REP LAAC 023 2025-10-07 2024-2026

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REPORT OF THE LEGISLATIVE APPROVALS AND ACQUISITIONS COMMITTEE DATE: October 7, 2025 PLACE: Council Chambers Hilo, Hawaii TIME: 11:00 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Comm. No. 513Bill No. 88 Your Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions, to which was referred Bill No. 88, reports as follows: Bill No. 88, transmitted by Managing Director William V. Brilhante, Jr., via Communication No. 513, dated September 16, 2025, amends Ordinance No. 10-32, as amended, which reclassified lands from Single -Family Residential — 7,500 square feet (RS-7.5) and Multiple -Family Residential —1,000 square feet (RM-1) to Multiple -Family Residential —1,500 square feet (RM-1.5) at Kukuau 151, South Hilo, Hawaii, covered by Tax Map Keys: 2-4-025:048, 053, and 080 (Applicant: Ikaika Ohana) (Area: 5.05 acres). The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for this request to amend Condition D (Complete Construction), which would allow the applicant to start construction no later than January 2026, with an estimated completion timeline of 18-24 months. The property is located at 350 Kapi`olani Street. Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow was present and provided a PowerPoint presentation. Also available was the representative for the applicant, Gregory Bigley. Committee Member Holeka Goro Inaba questioned the removal of Condition E. Mr. Darrow replied that Condition E had been satisfied by the applicant. Committee Member Jenn Kagiwada requested additional information regarding Condition G, specifically the drainage study, as the proposed project area lies within a flood zone. Mr. Darrow explained that a drainage report must be completed and submitted prior to plan approval. Mr. Bigley stated that the applicant retained hydrology experts who provided an extensive analysis and completed a drainage report, which has already been submitted. Mr. Bigley further explained the project's design incorporated modifications to buildings, and culverts along the drainage channel, which runs through the site to mitigate such concerns while maintaining County access. Mr. Bigley also clarified that all other conditions have been met except for construction. Ms. Kagiwada also asked whether the applicant had applied for financing through the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC), and if so, whether the application had been approved. Mr. Bigley responded that their HHFDC application had been received and is scheduled for an October board hearing. Ms. Kagiwada thanked Mr. Bigley for his efforts and expressed her hope that the project successfully receives the federal tax credits. Mr. Darrow added that plan approval for the project was issued August 4, 2022, and confirmed that the property did subdivide the 10-foot right-of-way. LAAC Report No. 23