naming and Dedication of the Pāhoa Roundabout in Memory if Rene Siracusa to Honor her Life, Legacy, and Significant Contributions to Puna

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At the request of numerous constituents, our office introduced Reso. 172-21, naming and dedicating the Pāhoa Roundabout after one of our community pillars, Rene Siracusa – a remarkable and beloved member of Puna, a loving hānai mother, and founder of Mālama o Puna.

Rene lived a life of many accomplishments, service, and purposeful activism, including earning two collegiate degrees in linguistic anthropology, advocating for community health and safety, championing animal rights, protecting and beautifying the ‘āina through environmental restoration and preservation, and being a tenacious voice for justice.

She played an integral role in fostering activities that promote the health and well-being of island residents and the environment through her lasting work and exceptional dedication to sustaining our precious resources and building community capacity.

Malama o Puna, through Rene Siracusa's tireless leadership, catalyzed community-driven beautification of Pāhoa Roundabout by coordinating donations of native vegetation and materials, and organizing volunteers to upkeep the scenery.

Resolution Authorizing the Office of the mayor to Enter into an Agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture

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Urging the Office of Housing and Community Development to Conduct a Study of the County’s Inclusionary Zoning Policies, pursuant to Senate Resolution No. 3, and to Develop a Strategic Roadmap for Housing Development on Hawaiʻi Island.

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"Inclusionary Zoning" is a housing policy that requires a certain percentage of units in new residential developments to be priced as affordable for buyers at the low to moderate income levels. Research on this policy indicates that it may actually be having an adverse impact, reducing the amount of affordable housing available.

We've also seen time and again, housing developments sitting idle or coming in for time extensions because the project is caught up in bureaucracy and the permitting process. Everyone involved in housing development needs to understand their role and when to act, which requires major alignment of partners, policy, and financing.

This led me to introduce Reso. 241-21, which calls on our Office of Housing and Community Development to analyze the impact of inclusionary zoning on our local housing market and to develop a strategic roadmap for housing development to increase housing stock on Hawai‘i Island.

The housing roadmap was presented to Council in January 2022, and is currently being implemented

• Comprehensive review and update of Chapter 11 (Housing) - underway

• Changes to Chapter 23 (Subdivision), Chapter 25 (Zoning) - underway

• This is being done in conjunction with Planning Department following our resolution directing refresh of these chapters and appropriating funds last budget cycle to get this done.

• Establishment of an Affordable Housing Fund - completed

• Including resources dedicated to increasing and preserving the supply of affordable housing.

• Use of County- and State-owned Lands for Affordable Housing - analysis and prioritization underway

• Planning and Permitting Processes to Fast Track Administrative Approval for 100% Affordable Housing Projects - ongoing

• Additional strategies under consideration: infrastructure, vacation rental regulations, financing tools (such as a County version of 201H), building codes, fees and exactions - underway

A Resolution Urging the Department of Planning to Assess the Feasibility of Establishing a Metropolitan Planning Organization for the County of Hawaii.

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Recognizing “Malama Makuahine: Year of the Mother 2022” in the County of Hawaiʻi

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Makuahine encompasses all the female caretakers of the family, including mothers, aunts, older female cousins, hānai mothers, and even kumu and close friends.

In partnership with Council Member Heather Kimball, and in collaboration with the Hawai‘i County Committee on the Status of Women, we introduced Reso. 292-21, declaring 2022 "Mālama Makuahine: Year of the Mother."

We believe that those who mālama, care for, and nurture us, deserve the utmost support and attention for their own emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. The pandemic had adverse impacts on women, who shouldered home, work, childcare, and teaching responsibilities while dealing with health issues, a rise in domestic violence, and massive unemployment.

This resolution affirmed the role of mothers, and the institution of motherhood, to be critical to society. Women were celebrated and uplifted throughout the year thanks to the leadership of the CSW.

A Resolution Transferring/ Appropriating An Appropriation Out and From a Designated Fund Account an Crediting Same to a Designated Fund Account in the Geothermal Relocation and Community Benefits Fund to Purchase Equipment for the Hawaii Fire Department’s Station 10 in Pahoa.

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Supporting an Independent Ukraine and Condemning Russian Military Assault

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A number of constituents with a connection to Ukraine reached out to request a resolution be adopted by the County Council to affirm support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing military assault by Russia.

The Council unanimously adopted our measure, Reso. 337-22, to support Ukraine and condemn Russian military attacks, and wore blue and yellow in solidarity with Ukraine. Special mahalo to Kristen Alice, a Hawai’i Island resident of Ukranian ancestry, for reaching out to our office and collaborating on the resolution.

I made a personal donation to World Central Kitchen, which is on the front lines providing hot meals to Ukranian refugees. One of our Puna residents, Chef Ric Miller, is in Poland helping to cook and assist with distribution. WCK provided emergency meals to residents and first responders during the 2018 lava flow.

Awarding a Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Maintenance Fund Stewardship Grant to Nā Maka Hāloa O Waipiʻo

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The Council adopted our measure, Reso. 477-22, granting a PONC Maintenance Grant to Nā Maka Hāloa O Waipi‘o to provide land stewardship and cultural education for the Pohoiki parcel acquired by the PONC Fund in 2015.

Nā Maka Hāloa O Waipi‘o will use the $119,000 grant to reduce invasive species, propagate native plants, educate users about the area’s history and culture, and perpetuate Native Hawaiian cultural practices. Mahalo nui, Anaka Annamarie Kon, for your leadership and dedication to this space!

Strongly Urging the Hawaiʻi State Legislature, State Department of Transportation, and Department of Public Works to Prioritize, Fund, and Complete Critical Road Improvements in Puna.

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Puna's transportation infrastructure has been tremendously underfunded for decades. Puna is the fastest growing region in the State; its residents deserve a safe and reliable local transportation system to access essential services such as school, work, healthcare, and recreational opportunities.

In recent years, Puna residents have experienced "Carmaggedon," being stuck in traffic for hours because of motor vehicle accidentals. Traffic congestion and the limited road system in Puna severely impacts police, fire, and emergency medical services response time to calls as well as the community's abiliyt to evacuate the area during times of natural disaster.

Our office introduced Reso. 593-22, which was adopted by the Hawai‘i County Council, calling on the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation to prioritize, significantly invest in, and develop necessary road improvements and roadway infrastructure in Puna to meet the growing needs of the region.

We also call on the County Department of Public Works to leverage funding provided by the issuance of general obligation bonds authorized via Ord. 20-27 and prioritize planning, design, and development of Puna Connectivity and Emergency Access Routes.