A Message from Kelly King
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Collaboration is the key word for this quarter. The successful budget process was due largely to all the Councilmembers working together. The process began with each Councilmember submitting five top priorities and concerns which were then discussed openly in committee. This led to a collaborative, goal-orientated process that resulted in meaningful support for many community challenges that Councilmembers have been promising to tackle for years. Starting with increased Affordable Housing funding, which included more dollars for the First-Time Homebuyers Down Payment Assistance Program as well as the Rental Assistance programs, the Council also funded more infrastructure, environmental projects, social services and economic development grants than ever before.
I am thrilled to finally see the Council produce a program-driven budget rather than a budget-driven program. We listened to the community, and we worked together in the spirit of teamwork.
Collaboration was also key in producing the 2019 HSAC Conference, demonstrating what a strong team we have in the Office of Council Services. It was my pleasure to lead the Conference, putting Maui’s best foot forward on Climate Change and Sustainability education.
Speaking of which, as our climate changes and we experience more severe weather patterns, I encourage everyone to prepare their
emergency kits
. NOAA’s
Central Pacific Hurricane Center announced earlier this year that there will be a 70% chance of above-normal tropical cyclone activity this hurricane season (June 1 - November 30).
I wish you all a safe and happy summer. We are a stronger community when we work together with respect for all and I look forward to the many great things we will accomplish in the near future.
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Key Legislative Initiatives this Quarter
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- FY20 Budget – A large part of the third quarter was taken up by the Council’s budget review and approval process. The most pressing concern for the fiscal year 2020 budget session is the expansion of housing opportunities for county residents. The Council voted to double the appropriation of real property tax revenues to the Affordable Housing Fund from 2% (minimum required by law) to 4%, allocating more than $14 million. We expanded the First-Time Homebuyers Program to $2 million, added $1 million for the newly created Experimental and Demonstration Housing Projects Fund, and included $1.4 million towards affordable rental housing programs. We also increased Maui County homeless programs with a $2.2 appropriation; including $50,000 to assist homeless residents on Molokai, and $200,000 to acquire a mobile hygiene unit for Central Maui. To see the full budget please visit www.mauicounty.gov
- West Maui Wastewater Reclamation Facility (WWRF) injection well litigation case: County of Maui v. Hawai'i Wildlife fund, Sierra Club Maui Group, Surfrider Foundation, and West Maui Preservation Association – The Council recently considered settling the case and withdrawing the County of Maui appeal of this case to the Supreme Court in an attempt to focus on solutions rather than litigation. Hundreds of testifiers voiced concern that Maui County would forever be seen as the lead entity that weakened the Clean Water Act. Those giving input on the other side of the issue cited possible cesspool fines if the matter is not settled in court. The Council has requested clarification on the matter from the Governor’s office.
- Resolution 19-98, JOINING THE COUNTY CLIMATE COALITION AND AFFIRMING THE COUNTY OF MAUI'S COMMITMENT TO THE PARIS CLIMATE AGREEMENT – This resolution approves Maui County's membership in the County Climate Coalition, affirms Maui County's commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement, and encourages the creation of a Climate Reality Chapter in Maui County. The Hawaii Chapter of the Climate Reality Project was launched at the 2019 HSAC Conference hosted in Wailea in early June by the Maui County Council. The urgency of the resolution was inspired in part by the recent global Student Climate Strike.
Chair King's Office is also formulating bills that address the illegal short-term rental (STR) problem. We are working with community experts to pursue regulations for hosting platforms that are promoting illegal STRs. The new bill would be similar to legislation that passed in San Francisco, which was later upheld by the 9th Circuit Court after an appeal by Airbnb. Additionally, we are proposing to amend Chapter 19.65.080 to include the same language as Chapter 19.64.065. This would correct the inconsistency in the Restrictions and Standards part D for Bed and Breakfast and Short-term Rental homes.
A Tax Reform Temporary Investigative Group (TIG) was created by the Economic Development and Budget Committee after the passage of the Budget bills to allow an in-depth review and fact-finding effort before next year’s budget session. This TIG will take on Chair King’s proposal for tax credits for landlords who rent long-term to residents at affordable rates. The TIG will also consider a tiered residential property tax structure and may consolidate categories.
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The Climate Reality Project: Hawaii Chapter was launched during the HSAC Conference in June.
The Chapter will promote policies that will reduce climate change, encourage funding of measures that reduce our carbon footprint, and help promote awareness so we can be the change we want to see.
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Chair King initiated a press conference with Economic Development and Budget Committee Chair Rawlins-Fernandez to announce the details of the FY20 budget, after is passed out of the council. Local organizations and community members joined the conference to expound on how the various funded grants and projects will benefit our community.
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With this quarter's primary focus on the FY20 budget, we would like to share with you the South Maui items that were included in the final proposal.
South Maui Budget FY2020
Parks & Recreation
$250,000 - Kamaole Point Pavilion:
Planning, design, and construction of a pavilion with a restroom, parking, and landscaping at Kamaole Point.
$375,000 - South Maui Parks System:
Construct entry, fencing, and water fountain for a dog park at the Kenolio Recreational facility. Construct tennis court fencing and other improvements at Kalama Park. Construct post, gravel, rail, and gate at Waipuilani Park. Construct playground at Hale Piilani Park.
$65,000 (proviso) - Department of Parks and Recreation Administration Program:
Provided that $25,000 shall be for a security Officer I position at Kalama Park and $40,000 shall be for a security system at Kalama Park.
Roads & Sidewalks
$1,000,000 - North South Collector Road (Namauu Place to Kulanihakoi Street):
Continue design and processing of environmental documents for the North South Collector Roadway between Namauu Place and Kaonoulu Street. Construction shall include continuation of the Kihei Greenway (multi-use path). Phase IA: Waipuilani Road to Kulanihakoi Street; Phase IB: Kulanihakoi Street to Kaonoulu Street. Acquire rights-of-way.
$1,900,000 - South Kihei Road Sidewalk Improvements:
Design and construction of approximately 0.6 miles of sidewalk between Piikea Avenue and Kulanihakoi Street, Kihei.
$600,000 - Ohukai Road Sidewalk Improvements:
Construction of approximately 0.3 miles of sidewalk at various locations on Ohukai Road to provide continuous sidewalk between Kaiola Place and South Kihei Road.
$250,000 - South Kihei Road Pavement Rehabilitation:
Design and permit pavement resurfacing and reconstruction at South Kihei Road, between Lipoa Street and Auhana Road.
Environmental Management
$480,000 - Kihei No. 3 Force Main Replacement:
Replacement of a 2,040 foot 12” diameter ductile iron pipe force main within South Kihei Road between Kaunoulu Street and Hoonani Street with a new 4,600 foot force main to discharge on Liloa Drive. The existing line was constructed in 1993 and is nearing the end of its useful life.
$200,000 - Kihei Wastewater Pump Station No. 9 Modification/Upgrade:
The purpose of this project is to design and construct upgrades (pumps, motors, generators, etc.) and required modifications (building, piping, electrical) to the existing pump station originally constructed in 1995. This station needs to meet area capacity requirements and be standardized to be similar in design and operation as other Kihei area pump station facilities.
$750,000 - Kihei In Plant/Effluent Pump Station Upgrades:
Upgrade both the Kihei In Plant Lift Station No. 2 and the Effluent (R-1 water) Pump Station, including replacement of pumps, piping, and access hatch of the plant lift station, effluent pumps, and their control equipment for the R-1 distribution system and renovation of various in plant valve vaults.
$7,500,000 - Kihei-Makena Sewer Expansion:
Design, plan, and construct the expansion of the sewage facility in the Kihei-Makena area.
South Maui Economic Development and Cultural Programs $140,000
Provided, that:
$20,000 shall be for the Aha Moku Council for the stewardship of N. Waipuilani Park.
$5,000 shall be for the Maalaea Village Ahupua’a Sign Project.
$60,000 shall be for the Whale Day Festival and Parade.
$25,000 shall be for fourth Friday.
$225,000 grant shall be for Maui Nui Marine Resource Council for coastal water quality monitoring and Ma’alaea Bay water quality projects.
This grant will include four new water quality monitoring sites in Ma’alaea Bay and the “Vision for Pohakea" program to reduce sediment and pollutants in Ma’alaea Bay and Ma’alaea Harbor.
Open Space, natural Resources, Cultural Resources, and Scenic Views Preservation Fund.
Provided, that: $50,000 shall be for land appraisal and related costs for the Kulanihakoi Greenway Park, located at Kenolio Road, Kihei, Maui. (This property has recently been listed for sale.)
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Chair King proposed $25,000 for a security Officer I position and $40,000 for a security system at Kalama Park in the FY20 budget. It was approved!
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The FY20 budget included a $225,000 grant for a coastal water quality monitoring and Ma’alaea Bay Water quality projects.
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South Maui is one step closer to a potential Kulanihakoi Greenway. $50,000 was designated towards the appraisal and related costs of 3 land parcels.
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The Hawai`i State Association of Counties (HSAC) Annual Conference was hosted by Maui this year and featured nearly 100 experts and advocates speaking on “Hot Topics in Sustainability.” Spearheaded by Chair King and a team from the Office of Council Services, the conference was a great success. HSAC is a professional association, with a membership consisting of the legislative bodies of each Hawaiian County. The annual conference is a vehicle to educate our legislatures and provide a networking arena. The 4-day event kicked off on June 9, at the Wailea Beach Resort with a welcome reception featuring Grammy winner George Kahumoku Jr. For the next two days the Conference featured experts from the public and private sectors, educational workshops and well-known speakers, including former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hanneman and Hawaii Lt. Governor Dr. Josh Green. The Conference sessions addressed a wide range of issues relevant to Hawaii’s counties, including:
• Sea-level rise and climate change
• Housing affordability demands
• Transit hubs and corridors
• Regional food security
• Invasive species mitigation
• Traditional land stewardship
The Climate Reality Project: Hawaii Chapter was launched on the third day of the Conference and is the first chapter in the Pacific-Asia Region! Chair King and two of our office staff are included among its founding members.
On the last day the conference wrapped up with a film debut presented by the Maui Film Festival. The screening of ‘
Beyond Climate
’ included a live interview with film producer Ian Mauro and was followed by a panel discussion with the HSAC representatives from all 4 islands.
“As hosts of this year’s conference, we have an opportunity to put Maui County and the State of Hawaii at the global forefront of combating climate change.” - Chair Kelly King
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Chair King asking a question to the Spotlight On Youth panel at the HSAC Conference.
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Henry Kapono performing during the HSAC Luau Dinner.
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Councilmember Sinenci's office performed a beautiful ceremony honoring King Kamehameha Day.
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Aloha Council Chair King,
Thank you for advocating for nonprofit Maui Youth & Family Services, Inc. during the recent FY2020 Maui County budget deliberations! We deeply appreciate your hard work in securing $200,000 in capital improvement funds for our new Coordinated Services Facility.
This project will make a huge difference in our ability to continue meeting Maui County's need for substance abuse and other behavioral health treatment services, especially for under-served youth.
County funds will have a significant impact on our ability to secure much-needed additional private funding for this project.
Thank you for making a difference in the lives of the individuals and families we serve.
Sincerely,
Jud R Cunningham, CEO
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2019-2021 County Council
(Back row)
Tasha Kama, Mike Molina, Riki Hokama, Yuki Lee Sugimura, Shane Sinenci
(Front row)
Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, Kelly King, Tamara Paltin, Alice Lee
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On May 24, Chair King was proud to join our Maui Youth at the Climate Strike Rally on the front lawn of the UH Maui Campus, as a speaker and a supporter.
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On May 28, the Council honored Kihei Charter School student Jessalyn Lopez with a Ceremonial Resolution for winning the 2019 Hawaii High School Athletic Association State Tennis Championship Girls Singles Title.
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On June 26, Chair King was a guest speaker at the Graduation Ceremony for the 2019 Hawaii Farmers Union United Maui Chapter Farm Apprentice Mentoring (FAM) Program.
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Even with Chair King's very busy schedule during budget and producing the HSAC Conference she attended many community events this quarter. She continued to present Council updates at the quarterly meetings with the Kihei Community Association and Maui Meadows Neighborhood Association and appeared as guest speaker at events such as the Maui Earth Day Festival and the Maui Youth Climate Rally.
Community service extended into May as Chair King attended the Annual Older Americans Month Luncheon and honored Feliciana Aguiran, Paulina Galarita, Arleen Gerbig, & Carmen Septimo with Congratulatory Certificates for becoming octogenarians. She also shared remarks at the Maui Police Memorial Service at the Wailuku Police Station, and in June she flew over to say words of gratitude to the volunteers being recognized at the Moloka'i Retired & Senior Volunteer Program Recognition Luncheon.
In the office this quarter we would like to introduce Zofia Kayian, who joined us as our intern in June. Zofia, who did two intern stints in Councilmember King’s previous term, graduated from Seabury Hall in May and will go on to the University of California, Santa Cruz in September. We are very happy that she has rejoined our team for this summer.
We hope you have enjoyed this update. Please feel free to contact our office if you have any concerns, issues or ideas to help our community thrive.
Mahalo nui loa
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To learn more about becoming a member of KCA click
here
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Chair King is currently serving on the following state and national organizations:
- Hawaii State Association of Counties (HSAC)
- Hui Malama Learning Center - emeritus
- Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance - founder and immediate past president
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Michelle Del Rosario,
Executive Assistant
Michelle has a strong background in real estate, sustainability, energy, public policy research and advocacy.
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Kate Griffiths,
Legislative Research & Policy Analyst
With an honors degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science, Kate has always had a keen interest in how governance shapes our world. With her career in publishing and community advocacy, she continues her mission to support Maui, a place she has called home for over 20 years.
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Zofia Kayian,
Communications
Coordinator & Intern
Zofia recently graduated from Seabury Hall and is enrolled at UC Santa Cruz for the fall. She has a passion for politics and has been interning with Chair King during school breaks since her junior year
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CONNECT
WITH US
200 South High Street
Wailuku, HI 96793
808-270-7108
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NEWSLETTER - Second Quarter 2019
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