HILO, Hawaiʻi – The Hawaiʻi County Council has taken significant legislative action this month, including advancing a new bill aimed at pedestrian safety and finalizing key ordinances for the upcoming fiscal year’s budget and public improvements.
Bill 59: Pedestrian Solicitation Prohibitions Passes First Reading
At its meeting on June 18, 2025, Bill 59 successfully passed its first reading. This bill proposes amendments to Chapter 24, Article 9, of the Hawaiʻi County Code 1983, specifically relating to Pedestrians. If enacted, it would prohibit receiving, soliciting, delivering, or offering goods or services while in a street, and would establish penalties for violations.
The vote for Bill 59 was as follows:
- Ayes (7): Council Members Hustace, Inaba, Kanealiʻi-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi.
- Noes (2): Council Members Galimba and Kagiwada.
- Absent/Excused: None.
Ordinances 25-45 and 25-46 Pass Final Reading for FY 2025-2026
During the Hawaiʻi County Council meeting on June 5, 2025, two crucial ordinances for the upcoming fiscal year passed their second and final reading, thereby becoming law:
- Ordinance 25-45 (Bill 31 Draft 4): Establishing Operating Budget This ordinance establishes the Operating Budget for the County of Hawaiʻi for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
- AYES (7): Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kanealiʻi-Kleinfelder, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba.
- NOES (1): Council Member Kagiwada.
- ABSENT (1): Council Member Kierkiewicz.
- Ordinance 25-46 (Bill 32 Draft 4): Public Improvements and Financing This ordinance relates to Public Improvements and their Financing for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
- AYES (8): Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kanealiʻi-Kleinfelder, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba.
- NOES (0): None.
- ABSENT (1): Council Member Kierkiewicz.