The Honolulu City Council Budget Committee on Tuesday moved a slate of routine appointments and budget measures out of committee, recommending them for further action by the full council.

The committee recommended that Resolution 25‑283, confirming the appointment of Jody Labette to Board of Review 1 for real property tax appeals, be amended to a hand‑carried CD1 and reported out for adoption. Labette introduced herself to the committee and said she had served on community boards and on the Hawaii Association of Realtors’ government affairs tax subcommittee. "My name is Jody Labette, and I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve on the board of review 1 for real property tax appeals," she said.

The committee likewise recommended that Resolution 25‑297, reappointing Edmund K.B. Hyun (who said he is commonly known as Fred) to the Honolulu Liquor Commission through Dec. 31, 2030, be amended to attach an updated voter certificate and be reported out for adoption. Hyun told the panel he welcomed the opportunity to serve a second term: "Good morning, everyone. Chair, vice chair, council members. Welcome the opportunity to serve a second term with the Honolulu Liquor Commission," he said.

On fiscal matters, the panel recommended approval of Resolution 25‑302, authorizing a transfer not to exceed $150,000 in general‑fund money for fiscal 2026 to procure a contract to develop and implement an automated system to produce the annual executive program and budget book. Clerks reported no public testimony on the item.

Bill 55‑2025, which would establish fees for the City and County of Honolulu’s multifamily rental housing program, was amended to the posted CD1 and recommended for a second reading and a public hearing. Kevin Auger, director designate of the Department of Housing and Land Management, told the committee the administration’s only comment on the CD1 was a request not to create a separate account within the special housing development fund because it "would just create more complications than we needed." Councilmember Kia Aina pressed for clarification of whether AMI‑based rent guidance would apply to occupant income or owner income; Auger and staff explained the guidance limits what can be charged to renters.

Two budget measures the administration had opposed were also moved forward. Bill 64‑2025, which would require the mayor to submit a report on appropriations at the same time budget documents are submitted, was presented with a hand‑carried CD1; the director of Budget and Fiscal Services noted the department’s written opposition to the original bill and said he had not yet reviewed the CD1. The chair recommended Bill 64 be reported for passage on third reading. Bill 65‑2025 (CD1), amending provisions related to budget execution, was likewise recommended for passage on third reading; the department restated its written opposition.

Most committee actions were taken without recorded roll‑call votes in the transcript; the chair stated recommendations and, seeing no objections, ordered items reported out to the full council. The committee adjourned with no further business.

What happens next: items reported out of committee will appear on the council’s floor calendar for consideration, with Bill 55 and Bill 63 scheduled for additional readings and public hearings as indicated by the committee.