Laserfiche WebLink
• <br /> �tV OF M� <br /> COUNTY OF HAWAII •_ '} STATE OF HAWAII <br /> • <br /> . ;gip_ <br /> F OFN►. <br /> BILL NO. 126 <br /> (DRAFT 2) <br /> ORDINANCE NO. <br /> AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 25,ARTICLES 1,3, 5,AND 7, OF THE <br /> HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION,AS AMENDED),RELATING TO <br /> SPECIAL DISTRICTS. <br /> BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII: <br /> SECTION 1. Purpose and findings. The purpose of this ordinance is to reinforce and <br /> promote the role of Downtown Pahoa as a cultural and economic hub for Pahoa and the <br /> surrounding Lower Puna communities, in alignment with the vision set forth in the Puna <br /> Community Development Plan. By establishing the Downtown Pahoa Commercial(hereinafter <br /> "DPC")district and providing clear standards for mixed-use development, this ordinance seeks <br /> to encourage sustainable economic growth while preserving and celebrating Pahoa's unique <br /> cultural,historic, and environmental identity. <br /> The Council finds that Downtown Pahoa serves as an important center for commerce, <br /> culture, and community gathering within the Puna region. The Council further finds that the <br /> area's distinct historic development pattern and community character are not fully <br /> accommodated by existing zoning classifications, giving rise to a need for more flexible zoning <br /> and land use regulations.Allowing a broader mix of commercial,residential, cultural, and <br /> creative uses will support locally-owned businesses, expand housing opportunities, strengthen <br /> community resilience, and promote a more walkable and vibrant town center. <br /> The DPC district established by this ordinance is intended to support the long-standing <br /> community planning framework developed through the Puna Community Development Plan and <br /> related planning efforts for Pahoa Village. Consistent with this area-wide planning approach,the <br /> Council finds it appropriate to identify suitable areas for the district and allow individual <br /> property owners within those areas to voluntarily elect participation in the district. <br /> This approach promotes investment and adaptive reuse,reduces unnecessary costs and <br /> procedural burdens associated with individual change of zone applications, supports the existing <br /> community planning framework, while also remaining subject to legislative oversight through <br /> the Council's authority to designate eligible areas. <br /> Accordingly,this ordinance establishes the DPC District, identifies permitted uses and <br /> development standards for the district, and creates procedures to facilitate voluntary participation <br /> in the district while advancing economic vitality, cultural preservation,housing opportunity, and <br /> community-centered development. <br /> 1 <br />