HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOREDC 018 2021/10/19 (2020-2022) REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS,
RELATIONS, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
DATE: October 19, 2021 Re: Comm. No. 441/Res. No. 241-21
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i
TIME: 10:31 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Your Committee on Governmental Operations, Relations, and Economic Development, to which
was referred Resolution No. 241-21, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 241-21, transmitted via Communication No. 441 dated October 1, 2021, and
introduced by Council Members Sue Lee Loy and Ashley Kierkiewicz, urges the Office of
Housing and Community Development to conduct a study of the County's inclusionary zoning
policies, pursuant to Senate Resolution No. 3, and to develop a strategic road map for housing
development on Hawai`i Island.
The resolution requests the development of the zoning policy report and strategic plan to
facilitate housing program adjustments and potential amendments to County housing law.
Council Member Kierkiewicz introduced the resolution explaining that many affordable housing
projects cannot get built because there are too many barriers. By looking at inclusionary zoning
policies, we can see what is working and what is not working and help get housing built for low
income and ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families on Hawai`i Island.
Council Member Lee Loy added that it was discussions with Housing Administrator Susan Kunz
that led to the development of this resolution.
Ms. Kunz was available on Zoom and stated that the Office of Housing and Community
Development supports this resolution and is looking forward to utilizing the resulting "road
map." Her office is looking at hiring a consultant to help with this process and she looks forward
to getting stakeholder input from the community. Lastly, Ms. Kunz thanked Council Members
Inaba and Kimball for working with her office on necessary changes to Chapter 11.
Planning Director Zendo Kern was also available and stated that this is a critical conversation
and he also supports the resolution.
Council Member Villegas questioned why another study was needed saying that much of the
expertise to address this issue is already available to the County.
GOREDC Report No.: 18
GOREDC-18 Page 2 October 19,2021
Ms. Kierkiewicz reminded the committee that a main resolution deliverable is for a strategic road
map not just"another study."
Chair Heather Kimball gave her measured support for the resolution, noting that her preliminary
research on inclusionary zoning turned up three points to keep in mind: 1) doesn't work in a
vacuum, 2) location specific/doesn't work everywhere, and 3) there needs to be clarity of the
law.
The vote was taken on the motion to move this measure to Council with a favorable
recommendation passed with eight"ayes."
Your Committee on Governmental Operations, Relations, and Economic Development is in
accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 241-21, and recommends its adoption.
jlk
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG x
DAVID x COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
INABA x OPERATIONS, RELATIONS, AND
"NEALI'l-KLEINFELDER x ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
KIERKIEWICZ x
KIMBALL x
- LEELOY x HATHER L. KIMBALL, CHAIR
RICHARDS x GOREDC REPORT NO.: 18
VILLEGAS x ADOPTED: NOV 0 3 2021