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Dennis "Fresh" Onishi o�Mty of��'�� Phone No.: (808)961-8396 <br /> Council Vice Chair <br /> dennis.onishi(a hawaiicounty.gov <br /> c;• ;, <br /> �" ��'�'�''!• <br /> District 3 +' <br /> E OF H►' <br /> HAWAVI COUNTY COUNCIL <br /> 25 Aupuni Street <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 <br /> DATE: August 20, 2025 <br /> TO: Hawaii County Leeward Planning Commission <br /> Dean Au, Chair <br /> Donna"Kinuko" Noborikawa, Vice Chair <br /> FROM: Dennis "Fresh" Onishi, Council Vice Chair <br /> Council District 3 <br /> SUBJECT: Bill 63 —An Ordinance amending Chapter 25, Article 5, of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 <br /> Edition, as amended), Relating to Dwellings. <br /> Dear Chair Au, Vice Chair Noborikawa, and members of the Leeward Planning Commission, <br /> I am writing to express my strong support for Bill 63. The purpose of adding residential uses to industrial- <br /> commercial mixed zoning is to create more housing opportunities for our residents in Hawaii County. <br /> The Department of Civil Defense has agreed to support Bill 63, with the following addition to establish a <br /> setback of at least 200 feet in areas of residential zoning where adjacent zoning allows for activities such as <br /> heavy industrial and the potential exposure of dangerous and toxic materials and fumes. The health and safety <br /> of the residents and visitors of Hawaii County are taken into consideration with regulated permits for this <br /> setback that would be required in the planning and building process. <br /> With the housing shortage in Hawaii County, this would also provide opportunities for residents to live and <br /> work in the same neighborhoods, allowing for a shorter commute time. This will also help clear up traffic <br /> congestion on our roadways. In turn, it will provide residents with more time in the day at home with families. <br /> Some may even be able to walk to work, which will help our residents save on gas costs and walking to work is <br /> a great additional health benefit. <br /> Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please contact me if you have any questions. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Council Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi <br /> Hawaii County Is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer <br />