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Dennis "Fresh" Onishi <br />Council Vice Chair <br />District 3 <br />DATE: August 27, 2025 <br />TO: <br />HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL <br />25 Aupuni Street <br />Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 <br />Hawai`i County Windward Planning Commission <br />Louis Daniele III, Chair <br />Chantel Perrin, Vice Chair <br />FROM: Dennis "Fresh" Onishi, Council Vice Chair <br />Council District 3 <br />Phone No.: (808) 961-8396 <br />dennis.onishi@hawaiicounty.gov <br />SUBJECT: Bill 63 — An Ordinance amending Chapter 25, Article 5, of the Hawai`i County Code 1983 (2016 <br />Edition, as amended), Relating to Dwellings. <br />Dear Chair Daniele, Vice Chair Perrin, and members of the Windward 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 Hawai`i 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 Hawai`i 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 Hawai`i 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 />