Council Meeting - Regular Meeting

Aloha and good morning. Council Member Kea'aina, can you please lead the council in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Thank you. Council Member Kea'aina, would you please introduce our honored guests giving us the message of aloha.

6:58 – 7:40•EKEsther Kiaʻāina

Thank you so much, Chair. Today, I have the honor of introducing Mr. Keona Ona Salas, who will be delivering this morning's message of aloha. Ona proudly comes to us from Council District 3 in Waimanalo. His profession is in the field of international business as a managing director, and he has made a personal commitment to perpetuating his Hawaiian heritage through both his professional and personal life. Keonaona Salas is currently the reigning 2026 Mo'ikane or King of the Official Royal Court in this year's 80th celebration of the annual Aloha Festivals. Please join me in welcoming him to t

Thank you so much. I have a procedural announcement to make. Although remote oral testimony is being permitted, this is a regular meeting and not a remote meeting by Interactive Conference Technology under HRS section 92-3.7. Therefore, the meeting will continue notwithstanding the loss of audiovisual communication with remote testifiers or loss of the public broadcast of the meeting. Members of the public will be allowed to provide oral testimony on all matters on the agenda, either in person, in the council chamber, or remotely. As both English and Hawaiian are official languages of the stat

16:30 – 17:28•RCRadiant Cordero

Mahalo Chairwaters, aloha colleagues and community. First of all, I want to mahalo our colleagues for donning what we call Filipino attire, whether either Barongs or Filipiniana. October is also Filipino American History Month, which recognizes the largest ethnic group here in Hawaii. As well as a tidbit, Filipinos first arrived in what is now the United States about 300 years before or 250 years before the United States became a country. They landed in Morro Bay of what is now San Diego and settled mostly in where New Orleans or Louisiana is right now. So they have been a fabric, Filipinos ha

Thank you. I'd like to call the meeting to order. Mr. Clerk, roll call, please.

Thank you. Floor Leader Kia Aina, introduction of guests.

18:00 – 18:22•EKEsther Kiaʻāina

Thank you, Chair. I see a couple of the cabinet members of the mayor in the audience. Director Laura Thielen from the Department of Parks and Recreation, Kurt Lager, the Director of the Department of Ocean Safety. We have several mayoral nominees for our city's various boards and commissioners. And of course, we have community members and stakeholders interested in the various items on today's agenda.

Thank you very much. Vice Chair Topolo, a motion to approve the minutes.

18:27•ATAndria Tupola

I move that the session minutes as posted on the agenda be approved. Second.

I move that seconded. Mr. Clerk, do we have any testifiers? Thank you. Any discussion members? Seeing none. Any objections or reservations? Noting none. The minutes have been approved. Moving to the top of page four, order of the day. From the Committee on International Legal Affairs, Council Member Nishimoto.

18:52•SNScott Nishimoto

I move that Committee Report 277 and Resolution 26-196 be adopted. Second.

It's been moved and seconded. Councilmember Nishimoto for the explanation. This is a confirmation. Thank you. Mr. Clerk, or is Kerry Okimoto present? Aloha, Mr. Okimoto. Thank you so much. Would you like to say a few words?

19:23 – 19:35•MWMatt Weyer

Good morning, Chair, good morning, members. I'm Kari Okimoto, former of HPD, I'm retired, and I'm thanking you for the opportunity to serve in the Civil Service Commission.

Thank you. Members, any questions for the nominee? Seeing none, thank you, sir. We have one registered testify, Shelby Pikachu Billionaire.

Thank you. Mr. Clerk, do we have any other testifiers? Thank you. Members, we're in discussion. Council Member Tupolo.

20:25 – 20:48•ATAndria Tupola

Yeah, I just wanted to thank Mr. Okamoto for his service to the city and county. Definitely am grateful for those who have already given service in our public safety agencies, but also still willing to serve on our commissions. So I don't want to say all the exact work, but some of the work he did for us, especially during crucial times in HPD leadership change, was because of you, sir. So thank you so much for your service. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, any objections or reservations? Noting no objections or reservations, CR 277-2026 and Resolution 26-196 has been adopted. Congratulations, Mr. Okamoto, and thank you very much. Thank you. Moving to the bottom of page four from the Committee on International and Legal Affairs, Council Member Nishimoto.

21:15•SNScott Nishimoto

I move that Committee Report 279 and Resolution 26-204 be adopted. Second.

Okay, moved and seconded. Council Member Nishimoto for the explanation. This is an appointment. Thank you. Is Dominique Bonifacio present? Aloha. Would you like to say a few words?

Thank you, members. Any questions for the nominee? Seeing none, I believe we have one registered testifier, Shelby Pikachu Billionaire.

Thank you. Mr. Clerk, do we have any other testifiers? Thank you. Members, we're in discussion.

22:59 – 23:40•ATAugie Tulba

Council Member Tolba. Mahalo, Chair, for allowing me to speak and support. Dominic was the District 9 appointee to the Youth Commission from 2024 to 2026, where he served as Vice Chair. It's been great working with Dominic. When his time in the Youth Commission came to an end, he was looking for more opportunities to serve our community, and we saw an open spot in the Neighborhood Commission. Dominic was ready to serve in his new capacity, and I'm excited to see young people step up and find great opportunities and connections to help our neighborhoods. So thank you, Chair, and congratulations

Thank you. Any further discussion, members? Seeing none, any objections? Seeing none, CR 279-2026 and Resolution 26-204 has been adopted. Congratulations and thank you. Moving to the top of page five, resolution 26-213, confirming the reappointment of Richard Keeble to serve on the Ocean Safety Commission of the City and County of Honolulu. Is Dr. Keeble present? Aloha, thank you for being here today. Would you like to say a few words?

Thank you. Members, any questions for the nominee? Seeing none, thank you, sir. Mr. Clerk, do we have any testifiers? Mr. Chair, yes, we do.

Mr. Clerk, do we have any other testifiers?

I'm sorry, can you say that again? Remote testifier? Okay. Please proceed.

Thank you. Members, we're in discussion. Seeing none, Resolution 26-213 has been referred to the Committee on Public Safety. Turning to page six, Vice Chair Tupoula, first reading measures.

26:31 – 26:54•ATAndria Tupola

I move that first reading items listed on pages six and seven of the agenda pass first reading. Check. Bill 57, 2026, relating to outdoor play courts. Bill 58, 2026, relating to shared mobility vehicles. Bill 59, 2026, relating to public transit. Bill 60, 2026, relating to real property taxation.

Okay, it's been moved and seconded. Thank you for the explanation. Mr. Clerk, do we have any testifiers on any of the bills on pages six and seven?

Thank you. Mr. Clerk, do we have any other testifiers on first reading items? Mr.

Thank you. Is there anybody else who'd like to testify on first reading items on pages seven and eight? Seeing none. Members, oh, one more.

Thank you. I believe Natalie Wassa is also registered to testify. Please proceed.

Thank you. Mr. Clerk, do we have any other testifiers on first reading items? Mr. Thank you. Members, we're in discussion. Council Member Cordero.

36:34 – 37:23•RCRadiant Cordero

Thank you, Chair. This is on Bill 59. I do want to note that when I proposed this bill, I didn't expect it to just go as is. I'm hoping to have a robust discussion in committee as well as with the department, whom I've already started talking to, about possibly formulating a program so that there are strict guidelines on where and what could be on possible transit, as well as transit areas, as well as how can we direct possible funding to as well. I wanna ensure that we are not having a free-for-all ad space on our transit spaces and vehicles as well. So I hope to have that discussion further

Thank you. Any further discussion? Council Member Tupolo. Thank you so much. Followed by Council Member Weyer.

37:28 – 38:36•ATAndria Tupola

Bill 57, thank you, Chair, for that. I definitely think the transparency for all of our districts will help out, especially as DPR moves around and does different resurfacing. I always get questions on why this got chosen, when was the last time this. So looking forward to more conversation and committee. I think also Bill 59 could be a game changer. I think if done right, it could really help our transit. And I think the introducer for her dedication towards that, because it's something we need to be mindful of all the time. is how can we continue to support our transit, our mass transit as w

38:37 – 39:25•MWMatt Weyer

Thank you. Council Member Weyer. Thank you, Chair. On Bill 59, I wanted to just model Council Member Cordero for starting the conversation and her willingness to engage in stakeholder collaboration. So I fully trust in that process because I know many in the community want to see any forward movement in this area, being mindful of of just the community impact. And I'm sure and trust Councilor Cordero to have that conversation. And just wanna note that I do think we have to be assessing all revenue opportunities to really shift the burden from those who are bearing it most right now for our pub

Thank you. Any further discussion, members? Seeing none, any objections or reservations? Noting none, first reading items on pages six and seven of the agenda have passed first reading. As I mentioned, bills on page eight have been cancelled. Turning to page nine from the Committee on Zoning and Planning, Councilmember Kia-Aina.

39:55•EKEsther Kiaʻāina

I move that Committee Report 261-2026 be adopted in Bill 48-2025-CD1 as amended past third reading. Second.

It's been moved and seconded. Council Member Kiana for the explanation.

40:07•EKEsther Kiaʻāina

This bill relates to pedestrian malls. That addresses pedestrian malls in the downtown Honolulu area.

Thank you. Mr. Clerk, do we have any testifiers?

Thank you Is there any other testifiers on bill 48, please come forward I

Members, we're in discussion. Seeing none, roll call, Mr. Clerk.

Thank you, CR 261-2026 has been adopted. Bill 48-2025 has passed third reading. Moving to the bottom of page nine, Council Member Kia-Aino.

42:33•EKEsther Kiaʻāina

I move that Committee Report 262-2026 be adopted and Bill 37-2026 pass third reading. Second.

So moved and seconded. Council Member Kiyo-Aina for the explanation.

42:44 – 42:56•EKEsther Kiaʻāina

This amends portion of the state land use district boundary maps from the agricultural district to the urban district for certain lands situated at Kapolei and Honuuliuli in Ewa, Oahu, Hawaii.

Thank you. Mr. Clerk, I believe we have one registered testifier. Shelby Billionaire.

Members, we're in discussion. Council Member Topola.

46:08 – 46:39•ATAndria Tupola

Thank you, Chair. In support, briefly, this bill has an attached map, and in the map there are a few small sections, I would say about four, but there's various TMKs associated with it. But they're pretty small. What they're trying to do is align the missing pieces into the TOD plan that was approved through the neighborhood TOD plan process. I'll make more comments on Bill 39, but definitely for this one, the rezoning of the small little parcels was to coincide with where the rail line is as well as where UH West O'ahu is, because it's in those areas. Thank you.

Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, we'll call Mr. Clerk.

Thank you. CR 262-2026 has been adopted and Bill 37-2026 has passed third reading. Moving to the top of page 10, Council Member Keohane.

47:12•EKEsther Kiaʻāina

I move that Committee Report 263, 2026 be adopted and Bill 38, 2026 pass third reading. Second.

It's been moved and seconded. Council Member Tia Aina for the explanation.

47:23 – 47:43•EKEsther Kiaʻāina

This bill relates to the Transit Oriented Development Special District. by expanding the transient-oriented development special district to include three additional skyline rail transit station areas and to incorporate land use standards and guidelines for those areas based on the recommendations in the East Kapolei neighborhood TOD plan.

Thank you. I believe we have one registered testifier. Shelby Pikachu Billionaire.

Thank you very much. Thank you. Would anybody else like to testify on Bill 38? Bill Armstrong.

Thank you. Anybody else on Bill 38? Seeing none. Mr. Chair. Hi. Cody Sula, please proceed.

Anyone else on Bill 38? Seeing none, members, we're in discussion. Council Member Topola.

49:58 – 52:20•ATAndria Tupola

Thank you. Thank you, Ironworkers, for testifying in support. Briefly, Chair, I wanted to amend this bill, but I want to talk with DPP. They said it wasn't an appropriate place to put it, so I'm going to verbally say what I think should be in here. There is a section on page four and five where it's discussing the East Kapolei neighborhood TOD plan, saying that it should create a greenway corridor, configure buildings, establish a local misuse community, promote an active festival street, promote the vision of Ke'one'ai, the UH West O'ahu Station, create a greenway that includes a multi-use pa

Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, roll call, Mr. Clerk.

Thank you. CR 263-2026 has been adopted. And Bill 38-2026 has passed third reading. Council Member Kia-Aina.

52:53•EKEsther Kiaʻāina

I move that Committee Report 264-2026 be adopted in Bill 39-2026, CD1, pass third reading. Second.

It's been moved and seconded. Council Member Kiana for the explanation.

53:06 – 53:17•EKEsther Kiaʻāina

This relates to the rezoning of land situated at Kapolei and Hono'uliuli in Ewa'oahu. It's about 1,374 acres.

Thank you. I believe we have one registered testifier, Shelby Billionaire.

Mr. Clerk, do we have any other testifiers? Mr. Chair, we have none. Thank you. Members, we're in discussion. Council Member Tupolo.

54:40 – 56:06•ATAndria Tupola

Thank you. And thank you to the members for your patience. These three bills are a huge change in my district. Bill 39 specifically with thousands of acres being changed into different zonings has stirred some emotion and concern. So let me just briefly say in public, there was a public meeting in April 2025 regarding this plan. There were about 70 to 80 community members there and many of their concerns were with the current developer who is doing , and they were able to meet and resolve. I did meet with DPP numerous times to discuss the availability of certain lands staying in ag, how we wer

Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, roll call, Mr. Clerk. Council Member Cordero. Oh, I'm sorry. Go ahead, please proceed.

Thank you. Okay, we're back in discussion. Seeing none, roll call, Mr. Clerk.

Thank you, CR264, 2026 has been adopted. Bill 39, 2026 has passed, CD1 has passed third reading. Moving to the top of page 11, Council Member Kea-Aina.

58:12•EKEsther Kiaʻāina

I move that Committee Report 265, 2026 be adopted and Bill 42, 2026, CD1 pass third reading. Second.

I move then seconded, Council Member Kea-Aina for the explanation.

58:23 – 58:35•EKEsther Kiaʻāina

This bill amends a portion of the state land use district boundary map from the agricultural district to the urban district for a certain land situated in the Koʻolau Loa Development Plan area in Laiʻie Oʻahu.

Thank you. I believe we have one registered testifier. Shelby Billionaire.

Aloha. Thank you. Anybody else wishing to testify on Bill 42, CD 1? Seeing none, any discussion? Seeing none, roll call, Mr. Clerk.

Thank you. CR 265-2026 has been adopted. Bill 42-2026-CD1 has passed third reading. Members, we will be taking up Bill 43-2026-CD1 in its original form and will not be considering the posted FD. Council Member Kea'aina.

1:00:06•EKEsther Kiaʻāina

I move that Committee Report 266, 2026 be adopted and Bill 43, 2026 City 1 pass third reading. Second.

I move that seconded Council Member Kea'aina for the explanation.

1:00:19•EKEsther Kiaʻāina

This bill rezones land situated at Pa'ala'ala Waialua from country district to the R5 residential district.

Thank you. I believe we have Shelby Billionaire registered to testify.

Thank you. Anybody else wishing to testify on Bill 43, CD1? Seeing none, any discussion? Seeing none, roll call, Mr. Clerk.

Thank you. Any questions for the testifier? Seeing none, is there anybody else who'd like to testify on this matter? Seeing none, any discussion? Seeing none, roll call, Mr. Clerk.

Thank you. CR 266, 2026 has been adopted. Bill 43, 2026 has, CD1 has passed third reading. Members, turning to the top of page 12. Page 12 from the Committee on International and Legal Affairs. Council Member Nishimoto.

1:02:50•SNScott Nishimoto

I move that Committee Report 275 be adopted and Bill 52 pass third reading.

Second. I move then second it. Council Member Nishimoto for the explanation.

1:02:58•SNScott Nishimoto

This is relating to streets, sidewalks, malls and other public places.

Thank you. We have one registered testifier, Shelby Billionaire.

Thank you. I believe we also have Trevor Arbuzua from the Waikiki Business Improvement Association. Welcome.

Thank you. Any questions for the testifier? Seeing none, thank you. Mr. Clark, do we have any other testifiers? Please proceed.

Okay, we'll limit it to one minute, please.

Okay, thank you. Anybody else would like to testify on Bill 52? Bill 52, come forward, please.

Members, we're in discussion. Council Member Tupola.

1:08:08 – 1:09:46•ATAndria Tupola

Yeah, I just wanted to thank Major Okamoto. He's here and he's been working, you know, diligently to answer a lot of my questions because I do want to see this end. And I think Mr. Arbizer and of course Waikiki Improvement District, they're doing awesome work out there. But going back and forth on data points on how we can really crack down on things because I'm the kind of person I want to see a change. You know, I don't want to see a revolving door. And so he provided a lot of good information. that I needed to see so that I can kind of see where the breakpoints are. So just a few suggestion

Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, roll call, Mr. Clerk. Oh, Chair, I did, sorry. Oh, I'm sorry. Council Member Weyer.

1:10:35 – 1:11:10•MWMatt Weyer

No worries. I just wondered, given the testimony too, if you could walk us through exactly what peddling involves. And I bring it up because my reservations earlier in the process of the bill were from some of our fishermen or farmers that had run into issues when they were going into Chinatown and doing deliveries, and I think there was just some misunderstanding. But then when we're talking about the different types of engagement that community is doing with individuals, could you just kind of walk through what peddling exactly is again?

1:12:32 – 1:12:54•MWMatt Weyer

Thank you for that. So I mean, I guess I'm asking, so dropping off your fish at the market that's gonna be selling it, is that peddling? That's not peddling, right? No, no, that's not. Okay, and then even having a sign that says like, oh, I need, you know, please donate, I need. No. Yeah, that's not peddling. We're not issue sighting issues for those. Okay, mahalo, thank you, Chair.

Thank you. Any further discussion, members? Thank you, Major Okamoto. Thank you, sir. Roll call, Mr. Clark. Oh, Mr. Houlihey, wait, did you testify already? No, sorry, sorry. Roll call, Mr. Clark.

Thank you. CR 275-2026 has been adopted. And Bill 52-2026 has passed third reading. Thank you, members. Moving to the top of page 13 from the Committee on Budget, Council Member Okamoto.

1:13:44•VOVal Aquino Okimoto

Thank you, Chair. I move that Committee Part 256-26 and Resolution 26-202 be adopted. Second.

It's been moved and seconded. Council Member Okamoto for the explanation.

1:13:55•VOVal Aquino Okimoto

Relating to the transfer of funds for HPD.

Thank you. I believe we have Shelby Pikachu Billionaire registered to testify.

Thank you. Anybody else like to testify on resolution 26-202? Thank you. Transfer of funds for HPD.

Thank you. Anybody else on Resolution 26-202? Seeing none, members, any discussion? Council Member Tupola.

1:16:35 – 1:16:46•ATAndria Tupola

For HPD. So in Waianae, we were waiting for a while for the live scan, and then we were borrowing it from the AG's office, so can you designate or tell us where this live scan is going? What station?

1:17:04 – 1:17:16•ATAndria Tupola

Yeah, and I just wanted to make clear that we needed this in order for us to process our STs, and why NYSO is pretty important. This is not something that is just, like, nice to have. It's actually need to have. So I hope that it helps in all the stations. Thank you, sir.

Thank you. Any follow-up questions for HPD? Seeing none, any further discussion? Seeing none, any objections or reservations? Noting no objections or reservations, CR256-2026 and Resolution 26-202 has been adopted. Council Member Okamoto.

1:17:37•VOVal Aquino Okimoto

Chair, I move that Committee Report 257-26 and Resolution 26-203 be adopted.

I move and second it. Council Member Okamoto for the explanation.

1:17:47•VOVal Aquino Okimoto

Reading to the transfer of funds for HFD.

Thank you. We have Shelby Pikachu Billionaire.

Thank you. Any other testifiers on resolution 26-203? Seeing none, any discussion members? Seeing none, any objections? Noting no objections, CR257-2026 and Resolution 26-203 has been adopted. Moving to the top of page 14 from the Committee on Energy, Environment and Sustainability, Council Member Weyer.

1:18:51•MWMatt Weyer

I move that Committee Report 258-2026 and Resolution 26-206 be adopted. Second.

It's been moved and seconded. Council Member Weyer for the explanation.

1:19:00•MWMatt Weyer

This is adopting the 2025 to 2030 Climate Action Plan for the city.

Thank you. I believe we have one registered testifier, Shelby Billionaire.

Thank you very much. Aloha. Thank you. Is there anybody else who'd like to testify on 26202? Dylan Armstrong.

Thank you. Anybody else like to testify on 26-206? Seeing none, members are in discussion. Council Member Tupola.

1:23:13 – 1:23:42•ATAndria Tupola

I just wanted to accolade Dr. Fox, not only her presentation but her hard work and thank you to the division. I think it's an extensive plan and I know many, many people had a hand in lifting portions of it, but specifically when it talked about waste and the landfill, I mentioned our task force and Dr. Fox sat through all hour and a half of very granular details of solid waste because she is that dedicated. So I want to thank her for her commitment. I see it in her work, and I'm looking forward to working with them on this plan. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, roll call, Mr. Clerk.

Thank you. CR 258-2026 and resolution 26-206 has been adopted. Thank you for your hard work. Council Member Weyer. Bottom of page 14.

1:24:19•MWMatt Weyer

I move that Committee Report 259-2026 and Resolution 26-208 be adopted.

Second. It's been moved and seconded. Council Member Weyer for the explanation.

1:24:29 – 1:24:41•MWMatt Weyer

This is accepting a gift of travel related expenses of $1,301.04 from Haskell Foundation for the Resilience Office to participate in the Indigenous Peoples Climate Change Working Group.

Thank you. I believe we have Shelby Pikachu Billionaire. Register to testify.

Thank you. Anybody else on resolution 26-208? Seeing none. Members, any discussion? Seeing none. Any objections? Noting no objections. CR 259-2026 and resolution 26-208 has been adopted. Moving to the top of page 15 from the Committee on Infrastructure, Transportation, Actually, let's...

1:26:59•ATAndria Tupola

I move that CR 260-2026 and Resolution 26-209 be adopted. Second.

Thank you. It's been moved and seconded. Council Member Topola for the explanation.

1:27:10•ATAndria Tupola

Approving a month-to-month rental with Ms. Lealoha Rocky Kaluhiva for up to three years.

Thank you. We have Shelby Pikachu Billionaire.

Thank you. Anybody else? Seeing none. Any discussion? Council Member Weyer.

1:29:02•MWMatt Weyer

Thank you, Chair. I think BFS is assigned to this item, so I wanted to ask them a question.

1:29:13 – 1:29:27•MWMatt Weyer

Or Deputy Director Castle, or actually I guess anybody from the administration. Is anyone from Parks? Is there any director over there? I can't see, my eyes are kind of bad.

We have Director of the Department of Enterprise Services.

1:29:33•MWMatt Weyer

Oh, Director Holyfield. I was just gonna ask our Deputy Director Doan Aloha.

1:29:44 – 1:30:23•MWMatt Weyer

I was just gonna follow up. We had been trying to have some conversation previously on the status and appropriateness of this particular parcel maybe being transferred over to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands Yeah, and so I'm just wondering if you could relay, if we could get maybe some explicit feedback from the departments involved. BFS, I think, is just involved because of the contract. Then, of course, DHLM may have interest and then parks may have interest. So we're just looking for maybe clarity from the admin side so when we go back over to talk with the state that there's an unders

Thank you. Any follow-up members? Seeing none, we'll call Mr. Clerk.

Thank you. CR 260-2026 and Resolution 26-209 has been adopted. Moving to the bottom of page 15 from the Committee on Zoning and Planning, Council Member Kea Aina.

1:31:25•EKEsther Kiaʻāina

I move that Committee Report 267-2026 and Resolution 26-171-CD1 as amended be adopted. Second.

It's been moved and seconded. Council Member Kiana for the explanation.

1:31:37•EKEsther Kiaʻāina

This measure approves a conceptual plan for an interim plan development transit project for the 1588 Ala Moana mixed-use development.

Thank you. Members, I believe we have a number of registered testifiers. I count 21 in person and another 13 remote, although many of the remote testifiers are actually here in person as well. So I'm going to try to keep everybody to their time limit, if possible, so we can get through this in a calm, expedited way. Starting with Amado Sanchez from Group Builders, followed by Carol Ching and Ray Bergato. Aloha and welcome. Thank you for waiting patiently.

Thank you. Next we have Carol Ching and Ray Borgalo. Aloha, welcome.

Please consider, reconsider. Thank you, Ms. Chang. Next, we have Ray Bregado, followed by Bryson Munma.

Thank you. Next, we have Bryson Monmar followed by Ben Sadowski.

Thank you. Next we have Ben Sadowski, followed by Paolo Legatasio.

Thank you. Next we have Paolo Legatasio. Aloha and welcome.

Thank you. Next, we have Jean Teo Gibney, followed by Lydia Augustin.

Thank you. Lydia Augustine? Followed by Sam Kim.

Thank you. Sam Kim, followed by Benjamin Wong.

Thank you. Next is Lorna Wu followed by Kainoa Phil Potts.

If he comes back, we can come back to him. Next, we have Timothy Yee followed by Keith Emerson.

Thank you. Next, we have Keith Emerson, followed by Konohike. Hi.

Thank you. I note that Konohiki registered to testify. I know both of you consider yourself Konohiki, Your turn.

Next we have Arnel Villanueva, followed by Hans Koch.

Thank you. Next we have Hans Koch followed by Gerald Nakashima.

Thank you. Next we have Gerald Nakashima followed by Chris Lewis.

Thank you. Next, we have Chris Lewis, followed by Shelby Pikachu Billionaire.

Thank you. Next, we have Dylan Armstrong.

Thank you. That's all I have for registered in-person testifiers. I'm gonna go to registered remote testifiers, then we can come back to see if there's anybody else in the audience who'd like to testify. So next I have Zachary Noyle.

Okay, that's actually all I have for registered remote testifiers. I'd like to turn it over to anyone in the audience who'd like to testify. Please come forward. If you like, you can start a line on this side of the podium.

Thank you. Please proceed. If you could all just start by stating your name. Yes, good morning chair and members of the council.

Is there anybody else who'd like to testify? How about on this side of the room? Okay, thank you. Members, we're in this, oh. Sorry. Please proceed.

Thank you. I believe we do have a few hands up remote testifiers for Jason Okazaki.

Thank you. Mr. Clerk, I believe there's a phone number. Someone by phone, a phone testifier with their hand up. Please proceed, we can hear you.

Thank you. Thank you. Last call for testimony. Seeing none, members, we are in discussion. Council Member Tupola, followed by Council Member Weyer.

2:24:13 – 2:26:39•ATAndria Tupola

Yeah, thank you so much, Chair. I just wanna thank everyone for coming out to testify. We knew that this was gonna be a heavily debated and discussed bill today. I do also think that any time we move any large projects forward, especially when it deals with housing, that there's always gonna be a little bit of push and pull. I think in my district, because we have so much housing coming up, we go through this exercise regularly of what is enough? What is a community benefit? What does the community need? And so I think the back and forth and I can confirm I did ask both sides if, you know, Loc

2:26:43 – 2:29:35•MWMatt Weyer

Thank you, Chair. And also in support, I mean, I'm just kind of looking at this and the project is in front of us because it's an IPDT project. You know, there's the required inclusionary zoning, portable units, and then there's also additional portable units because the additional height and density and maybe other parameters. More units than comparable projects, more funding than comparable projects. So this isn't a, you know, taxpayer subsidized project that we're building. And so that's why I really struggle with the opposition. Like this is a particular type of project that's coming to th

2:29:39 – 2:30:23•RCRadiant Cordero

Thank you, Chair. I'll be voting in support. I want to mahalo the discussions that we had. I think this project provides an opportunity or opportunities, whether it be starting with local labor jobs with construction, as well as construction stability, also local stability when the hotel is operational, but also opportunities for housing of different AMIs, as well as opportunities for increasing and updating our infrastructure in the area and updating our safety for pedestrian and transit in the area. So this project represents opportunity, and I really hope that my fellow colleagues will be o

Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, roll call, Mr. Clerk.

Thank you. CR 267-2026 and resolution 26-171, CD 1 has been adopted. Members, turning to page 16, top of page 16, Councilmember Kiyaino.

2:31:07•EKEsther Kiaʻāina

I move that Committee Report 268-2026 and Resolution 26-183, City 1, is amended, be adopted. Second.

It's been moved and seconded. Council Member Keohane for the explanation.

2:31:18 – 2:31:50•EKEsther Kiaʻāina

This resolution grants a special management area major permit to allow for the demolition of an existing single-unit dwelling and decommission of an existing cesspool and the construction of a new two-story single-unit dwelling with a nice two-car port, open one part, Parking area rock garden in ground swimming pool an individual waste water system in Kahuku, Oahu Thank You Shelby billionaire Not here mr.

Clerk do have any other testifiers Mr. Chair we have none Thank You members were in discussion Say none roll call mr.

Thank you. CR 268-2026 and resolution 26-183, CD 1 has been adopted. Council Member Kia-Aina.

2:32:35•EKEsther Kiaʻāina

I move that Committee Report 269-2026 and Resolution 26-207-CD1 is meant to be adopted. Second.

It's been moved and seconded. Council Member McKay, I now afford the explanation.

2:32:46 – 2:33:13•EKEsther Kiaʻāina

This resolution updates resolution or amends resolution 23-83CD1 to update the project description, incorporate by reference an updated list of exemptions from the Hawaii Community Development Authority's MOCA area rules and extends the deadline for the commencement of construction for the Pohu Kaina Commons affordable rental and mixed use project in Kaka'ako.

Thank you. I note that Shelby Pikachu Billionaire has registered to testify and that he is not here. Mr. Clerk, do we have any other testifiers? Thank you. Members, we're in discussion. Council Member Dos Santos-Towne.

2:33:29 – 2:34:23•TSTyler Dos Santos-Tam

Thank you, Chair. This project is in my district, and it's one that I've been looking forward to for quite some time. The action we're going to take today is going to extend the deadline. And as we know, there's difficulties in getting through some of the approvals in this economy, making sure that all the financing gets together. This is a worthwhile project, and we spent a good amount of time listening to folks demanding and asking for affordable housing, which is so needed. This project is going to create 625 apartments that are going to be dedicated to folks between 30% and 100% of area me

Thank you. Any further discussion, members? Seeing none, roll call, Mr. Clerk.

Thank you, CR 269-2026 and Resolution 26-207 has been adopted. Moving to page 17 from the Committee on Public Safety and the Economy, Council Member Toba.

2:35:02 – 2:35:30•ATAugie Tulba

Move that Committee Report 270-2026 and Resolution 26-194 be adopted. Second. It's been moved and seconded. Council Member Rotobo for the explanation. Accepting the gift of two pregnant mini Nigerian does female pygmy goats including transportation and vet screenings valued at 3,370 to the city from medical dairies via the Honolulu Zoological Society for the Kiki Zoo at the Honolulu Zoo.

Thank you. Mr. Clerk, do we have any testifiers?

Chair, we have Dylan Armstrong. Dylan Armstrong. Okay, doesn't appear that he's here. Is there anybody else who'd like to testify on Resolution 26-194? Seeing none, any discussion members? Seeing none, any objections? Noting no objections, CR270-2026 and Resolution 26-194 has been adopted. Members, we will be taking up the next three items together as they relate to gifts to the city.

2:36:11•ATAugie Tulba

Council Member Tolba. Move that Committee Report 271-2026, Resolution 26-195, City 1, as amended, Committee Report 272-2026, and Resolution 26-205, City 1, as amended, and Committee Report 274-2026, and Resolution 26-212, City 1, as amended, be adopted.

Second. It's been moved and seconded. Council Member Tobol for the brief explanation of each.

2:36:37 – 2:36:51•ATAugie Tulba

Accepting the gift. Well, okay. A gift of a gate installation valued at $12,565 from the Honolulu Zoological Society.

2:36:55 – 2:37:34•ATAugie Tulba

Keep going. Okay, accepting the gift of various supplies, equipment, food valued at 19,000 to the city from the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association for the use of the Department of Ocean Safety to support the Junior Lifeguard Program, the Oahu Junior Guard Championships and the State Junior Guard Championships. All right, resolution 26-212, accepting the gift of travel, lodging, and related expenses valued at 2,231 to the city from ICLEI Local Government for Sustainability USA for representative of the Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency.

Thank you, perfect. Mr. Clerk, do we have any testifiers?

Thank you, any discussion members? Seeing none, any objections? Noting none, CR271-2026, CR272-2026, CR274-2026, and resolution 26-185-CD1, 26-205-CD1, and 26-12-2026. 212, CD1, have been adopted. Thank you, members. Moving to page 19. Council Member Toba.

2:38:09•ATAugie Tulba

I move that Committee Report 273, 2026, Resolution 2611, CD1, as amended, be adopted.

Second. It's been moved and seconded. Council Member Toba for the explanation.

2:38:20•ATAugie Tulba

Urging the University of Hawaii Board of Regents to expeditiously advance the University of Hawaii West O'ahu Film and Media Production Facility project.

Thank you. Mr. Clerk, do I have any testifiers? Mr. Chair. Please proceed.

Thank you. Is there anybody else who would like to testify? Please come forward, sir.

Thank you. Any questions for the testifier? Thank you.

2:42:44 – 2:43:10•ATAndria Tupola

Oh, Chair, could I ask a quick question? Yeah, thank you. I was able to go to the UH West O'ahu 50th on Monday and there were many people talking to me about, you know, the progress of the project. So what interactions have or are you guys going to engage with the students? So there is issue, I guess, brought up that there hasn't been a lot of like student government or student body updates or support as far as their concerns on the project. Do you guys meet with them regularly or are there future meetings scheduled?

2:43:23•ATAndria Tupola

Okay, how frequently will you guys be meeting with them throughout the project or just?

2:43:36 – 2:43:53•ATAndria Tupola

Awesome. Well, I hope it goes well. I know the students are very, I guess, excited, but also wondering how it's going to benefit UH, how they can be more involved in it. So please continue to involve the student body. They're very active. They're excited. Anything new at UH West O'ahu is good for all of us. So thank you.

2:43:57•ATAugie Tulba

Any follow-up questions? Chair, I think Wailea would like to make some comments. Oh, please.

Thank you. Members, we're in discussion.

2:44:57 – 2:45:36•ATAugie Tulba

Council Member Tobar. Thank you, Chair. I mentioned this in our Public Safety Committee meeting, but I wanted to highlight it again. We worked hard to pass Bill 59, 2023, almost two years ago. And now with the state legislature passing Act 188 earlier this year, I believe we have the right tools in place to move forward with getting a film studio complex built. We've been talking about diversifying our economy for years, and now is the time to move in a positive direction for the film industry and opportunities this will give local people. I'm glad to hopefully see this move forward today as o

Thank you. Any follow-up discussion? Council Member Weyer.

2:45:41 – 2:46:26•MWMatt Weyer

Thank you, Chair. As I said before, I just want to mahalo Council Member Toba for his leadership on this issue and just investment and building up a diverse workforce for our community. And just want to echo that sentiment of how exciting this is. Grateful for all the work of all of our partners. Just working towards the idea of being able to do full production here. all of the jobs we could be supporting, all of the creative opportunities for youth who we wanna be able to stay here if they want to, who we wanna be able to have a life where they can also pursue their passions, but stay home. A

Thank you. Any follow-up discussion, members? Seeing none, any objections? Noting no objections, CR 273, 2026. And Resolution 26-211, CD1, has been adopted. Moving to the bottom of page 19 from the Committee on International and Legal Affairs, Council Member Nishimoto.

2:46:48•SNScott Nishimoto

I move that Committee Report 276 and Resolution 26-144 be adopted.

Second. It's been moved and seconded. Council Member Nishimoto for the explanation.

2:46:58 – 2:47:11•SNScott Nishimoto

Would you like me to read the whole thing, Chair? It's one sentence, yes. Okay. Authorizing the adoption of the agency-specific records retention schedule for Honolulu Liquor Commission of the City and County of Honolulu.

Thank you. Mr. Clerk, do we have any testifiers?

Thank you. Any discussion members? Seeing none, any objections or reservations? Noting none, CR 276-2026 and Resolution 26-144 has been adopted. Moving to the top of page 20, Council Member Nishimura.

2:47:31 – 2:47:57•SNScott Nishimoto

I move that Committee Report 278 and Resolution 26-201, CD 1, as amended, be adopted. It's been moved and seconded. Council Member Nishimura for the explanation. Initiating amendments to the revised charter of the City and County of Honolulu in 1973, amended 2017 edition. As amended pursuant to the Mayor's Executive Reorganization Authority relating to the office, the Mayor's Office of Culture and Arts.

Thank you. Is there a motion to amend? Council Member Nishimoto.

2:48:00•SNScott Nishimoto

I move to amend Resolution 26-201 CD1 to the posted FD1.

Thank you. Second. It's been moved and seconded. Council Member Nishimoto for the explanation of the amendment.

2:48:10•SNScott Nishimoto

FD1 makes the amendment set forth in a written summary as posted on the agenda.

Thank you. Mr. Clerk, do we have any, I note the presence of the Director of the Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts. Please proceed.

Thank you. Members, any questions for the testifier? Seeing none, Mr. Clerk, do we have any testifiers? Thank you. Members, we're in discussion. Seeing none, any objections or reservations to the motion to amend? Noting no objections or reservations, Resolution 26-201, CD1 has been amended to the posted FD. Any further discussion, members? Okay, roll call, Mr. Clerk.

Thank you. CR 278-2026 and Resolution 26-201, CD 1, FD 1 has been adopted. Moving to page 21, Vice Chair Topola.

2:50:23•ATAndria Tupola

I move the balance of committee reports be adopted. Second.

It's been moved and seconded. Vice Chair Topola for the explanation.

2:50:31 – 2:50:43•ATAndria Tupola

Committee report 280-2026, request for authorization to settle a case against City and County of Honolulu entitled Tevita Tonga Kariente and Wako Kehekehe Mataele versus City and County of Honolulu et al.

Thank you. Mr. Clerk, do we have any testifiers?

Please proceed. Oh, you said none? Sorry, Mr. Chair, we have none. None, okay. Members, we're in discussion. Seeing none, any objections or reservations? Noting no objections or reservations, the balance of committee reports has been adopted. Turning to new business, bottom of page 21, Council Member Cordero.

2:51:18 – 2:51:37•RCRadiant Cordero

I move that Resolution 26-216, which accepts a gift of travel and related expenses valued at $4,000 to the City from the Fuzhou Municipal People's Government for myself, Council Member Radian-Cordero, and one staff member to attend the 2026 Maritime Silk Road International Cultural Tourism Festival in Fuzhou, Fujian, China be adopted. Second.

It's been moved and seconded. Thank you for the explanation. Mr. Clerk, do we have any testifiers?

Thank you. Is Michael Wang here? I have two registered testifiers, Jacob Wynick and Michael Wang.

2:52:31•RCRadiant Cordero

Chair, can she state her name for the record, please?

Oh, yes, please. State your name for the record. Chulan Shubert Kwok Chanakal. Thank you. Sir, did you want to testify? Please proceed.

Okay, thank you. Members, we're in discussion. Council Member Weyer?

2:53:22 – 2:54:40•MWMatt Weyer

Yeah, thank you, Chair. You know, I fully support the resolution. I support the words of Ms. Schubert Kwok. And I think for me, just in reviewing it, I think it's very concise and it's short and it's referencing the Maritime Silk Road events. So nothing in this reso to me implies any type of support for geopolitical positions or positions that would be adverse to our allies in the region, particularly Philippines, South Korea. in other countries. I don't see the reso stating this, so I just want to make sure I directly stated that I do think that when we're evaluating public policy in the Paci

Thank you. Any further discussion? Council Member Topolo.

2:54:43 – 2:55:17•ATAndria Tupola

Yeah, thank you so much, Chair. We do have a sister city relationship with Fuzhou, China. It started in 2021, and there also was an MOU signing between the mayor, their mayor, as well as Iolani Schools and another school for a sister school relationship. I have gone twice, and I do believe that The main goal in the visit was to learn how to learn from each other, whether it was that they haven't done landfills there since 2009, what technologies, so things that we could both benefit from and nothing to do with anything that was alluded to. And so I do think it'll be a good learning experience

Thank you. Thank you. Any further discussion?

2:55:22 – 2:55:47•MWMatt Weyer

Just to clarify, that's the specific event, the Maritime Silk Road International Cultural Tourism Festival. So it's in reference to the Maritime Silk Road. So, of course, we all know the historical political implications of that. And so I wasn't trying to allude to anything, but just wanted to make sure that all of our friends that we talked to when we were over in the Philippines know that we still got their back, too. So mahalo.

Yeah, no, understand, well said, thank you. Okay, members, any objections or reservations? No, there are no objections or reservations. Resolution 26-216 has been adopted. Turning to the top of page 22, there are no items for the committee on the whole. Are there any announcements? Council Member Toba.

2:56:09•ATAugie Tulba

I heard it was your birthday a couple weeks ago, right? Yes. Huh? Happy birthday. Thank you.

Appreciate that. Thank you. Oh, thank you guys. Vice Chair Topolo for the motion to adjourn.

2:56:24•ATAndria Tupola

I move the meeting stand adjourned until Thursday, November 5th, 2026 at 10 a.m. Second.

It's been moved and seconded. Any objections? Seeing none, the council stands adjourned until Thursday, November 5th, 2026 at 10 a.m. Thank you, members.