‘Perfect storm’ of collective bargaining: County unsure of impact on 65% of budget
About 65% of the county’s $590.8 million operating budget goes for salary and wages, a figure that could increase as government negotiators undertake what Human Resources Director William Brilhante calls “the perfect storm” of collective bargaining, with contracts for all 10 of the county’s bargaining units ending June 30.
Mayor, council settle down to budget business
The county’s finances are in a “precarious” position and the administration and County Council need to put aside “petty politics” and work together, Mayor Mitch Roth said Tuesday in his first budget presentation before the council’s Finance Committee.
Ethics Board OKs Richards’ vote: Councilman allowed to vote on Rodenhurst confirmation despite serving as a reference
It’s not a violation of the ethics code for a County Council member to serve as a reference for someone seeking a county job and then voting on that person’s confirmation, the Board of Ethics ruled Monday on a 3-1 vote.
Council set to scrutinize budget: Department heads to plead their case in three days of hearings
It’s a week only number-crunchers truly love.
Council rejects Leeward Planning Commission nominee
The County Council on Wednesday rejected a Mayor Mitch Roth appointee to the Leeward Planning Commission in what the mayor called “retaliation” over his attempt to have a commission member removed in an unrelated action.
A reprieve for Van Pernis: Council Planning Committee postpones action on ouster of commissioner
Mark Van Pernis was called rude, crusty, insulting, confrontational and condescending, among other adjectives, during a grueling three-hour Tuesday evening session of a County Council panel that ended with a recommendation to not immediately remove him from the powerful Leeward Planning Commission.
No big changes recommended in 10-year solid waste master plan
As the county grapples with a pandemic economy, closure of the Hilo landfill and loss of overseas markets for recyclables, there are more general priorities than specific recommendations in a 395-page 10-year solid waste plan slated for consideration by the County Council.
Auditor candidates narrowed to two: County has been without an auditor five months
A County Council subcommittee searching for a county auditor has narrowed the list to two mainland candidates.
Roth wants Van Pernis off Leeward Planning Commission
Mayor Mitch Roth wants to oust Mark Van Pernis from the powerful Leeward Planning Commission, in what could be an unprecedented action that is, however, within the authority of the mayor and County Council as defined by the county charter.
Nishimoto leaves Public Works
Just four months into his four-year term, Mayor Mitch Roth has lost his first top official, with Merrick Nishimoto leaving as deputy director of the Department of Public Works.
Solar water tax break program dims
The County Council will soon be considering a bill eliminating a tax break for property owners who install solar hot water panels on their property.
Roth addresses West Hawaii Forum
It’s all still a waiting game as Mayor Mitch Roth works on his proposed budget, with the county awaiting word from the state and the state awaiting word from the federal government before anticipated revenues become more solid.
Conflict of interest? Kern signs off on approval of project he represented as a planning consultant
Zendo Kern represented clients as a consultant before the Leeward Planning Commission on a rezoning application, and then as planning director, signed off on a plat map for the same project, records show.
Fire chief selection questioned: Secret voting raises concerns
A politically connected battalion chief with a degree in fire science rocketed past his more experienced colleagues to take the top position in the Fire Department, but questions have come up about how the vote was taken, so it may have to be redone.
Future uncertain for CDP committees, Kailua Village Design Commission
The county has called a halt to filling citizen boards that advise the government on planning and design because the administration said it wants to take a hard look at how the boards can best be used.
Bed and breakfast approved on Alii Drive: Leeward Planning Commission allows project despite cesspool concerns
A five-bedroom Alii Drive home a half mile south of Laaloa Beach Park won approval Thursday to become a bed and breakfast establishment, despite concerns about sea level rise and wastewater issues.
A shot in the arm: Money, vaccines headed to Hawaii Island
U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz on Wednesday described a shot in the arm for Hawaii County, both literally and figuratively.
A Hele-On hub for Kona
Eleven Kailua-Kona locations are in the running for a centralized Hele-On bus hub, and the county wants to hear which one the public likes best, or if other sites would be better.
CIP projects by district a no-go
One councilman’s request for the others to prioritize the top five capital improvement projects for their districts turned into a discussion Tuesday about whether the nine council members should stay focused on their own districts or take a countywide perspective.
Big Island Press Club announces annual Torch of Light, Lava Tube awards for 2020
The Big Island Press Club awards its annual meritorious Torch of Light Award to James Hustace and the Waimea Community Association and the Lava Tube dishonor award to Gov. David Ige.