Aloha! The following are updates on projects throughout our region:
BUDGET 2018–2019:
The March 1 version of the 2018-19 county budget is before the council for consideration. This draft is at $515 million, approximately 5 percent higher than last year’s budget of $491 million. I have begun my own departmental budget review by meeting with leadership of our county departments. From my understanding, the budgets presented are “status quo” with no growth in any programs. We have some challenges ahead that will demand a great deal of resources and attention. The council has not yet established any working group or sub-committee to plan for this. I will continue to look at our entire financial concerns in context between all expenditures and all revenue sources, and work towards moving away from the “silo legislation” that we seem to be stuck in.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES “NACo”:
During the first week of March, I had the opportunity to attend the NACo legislative conference in Washington D.C. with Councilman Dru Kanuha wherein we attended meetings focused on federal policy issues that impact our counties and its residents. Counties from across the nation came together to share their thoughts and ideas and to communicate its priorities to our federal legislators. Council members from Kauai, Maui and Honolulu were also in attendance.
As a group we shared ideas and meet collectively with our Hawaii federal delegation. In addition, I had private meetings with both Senators Hirono and Schatz to discuss concerns at the county level, specifically for Council District 9, wherein I believe federal assistance would be beneficial.
PARKS AND RECREATION (P&R):
Lindsey Iyo is the new P&R North/South Kohala district supervisor for the Recreation Division as of mid-February. She oversees all recreation facilities and staff in District 9 and operates out of the Waimea Community Center. We look forward to working with her for our District 9 needs.
• KOHALA – KAMEHAMEHA PARK:
Shiro Takata Field: A celebration was held on March 10 at Kamehameha Park to dedicate Shiro Takata Field in honor of the “Mayor of North Kohala” himself. The morning blessing was handled by P&R, with a program highlighting the many accolades of Shiro Takata. It was a privilege for me to fulfill the desire of the community in passing the council resolution and see this to fruition.
Roots Skate Park: I met with Richie Riggs to discuss its current status; I am confident that matters will start up again for the skate park. The group is perfecting the Friends of the Park Agreement with the County and is ready to move forward to its next phase. The $70,000 previously set aside by my predecessor remains available for this project.
Hisaoka Gymnasium: I’m working with P&R to assist our kupuna in safely accessing the gym bleachers and stairs. Proposed ideas include handrails and/or new bleachers entirely; state procurement code must be followed to obtain materials to implement the upgrades. I have set aside funding for this project and look forward to its completion.
Outdoor Basketball Courts: The current backboards at the outdoor courts are severely deteriorated and need replacing. I have set aside some funds for this; P&R is assisting by obtaining reasonable quotes for the replacement of all six backboards for this location.
• WAIKOLOA:
Kamakoa Nui Park: Much interest has been generated to repair and upgrade the fields at Kamakoa Nui Park. A Friends of the Park agreement is being considered and solutions are being sought. A big mahalo to the community for pushing this item forward. This field has been problematic for years, and getting it into good shape in order to grow our community’s usage is the right direction. I look forward to continued work with the people of Waikoloa on this project.
Dog Park: The Friends of the Waikoloa Village Dog Park agreement with the County has been established. A recent meeting with the Friends of the Dog Park committee and P&R leadership outlined the goals and potential locations within the master plan of the park. P&R leadership is scheduled to meet with the group on site in the near future and continue dialogue to get this project underway.
WAIAKA BRIDGE:
The Waiaka Stream Bridge that recently had weight limits imposed will soon go back to accepting all traffic due to further evaluation of the bridge. I am in close contact with the State Department of Transportation and will keep you posted as information is received.
It continues to be a great privilege to serve as your councilman and I look forward to our future together.