Hawaiʻi County Council

The Hawaiʻi County Council has adopted a measure asking the state Agriculture and Health departments to work with farmers as they respond to the contagious avian flu.

Some Hawaiʻi Island lawmakers want the state to come up with a humane plan to manage avian flu. The Hawaiʻi County Council has introduced a resolution urging the state Department of Agriculture to work with local poultry farmers to develop a plan. The resolution was heard in a council committee meeting on Tuesday.

The Hawaiʻi County Council could urge the state Legislature to implement a universal free school meals program for public school students statewide.

A Hawaiʻi County Council resolution heard Wednesday urges the Legislature to permanently exempt birth attendants from being required to have a state midwifery license and to expand the eligibility criteria for the license.

The nine-member council officially selected Holeka Goro Inaba as its chair. He said his primary role as chair is to make sure that council hearings operate “in the most efficient, respectful and effective manner.”

The Hawaiʻi County Council is considering a bill to amend its affordable rental housing program to help increase the island's housing supply.

Hawaiʻi Island voters will have the chance to weigh in on three county charter amendment questions in the November election. HPR's Ashley Mizuo breaks down what a "yes" and "no" vote will mean for each.

County lawmakers are considering a measure urging the mayor to establish the group which would then form a “County Radio Plan.” The plan would expand the island’s radio capacity and infrastructure, and focus on isolated and rural areas.

Bill 123 would allow property owners to build up to three ADUs, each of which can serve as residential housing units. If the lot has more than one primary dwelling, an ADU would be allowed for each of them.

The Hawaiʻi County Council measure would allow honey bee colonies to be kept in every zoning district. HPR's Mark Ladao reports on what this means for the island's local economy and food sustainability.