APPOINTMENTS, BILLS AND NOTABLE RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED AT THE HONOLULU CITY COUNCIL’S FULL COUNCIL MEETING ON FEBRUARY 28, 2024
Resolutions
Reso 24-016 – This measure adopts Climate Ready O‘ahu (see Exhibit A in Reso) as a climate adaptation strategy and guiding policy for the City and County of Honolulu.
STATEMENTS: “We have all witnessed the devastating local impacts of climate change, which unfortunately have been increasing in frequency and magnitude all around us. In light of this, the Council has strongly supported several measures to protect the environment and mālama i ka ‘āina, including adopting the City’s Climate Action Plan in 2021 to phase out greenhouse gas pollution. We are excited to take this next step in strengthening our collective resiliency by adopting the City’s first-ever climate adaptation strategy, which incorporates both expert knowledge and extensive community mana‘o. The strategy outlines the contributing factors to climate impacts on our island, and highlights specific ways in which the City and the public can better adapt to make our communities safer, our neighborhoods more prepared, and our residents much more resilient.” - Council Chair Tommy Waters and Co-Introducer
“In adopting Climate Ready O‘ahu as our guiding climate adaptation strategy, we are taking a significant step toward securing a sustainable and resilient future for our island home. Mahalo to the Mayor and the Administration, and our community members for their invaluable contributions in developing this comprehensive strategy. Their dedication and collective insight have been pivotal in shaping a roadmap that addresses our unique climate challenges. Together, we are charting a course that not only prepares us for the impacts of climate change but also honors our commitment to protecting our ‘āina, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for future generations.” - Councilmember Matt Weyer, Housing, Sustainability and Health Committee Chair
Reso 24-027 – Urges the Legislature to pass legislation clarifying that the counties have the power to amortize or phase out nonconforming short-term rentals.
Reso 23-239, CD1 – Initiates amendments to the Revised Charter of the City and County of Honolulu 1973 (Amended 2017 Edition), as amended, relating to the qualifications of the Director of Emergency Management.
STATEMENTS: “These amendments are crucial to enhance our city’s resilience in the face of emergencies and a significant step toward a more structured and effective emergency response. Our commitment to a merit-based selection process in selecting these key officials ensures that we have the most skilled and qualified individuals leading our emergency management efforts. This is an investment in our community’s safety and well-being.” - Councilmember Matt Weyer, Housing, Sustainability and Health Committee Chair, and Co-Introducer
“The proposed changes to the Charter reflect our ongoing dedication to public safety and effective emergency management. The qualifications set for the Director of Emergency Management are stringent, ensuring that only highly experienced and capable individuals can lead. This is about more than just administrative restructuring; it’s about making sure that when disasters strike, our city is prepared and managed by the best.” - Council Chair Tommy Waters, and Co-Introducer
Reso 24-025, CD1 – Establishes a Sister City relationship with Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
STATEMENT: “Rarotonga has a culturally rich heritage that closely mirrors our own here in Hawai‘i, and its people share common values and interests with us in so many ways. I’m confident that the establishment of a sister city relationship will provide many opportunities for our residents to engage in mutual exchanges that will benefit both cities. This is a way for us to begin deepening our relationships, learning from each other - particularly in the area of sustainability and regenerative tourism - and strengthening the ties that already bind us as Pacific Island neighbors.” - Council Chair Tommy Waters, and Introducer
Bills
Bill 44 (2023), CD1 – This bill deters the making of false statements to the building official for persons with a prior conviction for the offense of making a false statement under State law.
STATEMENT: "Monster homes are a critical issue in my district. Often built illegally, their increased density negatively impacts our neighborhoods by straining infrastructure and resources including sewers and water, increasing traffic, and taking up scarce street parking spaces. Bill 44 is a tool that allows the City to target developers with histories of making false statements, such as providing intentionally incorrect information on a building permit application, with increased penalties and permit application fees, and even a 2-year ban on applying for future permits." - District 7 Councilmember Radiant Cordero
Appointments
Reso 23-306 - Appointment of Laurie Foster to the Honolulu Police Commission
Reso 23-305 - Appointment of Elena Bryant to the Honolulu Planning Commission
Reso 23-307 - Appointment of Jeffrey Hong to the Honolulu Liquor Commission
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