Roth releases ‘bare bones’ budget: Mayor’s first budget plan reflects cutbacks, uncertainty at Legislature
Faced with uncertainty and cutbacks at the state level, Mayor Mitch Roth on Monday released the first proposed budget of his term, described by staff as a “bare bones” plan as the county grapples with the fiscal aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.
Gusty winds topple under-construction Waikoloa Plaza building
High winds with gusts upward of 50 mph lashed portions of the Big Island over the weekend, toppling at least one under-construction building in South Kohala.
No data for maps: Redistricting commission meets Monday
A commission that redraws County Council district boundary lines every 10 years plans an initial meeting Monday, but the numbers it needs to make its decisions have been delayed.
Union opposition keeps public works public: Public-private wastewater partnerships likely dead in Legislature
Faced with new federal regulations and crumbling infrastructure, Hawaii County pinned its hopes on the private sector to help bail it out of a growing wastewater problem.
Water Department plans 1% budget decrease: Rate hike, lower water use figure into $54.9M plan
The county water department plans to trim $459,400 to create its $54.9 million operating budget for the new fiscal year that begins July 1.
Amphitheater, affordable housing highlight Palamanui deal
Developer Palamanui Global Holdings sweetened the pot on a rezoning deal Tuesday by promising an outdoor performing arts amphitheater and affordable housing that’s more affordable, winning the massive development preliminary approval from a County Council panel.
Council supports broadband plan: Unanimous vote comes despite inclusion of 5G
A resolution passed unanimously Wednesday by the County Council refers to 5G technology as an option in bridging the digital divide, but council members, most of whom had previously approved two resolutions attempting to limit 5G on the island, don’t see it as a conflict.
The $160M question: Is upgrading Kealakehe sewer plant to R-1 worth it?
Mayor Mitch Roth’s top environmental official is taking a hard look at the advisability of upgrading Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant to produce R-1, the highest grade of recycled water, after the cost of the 20-year-old plan ballooned to $160 million.
Bridging the digital divide: Kimball promotes broadband infrastructure
A resolution urging the county get on the broadband-wagon will be considered Wednesday by the County Council as the coronavirus pandemic demonstrates to state and local officials how important digital connectivity is when face-to-face just isn’t possible.
Sharing emergency powers: House bill would temper governor’s power
The prolonged coronavirus pandemic has state lawmakers rethinking emergency powers it granted the governor in a revamp of state law not that long ago.
Attorney continues seeking sanctions against council members
Although Charles Heaukulani was unsuccessful getting a court to stop the County Council’s Feb. 3 confirmation vote of Planning Director Zendo Kern, the Hilo attorney is pursuing his lawsuit alleging Sunshine Law violations by the council during committee-level deliberations.
Kohala coastline tops PONC priority list
Seven of the top 10 priority land preservation purchases recommended by a county board are in North Kohala, according to a report the administration has submitted to the County Council.
‘Funky,’ ‘goofy’ and postponed: Waikoloa project withdrawn
A rezoning and application for a Waikoloa affordable housing project with a past that a planning consultant called “funky” and a councilman called “goofy” were withdrawn Tuesday from the County Council Planning Committee for a redo.
Kern confirmed: Council votes 5-4 on new planning director
Zendo Kern was confirmed Wednesday as county planning director by the skin of his teeth, after Hamakua Councilwoman Heather Kimball switched her vote and decided to support him.
Charity tax write-off measure held for more work
A bill that would allow taxpayers who were socked with an extra luxury home tax last year donate that tier 2 tax to charity instead was postponed for tweaks Tuesday, after drawing mixed reviews from the County Council Finance Committee.
Lawyer sues county over Sunshine Law, seeks to stop Zendo Kern confirmation vote
A Hilo lawyer filed a lawsuit Tuesday seeking to stop the confirmation vote of Planning Director Zendo Kern, saying council members violated the state Sunshine Law during last month’s preliminary confirmation before the council Planning Committee.
Ethics Board asked to invalidate Rodenhurst: Petition alleges Richards should have recused himself on confirmation
A Big Island resident is asking the county Board of Ethics to invalidate Public Works Director Ikaika Rodenhurst’s confirmation by the County Council, saying Kohala Councilman Tim Richards should have recused himself from voting because he served as a reference on Rodenhurst’s resume.
Bill would allow luxury property owners choice to send tax money to county or charity
One of the sponsors of a law that tacked an extra property tax on luxury homes now has a bill giving those property owners a choice of sending the money to the county or a charity.
Appellate court affirms police presence on Maunakea
Hawaii County Police Chief Paul Ferreira had the legal authority to request police officers from other counties to help maintain order on Maunakea during 2019 protests over the Thirty Meter Telescope, the state Intermediate Court of Appeals said Wednesday in an opinion upholding a ruling by 3rd Circuit Court Judge Henry Nakamoto.
Alternatives sought for Ka‘u sewer projects: Current plan could cost $400k hookup fee per home
Faced with sewer hookup fees higher than the value of the homes themselves, Naalehu property owners have cajoled, badgered and even filed a lawsuit to stop sewer projects in Naalehu and Pahala that are aimed at getting the county out from under a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency consent order.
