REP PCPLUED 006 2025-08-05 2024-2026

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PCPLUED-6 Page 3 August 5, 2025 Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development Meeting of July 9, 2025. Chair Kierkiewicz requested that the bill be postponed to allow additional time to address remaining concerns raised by the faith community. She noted that the Planning Department indicated the code must be updated by October of 2025 to comply with a court order related to the lawsuit the bill is intended to resolve. Bill 60, Draft 2, was postponed to the Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development Committee meeting of August 5, 2025. Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development Meeting of August 5, 2025. Mr. Darrow was present in the Hilo Chambers. Chair Kierkiewicz introduced an amendment to the definition of "event" to clarify that it refers to atypical, large-scale gatherings with ongoing revenue -generating potential, thereby distinguishing them from routine or private assemblies. The amendment suite also proposed adding "public commercial" before "transient accommodations" in the definition of "meeting facility" to prevent potential loopholes that could allow vacation rentals to operate under the guise of meeting facilities. This change also responded to concerns from the faith community, who noted that pastors or visiting faith leaders may stay on the premises. Additionally, the amendment clearly identifies "home -based assembly" to acknowledge that gatherings in homes are common and constitutionally protected, while establishing a threshold that, if exceeded, would trigger requirements for meeting facility standards such as plan approval or a use permit, depending on the zoning district. Other updates in the amendment include the introduction of a parking calculation specific to special events and updated terminology throughout the bill for clarity and consistency. Mr. Inaba asked for clarification on the parking requirements. Chair Kierkiewicz explained that the amendment includes calculations based on square footage, anticipated number of attendees, or the Planning Director's discretion, recognizing that a one -size -fits -all standard may not be feasible, but that this guidance provides the public with a clearer expectation. Mr. Hustace asked whether "special events" might overlap with "major outdoor amusements." Mr. Darrow clarified that the two are distinct uses and noted that the major outdoor amusement category is rarely used and governed by strict standards. Mr. Onishi raised concerns about parking impacts from frequent gatherings. In response to a question from Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder regarding whether one-time events require plan approval or permits, Mr. Darrow explained that the bill is designed to provide clear pathways for special events to ensure adequate infrastructure and parking, so that surrounding communities are not negatively affected. Chair Kierkiewicz offered the example that recurring commercial weddings in a home would qualify as a "special event," while a one-time backyard wedding at your home would not. PCPLUED Report No. 6