Committee advances medical examiner fees, Hanauma Bay security transfer and other budget items

The committee recommended reporting several budget measures out for adoption and took action or set follow-up as follows:

- Bill 1 20 26 CD1 (Medical Examiner fees): Dr. Masahiko Kobayashi, the medical examiner, said the bill does not create new services but enables the department to recover actual costs for non‑mandated services. With no testimony and no further questions, the chair recommended the bill be reported out for passage on third reading.

- Resolution 26-46 (Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve fund transfer): Deputy Director Kehaulani Pu'u (Parks & Recreation) requested a transfer not to exceed $540,000 from the Hanauma Bay fund to cover a security contract shortfall. Pu'u said the department received only one eligible bid for the contract, driving higher-than-budgeted costs; she said the funds would stay within the Hanauma Bay special fund to cover security services for FY2026. The chair recommended reporting the resolution out for adoption.

- Other administrative items: The committee opened reviews of the Salary Commission and the Real Property Tax Boards of Review and postponed action on both to March 31, 2026 to prepare draft reports and recommendations. The chair instructed departments to prepare materials requested by members.

Next steps: Items recommended for adoption will be transmitted to full council; postponed reviews will return to committee for further consideration.