HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN PC 2022/01/05 2020-2022 Committee on Planning
17th Session
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawai i
January 5, 2022
CALL TO The regular meeting of the Committee on Planning was called to order at
ORDER: 9:00 a.m., in the Council Chambers, Hilo, by Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Chair.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Chair
Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Vice Chair (via videoconference from Kona)
Mr. Aaron S. Y. Chung, Member
Ms. Maile Medeiros David, Member
Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Member
Mr. Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Member
Ms. Heather L. Kimball, Member
Ms. Susan L. K. Lee Loy, Member
Mr. Herbert M. "Tim" Richards, III, Member
STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business,
FROM THE Statements from the Public on Agenda Items.
PUBLIC ON
AGENDA ITEMS: (There were none.)
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Mr. Clerk, if you could please start with
Communication 552.
COMMUNI- The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business,
CATIONS: Communications.
Comm. 552: NOMINATION OF KEALOHANUIOPUNA KINNEY TO THE HAWAII
COUNTY CULTURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
From Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, dated November 22, 2021, requesting the
Council's review and confirmation.
PC-17 January 5,2022
Vote on Comm. 552: Ms. Lee Loy moved to recommend confirmation of the
(Approved) appointment of Kealohanuiopuna Kinney to the Hawaii
County Cultural Resources Commission. Seconded by
Ms. Kimball and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kimball, Lee Loy,
Richards, Villegas, and Chair Kierkiewicz—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
Executive Assistant to the Mayor Pomaika`i Bartolome came forward
and provided a brief narrative of the nominee's background and
experience. Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you so much for joining us. Mahalo nui.
Mr. Clerk, if we could move on to Communication 563,please.
Comm. 563: NOMINATION OF SHANE VINCENT TO THE LEEWARD PLANNING
COMMISSION
From Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, dated December 17, 2021, requesting the
Council's review and confirmation.
Requires Council
Confirmation by: January 30, 2022 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawaii County Charter)
Motion to Approve: Mr. Richards moved to recommend confirmation of the
appointment of Mr. Shane Vincent to the Leeward
Planning Commission. Seconded by Ms. David.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Ms. Bartolome, if you could introduce the nominee?
(Note: At this time, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Pomaika`i
Bartolome came forward to address the members of the Committee
and provided a brief narrative of the nominee.)
MS. BARTOLOME: I believe Mr. Vincent got the dates mixed up. He thought
that he was supposed to appear yesterday. And so, he's not available today to be
here. I did let him know that Committee review or Council would be in January
on the 18'h I think; or 19'', which he said he would make time for if that's
possible.
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CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Ms. Bartolome, for letting us know. But,
Mr. Clerk, you did note that we needed to make a decision on this by the end of
January.
MR. BROWN: January 301h.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: By January 301h. Going to put it to the pleasure of this
Council on how we move forward. We would have to take action today at the
Committee level. If not, if we were to hold it in Committee till Kona, it would
be an automatic approval. Is that correct?
MR. BROWN: That is correct.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: That is correct, okay. So there needs to be some kind of
decision. My recommendation is we move it forward with the idea of making a
decision at Council, so that we have an opportunity to talk story with the
nominee. Mr. Richards, this is your district.
MR. RICHARDS: Yeah, thank you Chair. I think, you know, it's a little bit
unusual for us to have Committee on a Council day, so I don't totally blame
Mr. Vincent for not being here. We all know our schedules get all screwed up,
and it's not outside the realm of this Council to do exactly what you are
suggesting. And since it's my motion to put him forth, I would suggest taking
action today so we can discuss. And if Mr. Vincent can be in place on, it would
be the 19'', I think, and we can have the conversation at that point. I think that's
appropriate. And I would be supportive of that. So Chair, I yield.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Mr. Richards. Mr. Inaba.
MR. INABA: Thank you. I agree with Mr. Richards and feel we should proceed
with forwarding this to Council today.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, great, Council Members. Anyone else?
Ms. Bartolome, could you please communicate with Mr. Vincent that we would
appreciate his presence at the January 191h Council Meeting. We convene at
9:00 a.m.
MS. BARTOLOME: Yes, sure. Thank you.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: And I'll work with Council Chair to ensure that he's one
of the first matters that we can take up on our agenda. Thank you for ensuring
that communication gets through. Thank you, Council Members. So we have a
motion on the floor to forward this nomination to the Council with a positive
recommendation all in favor please say "aye."
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Vote on Comm. 563: The motion to recommend confirmation of the appointment of
(Approved) of Mr. Shane Vincent to the Leeward Planning Commission
Was carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, Kimball, Lee Loy,
Richards, and Chair Kierkiewicz—5.
Noes: Committee Members David, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, and Villegas —4.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Ms. Bartolome, please remind
Mr. Vincent that he should be present 9:00 a.m. on the 19''.
MS. BARTOLOME: Thank you.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Mr. Clerk, if we could move on to Bills for
Ordinances, please. Bill 99.
ORDER OF The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, Order
RESOLUTIONS: of Resolutions.
(There were none.)
BILLS FOR The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business,
ORDINANCES: Bills for Ordinances.
Bill 99: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 11-73, WHICH RECLASSIFIED LANDS FROM
AGRICULTURAL—FORTY ACRES (A-40a) TO AGRICULTURAL—FIVE
ACRES (A-5a) AT PU`UKAPU, SOUTH KOHALA DISTRICT, HAWAII,
COVERED BY TAX MAP KEY: 6-4-017:042
(Applicant: Cynthia Foster) (Area: Approx. 17.88 acres)
The Leeward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for
this amendment, which requests a five-year time extension to comply with
Condition C (Time to Secure Final Subdivision Approval) with an amendment to
Condition J(Inadvertent Cultural/Historic Finds). The property is located along
the north side of Mamalahoa Highway approximately 750 feet west of its
intersection with Kipahele Street in Waimea.
Reference: Comm. 548
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz (B/R)
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Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to recommend passage of Bill 99 on
first reading. Seconded by Mr. Inaba.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Will the applicant and/or the representative please come
forward? Good morning Mr. Fuke. If you could please introduce yourself for the
record and give us a quick overview of the request from the applicant.
(Note: At this time, Planning Consultant Sidney Fuke came forward to
address the members of the Committee.)
MR. FUKE: Good morning, Madam Chair and members of this body. First of
all, Happy New Year and hopefully, by the end of the year, globally it'll be very
happy, but we'll see.
My name is Sydney Fuke. I'm here representing the applicant. Just to give you
some background, Mrs. Foster is an elderly woman. She lives on Oahu right
now. She owns this property and she has two children.
The intent is to subdivide and create a three-lot subdivision. One of her sons is
kind of responsible in doing the subdivision. He and his wife live in Kona. They
have a very active coffee farm. Regrettably, he was quite busy with the farm.
So he couldn't, you know, complete the subdivision within the allocated time
period.
When he was informed that he really had to get off his stuff and really finalize
the subdivision—in the meantime the surveyor decided to move out of State. So
he had a hard time finding a new surveyor. And this occurred right during the
time of the beginning of the pandemic. So finally, he was able to retain the
services of Wes Thomas Associates. Two years ago, they received tentative
subdivision approval in September of 2020. And they were just about ready to
get final subdivision approval. However, the time expired. So this is where we
are right now.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you for that overview. I'm just noting for the
record, we have Acting Planning Director Jeff Darrow here in the Gallery in case
Council Members have questions. Questions or comments on this request?
Mr. Inaba.
MR. INABA: Yes, good morning, Mr. Fuke. And, Deputy Darrow, can you
come to the table, please? Okay,just to clarify again, was an Administrative
extension already granted for this?
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(Note: At this time, Deputy Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow came
forward to address the members of the Committee.)
MR. FUKE: Yes.
MR. INABA: So this is going to be a total of ten years we're extending it if this
is approved?
MR. DARROW: The original approval was in 2011. And with the
Administrative time extension, that brought it to ten years. So this would
actually be an additional five years.
MR. INABA: So one Administrative, now this is the extension that you folks are
asking from us, right?
MR. DARROW: Correct.
MR. INABA: Okay. And Mr. Fuke, how long more till this gets done? I know
it seems there's been progress made. So when is your client anticipating to have
this completed?
MR. FUKE: I would anticipate within the next couple of years, because there's
some slight infrastructure work that needs to be done; installation of a water line
and they already retained the services of an engineer to do that;the construction
plans are ready to be submitted. So once that's done the improvements would
have to be made, and very modest improvements. So my best guess at this point
in time, would be probably within the next couple years, we should be able to
finalize it, if not, sooner.
MR. INABA: Okay, and the circumstances that require the Administrative
extension are the same circumstances that has brought us here today for this
request? Is that right?
MR. FUKE: Correct, yes.
MR. INABA: Deputy Darrow, Section J. I know this is a standard language it
seems that we're changing in this bill. Is this going to be a standard change that
we'll see in all bills moving forward?
MR. DARROW: Maybe I should introduce myself, sorry. Deputy Planning
Director Jeff Darrow. I hope that you folks had a very pleasant Christmas and
New Year's holiday season. With that I'll answer the question.
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The reason for this change was based on a comment from Department of Land
and Natural Resources State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD), requesting
that they have an opportunity to review this particular subdivision application
prior to approval. So that's the request for this particular case. So it doesn't
appear at this time that this would be a standard language change.
MR. INABA: Okay, that's all I have for now. Thank you very much.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Mr. Inaba. Anyone else? Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Thanks, Chair. I can understand things falling behind a little
bit. And especially with the pandemic. I actually know it's difficult getting
surveyors, especially if they move out of State. And I don't think it's
unreasonable to grant an extension. Looking at this, technically this is in,
Heather, your district. But this abuts right in that area that we have, you know,
have common ground. And, yeah, where people get confused. And it is in line
with the rest of the development going on in the area. So I can support an
extension because it seems reasonable given all that's happened. Thank you,
Chair, I yield.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, anyone else? Chair David.
MS. DAVID: Thank you, Chair. Deputy Director Darrow,thanks for that
explanation. And do youI just have one question. The Condition J, the
addition of that, did they specify why this condition for this parcel, specifically?
What concerns did SHPD have? I mean I was trying to look for it while you
were talking.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Chair David, if you look at Number 20 in the
background report, there is note from SHPD about it being used for cattle
grazing, and there was insufficient information regarding potential features.
They didn't think there was any, but they just wanted to be sure that prior to any
ground disturbance, that the situation be actively monitored. And they have a
chance to review all that.
MS. DAVID: Okay, great.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: I know, it kind of got lost in everything but, Number 20.
MS. DAVID: Okay. Thank you for that, Mr. Darrow and Chair. Alrighty, I
yield.
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CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Anyone else? Okay, straight forward request and to the
point that Mr. Richards made about there being some progress made by the
applicant. There's been significant progress. Oftentimes, we've seen things
come before us for time extensions upon time extensions where very little has
been done. But in this situation good intensions and movement forward. And
happy to continue to support that, because it's going to mean homes for this
particular local family. So really appreciate that.
Deputy, I just have one sort of technical question about this, because we have in
this term seen a couple of things come before us where there isn't any note about
time extensions, either by the Council or by the Planning Director. Is there a
reason why we are having that noted here? That if we need to go beyond the five
years, it needs to come back to Council. Because I've seen a couple where there
wasn't that option, that it was something that the department and commission
both saw that the zoning was appropriate now and into the future.
MR. DARROW: I mean, that's been the debate going on with the commissions
as well as the Council. And at this point, we're still following the standard
procedure that the original change of zone request will normally come with a
five-year timeframe to complete construction or final subdivision with the
allowance of an additional time extension granted by the Director. But after that,
they come back to Commission and Council. And normally on those time
extensions, there's no additional Administrative time extension.
There have been unique situations where it's been allowed, but in this particular
case, I don't believe it was requested. The applicant feels confident they can
finish it. But again, it's been that debate going forward, and I don't think we've
resolved it yet. It's something in this new year we can continue to try to get a
decision made one way or another which way we're going to hold with that.
But,just real briefly, you know, there's two sides of this argument. One is that,
if the zoning appears to be appropriate, why are we placing in timing conditions?
It's appropriate, you know,just when they get it done they get it done. But on
the other side, Commission and Council Members feel like if something hasn't
been done over a period of time, they want the opportunity to review and to see
if there's been changes with either the General Plan, or the Community
Development Plans, or with other issues that may arise for that particular request.
So again, we're still holding firm to our standard procedure at this time.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Director, I appreciate that. Just wanting to
make sure that at some point there is consistency, but what I'm hearing is real
dynamic situation that we have to take a look at on a case-by-case basis.
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And is there a particular reason why we have Condition L in this ordinance
regarding an annual report. It's not something I always see in ordinances. So
just curious why an annual report is required for this one. Because we've seen
other bigger subdivisions; other projects come forward that don't require this
particular reporting.
MR. DARROW: You know, it was the original condition. I think they're just
keeping it in because it was; they chose not to take it out.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, and then internally we have systems in place to
kind of track all that really well?
MR. DARROW: Yes.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay.
MR. DARROW: Well we have, you know,there was a question, what sort of
progress has been made? The applicant has received tentative approval for final
subdivision—or for subdivision. And so, that is a huge step right there. And so
they have their conditions to be able to comply with the tentative subdivision
approval. Once they do that,they receive final, so there's that line going
forward. They can just send us a real brief update yearly, letting us know what
sort of progress has been made. So that way we can be up to speed with it.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Great,thank you, Mr. Darrow. Those are all of my
questions. Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Chair for the latitude. I start this every year when
we come and we see time extensions. And I'm still going to request the
department, oftentimes the clock is ticking, but the submittals are with the
County. And the County is taking up a lot of those months. So when they have
60 months to get something done and they submit their various applications, but
24 more months are waiting on shelves at DPW (Department of Public Works),
at Planning, at other agencies.
I really would like to see the department advance some kind of language that
stops the clock when it's with the County for review. Because it's really
unfortunate and actually hurts the applicants' ability to accomplish what this
body, previous bodies, and future bodies approve. Thank you for the latitude
Chair, I yield.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: No problem. I fully agree with that sentiment, and
we've raised it for a number of times over the last few years. So hopefully,
that's something we can take a hard look at and resolve this year. Thank you,
Director.
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Alright, we have a motion on the floor, all those in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 99: The motion to recommend passage of Bill 99 on first
(Approved) reading was carried by the following voice vote.
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kimball, Lee Loy,
Richards, Villegas, and Chair Kierkiewicz—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Mr. Fuke. This is forwarded to Council with
a positive recommendation. We'll see you at Council. Thank you.
MR. FUKE: Thank you very much.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Mr. Clerk, if we could move on to Bill 100 when you're
ready, please. Thank you.
Bill 100: REPEALS ORDINANCE NO. 97-106, WHICH AMENDED SECTION 25-8-33
(CITY OF HILO ZONE MAP), ARTICLE 8, CHAPTER 25 (ZONING CODE)
OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED),
BY CHANGING THE DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION FROM LIMITED
INDUSTRIAL—20,000 SQUARE FEET (ML-20) TO INDUSTRIAL-
COMMERCIAL MIXED —20,000 SQUARE FEET (MCX-20) AT WAIAKEA,
SOUTH HILO, HAWAII, COVERED BY TAX MAP KEY: 2-2-032:023, 101,
102, 103 AND 104
(Planning Director initiated) (Area: Approx. 147,736 square feet)
The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation to
repeal Ordinance No. 97-106, which would reclassify the property back to its
original designation of Limited Industrial—20,000 square feet. The property is
located on the southeast corner of Kalanikoa and Kuawa Streets in Hilo.
Reference: Comm. 549
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz (B/R)
and
Comm. 549.1: From Deputy Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow, dated November 29, 2021,
transmitting the draft transcript from the Windward Planning Commission's
November 4, 2021, meeting.
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Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to recommend passage of Bill 100 on
first reading. Seconded by Mr. Richards.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: I just want to disclose for the record,the Principal of
Chaqueaux, LLC is Jim McCully, I worked with his wife over ten years ago. But
just wanted to note that for the record. Thank you. Will the applicant and/or the
representative please come forward?
(Note: At this time, Attorney Ronald Kim, applicant's representative,
came forward to address the members of the Committee.)
MR. KIM: Good morning, Chairperson and members of the Committee. And
Happy New Year to everyone. This is Ronald Kim of the Law Firm of Yeh and
Kim, and I'm representing Chaqueaux, LLC. And Chaqueaux is the owner of
four of the five lots involved in this rezoning. And Chaqueaux actually did
initially request that the Planning Department initiate the rezoning. The reason
being, the ordinance passed in 1997. There hasn't really been any movement
towards complying with the conditions of the ordinance.
The client was not aware of the ordinance's conditions actually, until they went
in for a grading permit for some site improvements and then found out about the
ordinance and the conditions. And because of the conditions being not complied
with, and the ordinance being stale, so to speak, my client was informed that they
can't do anything with the property presently. So they're asking for it to be
reverted back to the Limited Industrial, which is, you know, sort of a less
intensive use than the Mixed Industrial-Commercial that we had.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Mr. Kim. And Director Darrow, I think
we're going to have some questions about just the logistics around this one. We
don't often see Planning Director Initiated. Council Members, would you like
me to have Mr. Darrow kind of talk about why this particular pathway?
Typically we see, and maybe this is not something that an applicant can request.
It must be done. A downzone must be done. A reversion back by the Planning
Director.
MR. DARROW: We have actually had, not a lot,but a number of Planning
Director initiated repeals. Normally, it occurs there's a condition at the end of
each of these rezonings that said, "Should the applicant or successors not
substantially comply with conditions therein. The Planning Director may either
revert the zoning or change it to a more appropriate zoning."
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And so in this particular case, the reversion was a more appropriate action. The
Planning Director, again was approached by the applicant and requested and felt
like that was, you know, again as Mr. Kim had mentioned, this was something
that the applicant was unaware of It was really the responsibility of the previous
applicant to be able to comply with these conditions. And so, it's not a very
difficult process to do a reversion, so we took it upon ourselves to go ahead and
initiate the reversion back to its original.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Mr. Darrow. Any questions or comments?
Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. Is the Director
available?
MR. DARROW: He is currently on vacation.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. DPW and Planning Director on
vacation. Okay. Yeah, being that it was Director initiated, I was wondering if he
was available for comment. If he's not, that's okay. We'll hear this again at
Council. Thank you.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you for that. Mr. Chung.
MR. CHUNG: Oh, yeah. Jeff, you might have mentioned it but I don't think
you did. So what is the landowner's position on this?
MR. DARROW: They requested the reversion.
MR. CHUNG: Okay, so, you guys acted upon that?
MR. DARROW: Yes.
MR. CHUNG: Okay, okay. Alright, thank you.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Ms. Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you, Chair. And thank you Deputy and Mr. Kim for
being here. I just actually had a more thematic question. With these rezonings
where there are requirements for the applicant to comply with, what sort of
process do we use to actually check that those actions have been taken over
time? Is it going to be this sort of thing where they come in for a permit later,
and that's the flag? We don't actively go out and review whether or not they've
been complying with conditions?
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MR. DARROW: It's funny, we're asked that all the time. What are you guys
doing, or how come this happened? You know, how come you didn't inform
me? And unfortunately, we're very limited when it comes to staff availability to
be able to follow-up on conditions of compliance.
Our goal, hopefully, in the future, is to be able to create a division or a section
that's going to be monitoring compliance as well as any type of enforcement
actions that are required of an applicant. It might fall under that zoning inspector
section where they would follow-up on conditions. But at this time, we just
don't have the manpower.
There are literally thousands of permits that have conditions. So it usually will
happen as the process unfolds. And it happens all the time. I mean, probably
every other day we'll get a call asking a question about, "Oh, can I do this?"
And we'll look at the property and find out that there's an old rezoning or an old
permit that wasn't complied with, and they have to bring it back up to its current
status.
MS. KIMBALL: Is this something that perhaps once EPIC (Electronic
Processing and Inspection Center) is fully up and operational, like there'll be
some sort of flagging that can come from that to the department?
MR. DARROW: Possibly.
MS. KIMBALL: Okay.
MR. DARROW: I mean it's something, but again, it's the manpower to be able
to, you know, follow-up and do the enforcement aspects. Sending out letters,
doing that. A lot of times that's where the Annual Progress Report comes in.
Yeah, so if we don't—all of a sudden we get a progress report saying, "We
haven't done anything." And we look and we're like, "Well it's past your time.
Sorry you have to come back in." And that's how we'll try to bring those back
UP again to status.
MS. KIMBALL: Right. Okay, thank you for that. I was just curious about how
all that worked. And obviously, there's a little room for improvement. I know
that a lot of thought goes into these conditions, and some of them are there for
health and safety reasons. And so, we want to make sure that they are complied
with. But certainly understand the challenges of not having enough staffing to
make sure that happens. Thank you, I yield, Chair.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Mr. Inaba.
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MR. INABA: I'm just following up on that. So I mean that's one of the
conditions, right? So if they don't submit the Annual Report then to the wind it
goes?
MR. DARROW: We don't know, you know. And again, it could be as simple
as putting in a tickler in the EPIC system that, you know, at this timeI mean,
my thought is still, every day we'd be getting hundreds of ticklers, right; and like
who's going to take care of those? So, we have to have more manpower to be
able to take care of those and follow-up.
MR. INABA: Okay. Thank you, Deputy Darrow. Mahalo, Mr. Kim, for being
here.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Yeah, thank you. A little unusual, but I definitely understand
it. And so, they were trying to grade and realized that they couldn't comply?
And yeah, I agree with you. If we get all that notification, you spend all your
day trying to figure out what that is. But this is they're comfortable with this
downgrading, because it's going to work with them going forward? Okay.
Alright, okay well, I'll definitely support it. But thank you, I yield.
MR. DARROW: And you know, unfortunately we hear this too often that, you
know, people buy a piece of property. And through that whole process, they
were not informed of this, you know, permit with conditions. And to me, that's
kind of questionable. Like, I thought it was a very, you know, strict process that
everything has to be made known. But unfortunately, that's not the case all the
time.
MR. RICHARDS: May I follow-up, Chair? I would think so too, but I know it's
certainly not your job to notify everybody on everybody's transaction. That's
not your function. So I think what we all want is the whole permitting process
more efficient, and you guys are working on that. So thanks, Chair, I yield.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. I just wanted to the
ownership? I had a question. I don't know who wants to answer, but it's owned
by two different entities, the set of lots we're looking at right now?
MR. KIM: Yes, Chaqueaux owns four of the five lots. And another entity, I
think it's William Warren Properties owns the other lot.
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MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And Chaqueaux is? Who's the owner of
Chaqueaux?
MR. KIM: The Principal is Jim McCully.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Jim McCully. Okay, thank you, Chair.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Anyone else? Mr. Darrow, the designations, the use.
What are some big differences? I'm trying to go in between, you know, two
different sections of the Code right now. They're both Commercial, right,
allowing for those kinds of commercial-industrial activities? So I'm just
wondering if, off the top of your head, you knew if there were particular things
that were not allowed in this downzoning?
MR. DARROW: It's funny, in the background report we actually listed the
permitted uses of each zoning district. And I didn't take the time to go through
and look, but mainly it would be more Commercial-type uses. A good example
is retail establishments. You're not going to find in ML (Limited Industrial).
Offices, you're not going to find in ML. And I think those were the types of uses
that the original applicant were looking at. Being able to incorporate to be able
to service the airport, and the harbor, and the surrounding other industrial
properties that were there.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, that's helpful to know. Yeah, I noted that
aviation uses for the property from the prior owner. So just want to be clear, in
order for the Principals of these parcels to be able to move forward on anything,
they had to resolve the zoning issue?
MR. DARROW: Yeah.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. And to the point that, you know, Mr. Richards
brought up about being able to track that, is there a way these ordinances can be
linked to real property tax records? I mean I just say that because in this
situation and reading the background, this wasn't disclosed by the previous
owner. Maybe they didn't know. Maybe whoever was in charge passed away
and with them went that knowledge.
And so, I'm just curious, right, there's like historical information that's related to
each of these properties. Conditions of approval; things that weren't filed. Just
wondering if there's a way that all of this information can be communicated to
and connected to other agencies within the County. To tell a fuller picture about,
if there is a, you know, decision or desire to acquire a property, they know
everything that they're buying. I don't know, is that possible?
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MR. DARROW: I mean, it could be. Right now with this change of EPIC, I
don't know if you folks are aware of this, but there was a big change in Real
Property Tax website information. It kind of links you back to EPIC. And
people were very used to the way of finding information off RPT's website. And
so we're trying to see if we can go back to that. You know, to make it easier for
the public. If they're able to do that, it would seem like there's the possibility
that they might be able to link ordinances that are associated with the property or
even permits. I'm absolutely sure that they tax them for that. So, it would be
good that they could provide that information.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Yeah, that would be helpful, more of that data
integration.
MR. DARROW: We'll definitely look into that.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, sounds good. Anything else? Oh, Mr. Kaneali`i-
Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. The original ordinance,
does that still hold the water as far as the agreement between the developer or,
you know, the owner and the County? Like Fair Share contributions, anything
like that? Is there anything like that?
MR. DARROW: Once the ordinance if repealed, there's no conditions. It just
goes back to its original zoning.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. And the owner has to comply with
what aspects of an agreement with the County?
MR. DARROW: Any standard requirements for construction, building permits,
grading, drainage; any of that that they come in, they still have to comply with
that. But there's no specific conditions listed on the properties that were part of
the rezoning.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Interesting. Is that normal?
MR. DARROW: Again, it doesn't happen all the time because most people are
requesting higher density or better uses with that change of zone. So they're
willing to do those conditions, those requirements in the conditions. In this
particular case, they're not getting those Commercial uses because it's being
reverted back to its original Limited Industrial
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Understood, so the zoning change occurs
with our approval, correct?
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MR. DARROW: Correct.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Or when we see like—and this isn't a
subdivision, correct? Maybe I'm missing something here, and I might be off.
But is there normally with anything else we see an ordinance that clearly
defines agreement between the person that owns the property and the County.
And I guess I'm asking Fair Share contributions? You know, I see connection to
sewer and that kind of thing, but is all that out the window when an ordinance is
repealed for the initial agreement that happened a long time ago, like in 1997?
MR. DARROW: Yes. I mean just to elaborate on that. It's as if the rezoning
didn't happen. That's kind of what it is. So, if they had bought this back in
1996, and it was Limited Industrial, they wouldn't have had conditions. But they
still would be required to comply with standard County conditions for
development. So they'd still have to do that. But there's no Fair Share
condition.
Even in this particular rezoning, there's a Fair Share condition because there's
the possibility to put residential units there, but that didn't appear to be one of the
requests of the requests of the original owner. So if they didn't build residential
units, there wouldn't have been a Fair Share requirement.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Let's say that Chaqueaux wanted to
build residential units, what would happen?
MR. DARROW: Right now? They cannot. Yeah, there's no option for
residential units in Limited Industrial.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, okay.
MR. KIM: If we wanted to build residential units, we'd have to rezone the
property again, and then we'd come before the Council. And then the Council
could impose conditions on, you know, the applicant that are related to the
impact of the rezoning, basically.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, that makes sense. Thank you,
appreciate it.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Mr. Inaba.
MR. INABA: Thank you. Real quick question, and maybe along the lines of
what Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder is asking. Since the original passing in 2011,
what changes or alterations to the property have been made, that were granted
under this zoning that we are repealing now?
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MR. KIM: I think the ordinance actually passed in 1997 initially, but very little
has happened to the property. There was initially, I think a restaurant-bar that
was operational there, but it hasn't been operational for years. So the property
just sat basically for years.
MR. INABA: Okay, thank you.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Anyone else? Yeah, I was going through this ordinance
and noticed no conditions of approval. And it reminded me of just, I think
earlier—not earlier, this year, only five days in. Last year, I think we had a
couple of them. One of them was Kagimoto's, where they were looking to do
some kind of rezone. And looking through and wondering, how come there's no
conditions of approval? And I think just back in the day, there were certain areas
of our community where there just were none.
So appreciate you're kind of explaining to us, Director, why that is the case here.
So it's not unusual. It doesn't matter. I mean it just happens to be, this particular
property doesn't have any conditions. But as Mr. Kim said, if there needed to be
anything done outside of the permitted uses, you'd have to come back to us.
And we as Council would determine if the land use is appropriate or not. So,
thanks for that. Alright, we have a motion on the floor, all those in favor with
sending Bill 100 to the Council with a positive recommendation please say "aye.
Vote on Bill 100: The motion to recommend passage of Bill 100 on first
(Approved) reading was carried by the following voice vote.
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kimball, Lee Loy,
Richards, Villegas, and Chair Kierkiewicz–9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Motion passes. Thank you, Mr. Kim, we'll see you at
Council.
MR. KIM: Thank you.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Mr. Clerk, if we could move on to Bill 101 when you're
ready, please. Thank you.
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Bill 101: AMENDS THE STATE LAND USE BOUNDARIES MAPS FOR THE
COUNTY OF HAWAII BY CHANGING THE DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION
FROM THE AGRICULTURAL TO THE URBAN DISTRICT AT WAIAKEA,
SOUTH HILO, HAWAII, COVERED BY TAX MAP KEY: 2-4-001:168
(Applicant: Hawaii Island Community Development Corporation)
(Area: Approx. 9.091 acres)
The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation
for this amendment, which would allow the applicant to develop 90-units of
affordable housing and other related services in South Hilo. The property is
located approximately 1,600 feet west of the Mohouli and Komohana Street
intersection in Waiakea.
Reference: Comm. 550
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz (B/R)
and
Comm. 550.1: From Deputy Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow, dated November 29, 2021,
transmitting the draft transcript from the Windward Planning Commission's
November 4, 2021, meeting.
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to recommend passage of Bill 101 on
first reading. Seconded by Mr. Richards.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: I believe we have the applicants on Zoom, Mr. Keith
Kato and Jeremy McComber. Keith, Jeremy, if you can hear me? Hi Jeremy, I
see you. Is Keith with you or in a different Zoom room?
(Note: At this time, Hawaii Island Community Development Corporation
Chief of Operations Jeremy McComber came forward to address the
members of the Committee.)
MR. MCCOMBER: He's in a different Zoom room.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Are you going to be presenting today?
MR. MCCOMBER: I believe so, yes.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, sounds good. Well, thank you for joining us. If
you could just introduce yourself for the record and provide us an overview of
the request. We also have Acting Director Jeff Darrow in the Gallery.
MR. MCCOMBER: Sure. Aloha everyone, Madam Chair and members of the
Committee. My name is Jeremy McComber. I'm the Chief of Operations for
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Hawaii Island Community Development Corporation. And we are the applicant
that's seeking the rezone process, which will allow us to do the proposed
90 units on the site that's indicated in the agenda.
It's just mauka of our current Mohouli Senior Campus. It's above the County
Fire site. So the Fire site is sort of in-between our two campuses, the existing
and this proposed campus. We're looking at utilizing a pocket-neighborhood
design, which is a more innovative approach to the design that utilizes sort of
close-net design elements to promote social interaction between the residents.
And we're also integrating seniors and families with children to this
neighborhood. So that's sort of the look and feel that we're going for. So that's
what we're seeking approval for from this particular committee today, is to be
able to engage the proper zoning to do that.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Mr. McComber. Any questions, comments
from my colleagues? Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. I have a few questions
for you on this one. Thank you for being here today, Sir. This property we're
looking at is going to be an affordable housing project, correct?
MR. MCCOMBER: That's correct.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: How many units is there planned to be
built?
MR. MCCOMBER: Ninety.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Was that always the original intention or
what is more before?
MR. MCCOMBER: It's always been in the ballpark of between 90 to 100. And
I think we settled on 90 as being sort of a comfortable density for us. I think
generally speaking, while we have the capacity to seek higher density, we're
attempting a particular look for the community. So 90 is the comfortable number
that we landed on. And then we balanced that with our ability to secure finance
to be able to develop the project as well.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And the land itself is being leased from the
County or the State, is that right?
MR. MCCOMBER: That's correct. It's being leased from the State, or excuse
me, Executive Order from the State to the County, and then the County in turn
leases it to our organization.
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MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Can I ask what that lease agreement is, or
the price for that lease agreement?
MR. MCCOMBER: I believe it's $10 a year.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Wow, that is a good deal. And we're going
to put 90 units on nine acres, correct?
MR. MCCOMBER: Correct.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I want to say, I remember this being closer
to 200 units originally when it came in, or that was the intention at that point.
But I could be incorrect.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: I don't recall this matter coming before Planning
Committee before, this particular property.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, thank you Chair.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Mr. Chung, you had your light on.
MR. CHUNG: Yeah, Jeff, what happens from here?
MR. DARROW: I'm sorry?
MR. CHUNG: Amending the State Land Use Boundary map, right? Now, is
there something, you know, I don't know much about Planning issues. What
happens next?
MR. DARROW: So this is a process that HICDC (Hawai`i Island Community
Development Corporation) is going through Office of Housing and Community
Development where they apply for what's called a 201H application to be able to
receive certain exemptions in exchange for doing an affordable housing project
meeting certain criteria as far as the percentage that they'll offer.
In this particular case, my understanding is that they will all be rentals. So what
happens normally in this case is that we try to plan it so that the State Land Use
Boundary amendment and the resolution come together. I don't think it worked
out in this particular case. Do we have the resolution at this point?
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: It's been filed with our office, and it actually is on track.
So should this move forward today, to first reading at Council, everything will be
moving forward together.
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MR. DARROW: Okay, perfect. So what will happen is, previously I don't
know if you folks recall. I'm sure you recall. The Council would exempt the
State Land Use Boundary request as well as the County zoning through the
201H process. We were informed by the State Land Use Commission that we
did not have the ability to do that for the State Land Use Boundary amendments.
So, the applicants need to go through the State Land Use Boundary amendment,
but for the change of zone, it will be an exempted request that is approved by the
Council through resolution. And that will be coming before you at Council.
MR. CHUNG: Which will still, yeah again, come before the Council via the
201H mechanism, correct?
MR. DARROW: Yeah. And so my understanding is that they're going to be
requesting Multiple-Family 4,000 square feet, which will provide the density
they need for the 90 units.
MR. CHUNG: So for this in hand, what happens? What is the next move on the
part of the developer?
MR. DARROW: After approval?
MR. CHUNG: Yes.
MR. DARROW: They're able to go forward and begin construction.
MR. CHUNG: After the passage of this bill?
MR. DARROW: You mean the State Land Use Boundary amendment?
MR. CHUNG: Yes.
MR. DARROW: My understanding is that they both will be approved at the
same time. The State Land Use Boundary amendment as well as the resolution.
MR. CHUNG: So this resolution is coming up pretty soon then?
MR. DARROW: Right.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Next Committee meeting for the 201H. Everything's in
parallel.
MR. CHUNG: How do they move parallel if they're going on ?
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CHR KIERKIEWICZ: So the 201H application no it's a good question.
We have a 45-day clock that we are under to approve. And so it comes to
Committee on the 18''. And should there be a favorable recommendation and
we are able to move it forward, on the 19'h this will be heard, if we move it
forward on first reading. And the Council Meeting in February, we would be
able to adopt that 201H application resolution as well as this bill before us.
MR. CHUNG: Okay. Yeah, I just wanted to see, you know, what the procedure
was on this. You know, Jeff, I've been receiving some phone calls on this
matter. I live in the neighboring subdivision myself. But at the same time, you
know, I've told those persons who have called me that, you know, providing
affordable housing is really serving the greater good. It is an essential need for
our community.
But, having said that, you know, I've been also trying to work with the
developers in trying to, you know, provide some mitigating measures. Because,
you know, they want to be good neighbors as well, right? And I will say this,
I'm going to really stick up for this development team. They do such a
wonderful job.
I mean what they did with the Mohouli Senior Center and other projects is just, I
mean, incredible. And what I tell my neighbors is that, I would much rather have
these guys come in and develop a project, and they're not looking for added
density or anything like that, than if the State were to come in.
Okay, I mean, you know, I'm not putting down the State or anything like that,
but they just—you know, Jeremy and Keith do such a wonderful job. It's first
class, yeah? And I don't anticipate any problems, you know, with the neighbors
because of them running such a tight ship. But you know, we are still working
on, you know, fencing issues and things that are just going mitigate the impacts,
but reasonably so. Not unreasonably. And I think we're getting there. But I
don't think it's appropriate to put it here, right?
MR. DARROW: Correct.
MR. CHUNG: Yeah, okay. I just wanted to make those statements. Thank you.
MR. DARROW: Thank you.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. And Council Member Chung, it was very
deliberate to move this forward today, because no sense introduce the 201H if we
as a Committee did not feel we would move forward with this. Thank you for
those questions. Vice Chair Villegas.
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MS. VILLEGAS: Mahalo, Chair Kierkiewicz. I just have a couple of questions
relating to this project and some of the timeline connections. Also to answer or
just to put out, it's my understanding that based on the information that I have,
that the lease for the property is at $100 a year. Can you confirm that for us?
MR. MCCOMBER: That could be correct. Sorry, yeah, I was going off of other
leases that we've had. But it's typically either $10 or $100. And that's pretty
standard for projects that are slated for affordable housing. At least for leases
that we have been involved in. They're typically a pretty nominal amount.
MS. VILLEGAS: Okay. Now going back to the original resolution which was
brought forward by Deanna Sako on January 4h of 2018, Resolution No. 476-18.
In that resolution it states that HICDC proposed to construct approximately
200 affordable senior housing units, correct?
MR. MCCOMBER: On this particular site? Is that for this particular site that
you'reI'd have to look at the resolution.
MS. VILLEGAS: So essentially my question just comes to the deviation here
between the 200 and the 90, and perhaps on the desire for that greater number
because we're looking for as much as possible. And so with the $100 a year,just
what the difference is and is this that best use of the land if we're getting less
than half of the units that were originally presented as an option.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Vice Chair, hang on one second. Deputy Director
Darrow, is that resolution that Vice Chair is referring to related to this project?
MR. DARROW: I don't believe so. I believe that was part of the original
phases.
MR. CHUNG: The lower project, right? I just want to make sure, you know, for
point of information that we're talking about the right property, right? I think
what's being referenced, I could be wrong. It's the Phase II or III of the Senior
component which was more down towards Komohana which is fully developed
already, right?
MR. DARROW: Yes.
MR. CHUNG: I mean, but you might want to correct me if I'm wrong on that.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: No it's correct. I pulled up the resolution, I'm looking
at it right now. It says Hale Ola O Mohouli Affordable Senior Rental. And I
think that's the keyword there, is Senior. This one is not. So different projects.
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MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you so much. That really helps clarify that for me. So
thank you so much. I think that in essence then otherwise that takes care and
resolves the other questions that I had. So thank you for that.
MR. MCCOMBER: Sure. And I could just sort of give you some context just in
reference to that number. So the existing campus has a total of 182 units.
MS. VILLEGAS: Got ya. Thank you for your clarification on that and your
patience and flexibility, as I got those differences straightened out. Mahalo, I
yield.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Ms. Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you, Chair. And I just want to reiterate what Council
Member Chung said. You guys do a fantastic job, and really appreciate the
attention to the pocket-neighborhood concept. I think that this is really going to
be great demonstration project of that approach to this mixed use, mixed
community. And in my mind in a good location, but I'm going to defer to
Council Member Chung, as this is his district as we move forward.
I did note in the packet, you know, the water issue. And I don't know much
about water and whether this 12-inch line is going to be enough for the 90 units.
And I'm just asking if you anticipate any problems there or having to reduce the
number of units potentially, after that water study is done? Or do you think it's
going to be okay?
MR. MCCOMBER: We believe it'll be sufficient. Typically during the
predevelopment process, we consult with, you know, those parties that could
speak to capacity and access to utility. So water is one of the first utilities that
we sort of confirm. Because, obviously without water our project can't move
forward. So yeah, we believe it's sufficient.
MS. KIMBALL: Okay, great. And then, can you speak to anything about the
term of affordability on this? How long will these units—are they going to stay
affordable in perpetuity? It that tied to your funding? Can you say anything
about that?
MR. MCCOMBER: Yeah, it's typically, we partner with an investor for the
development. And typically the term is somewhere between 55 to 75 years.
That's the term of the lease agreement. So that's sort of the technical parameters
of time. But in terms of, you know, our mission focus, I mean, we're charged
with administering only low-income housing. So our intent for as long as we
possibly can, is to keep the project affordable in perpetuity.
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MS. KIMBALL: Wonderful. The last question I had really was just around
energy efficiency. And I know this isn't really pertaining to our decision making
today, but just curious if you've got some forethought about installing EV
(electrical vehicles) chargers; using solar? You know, anything like that to help
reduce some of the costs for the future residents in terms of energy and access to
renewable resources.
MR. MCCOMBER: Yeah, so typically our approach is, and at this point it's a
requirement of our funding, to provide solar to the extent that we're able. And
we've been successful so far. We also include PV (Photovoltaic) in our projects.
EV is sort of a new thing for us, so we're definitely open to the idea, and I think
it's been brought up in the design process. I can't say we're able to commit to
that yet, but it's certainly a design element that's on the table.
MS. KIMBALL: Great. I'm glad to hear that, and FYI (for your information),
we're going to be having a presentation in a couple weeks by HELCO (Hawai`i
Electric Light Company) on some of their renewable energy programs including
something they have before the PUC (Public Utilities Commission) right now,
which is a make-ready program for residentials which would allow for a facility
like yours to get the electrical built-out to the point of the charger for EV
infrastructure. So hopefully, that's something you might be able to take
advantage of for this particular development if it makes it through the PUC.
Thanks Chair and thank you Jeremy for being here. Thank you, Director. I
yield.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Thank you. And it's great to see projects like this coming
forward. We as a Council and we as a County have to be very supportive of the
true affordable coming forward. And Jeremy, to your statement about 55 to
75 years, terrific. And I really support that.
And what we as a Council, you know, we get through the 201H process and get
all of that stuff going. We have to be very supportive, because if we're not,
we're not going to get housing built. And time is of the essence. So this is not
a—any comment other than the fact that I'm very supportive of this, as I think
we have to be very mindful to support a lot of any type of affordable housing
coming forth.
One quick question, Jeremy, your AMI (Area Median Income) for your rental, I
assume it's probably a portfolio, from 50 up to 140 or whatever?
MR. MCCOMBER: Actually, it would be 60 and below.
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MR. RICHARDS: Okay so, terrific. That is really good. So anyway, definitely
supporting this. And I agree with what Mr. Chung said about the quality of work
you guys do, so thank you. Chair, I yield.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Anyone else, further questions or
comments?
MR. MCCOMBER: Madam Chair, if I could just add one more thing.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Please do.
MR. MCCOMBER: Mr. Kato, I know he's on this call, but I just wanted to
point out that he's really under the weather today. And I wasn't sure whether or
not he was going to participate, but he's here. I just think he's not in the
condition where he wants to speak.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you for letting us know. Please send him our
well wishes. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. Follow-up question and
this is more procedural for the affordable housing aspect. When you proceed
with the projects for the affordable housing, and as it's a State lease or a County
lease, how does that process work? Is it open to the developer to do what he or
she wants? Is the requirements from the County—and this may be a little out of
line for this particular bill. And I'm just trying to figure out how it's going to
proceed once this is passed. And kind of understand that so I can get ready for
future questions or concerns, whatever it might be. Maybe, I don't know, Jeff if
you're the best person to answer?
MR. DARROW: I think Jeremy would be able to.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Jeremy, what happens then? Does it
proceed like a County project, is it a private project, what is the deal?
MR. MCCOMBER: It's considered a private project that utilizes a County lease.
So, you know, from the lease enforcement perspective, the County could insert
restrictions or terms that speak to affordability and the populations to be served.
And that's typically the general language that's in there.
So the County will indicate that, you know,this is the population you're going to
serve. These are the income levels that you can go up to. This is the term of the
lease. But in terms of detail on, you know, density, how many units? The
County doesn't really regulate that, and I think appropriately so, because when
we have to secure financing for the project, it's oftentimes contingent on timing
and availability of funding. And when we do pursue financing, we also have to
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evaluate who our competition is. So we may provide a general idea to the
County up front of, this is how many units we think we can develop. But then
over time that could be scaled back or increased just depending on what
resources are available.
There have been times where we've been able to increase the density because
we're aware of more financing, and we're confident in our ability to be
competitive. But yes, to get back to your question, it's typically just a restriction
on the term, the income limits, and the population to be served.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, thank you. That was very helpful,
appreciate it.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Mahalo nui, Jeremy, for taking the time to
join us today. I was just thinking about a few years ago, Council Member
Lee Loy and I were invited to a conversation about housing. And I was new to
the Council. And it was interesting because almost everybody that introduced
themselves, they would say their name and they would say, "When I grow up I
want to be Keith Kato."
And ever since that moment, I've just watched Keith, and I've just been so
humbled and appreciative of his leadership style. Quiet, but very, very effective.
And he approaches with so much care and thoughtfulness. And I love the project
that you guys have with the self-help housing helping families build each other
homes. And not only are they building homes but they're building a community.
And so, I'm excited about you folks piloting this pocket-neighborhood project. I
think it's a very smart, efficient use of land. And I'm excited about where I
could go. So happy to be supporting this project. With that,there is a motion on
the floor to forward Bill 101 to the Council with a positive recommendation. All
in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 101: The motion to recommend passage of Bill 101 on first
(Approved) reading was carried by the following voice vote.
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kimball, Lee Loy,
Richards, Villegas, and Chair Kierkiewicz—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
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PC-17 January 5,2022
CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: Motion carries. Thank you very much. I believe that
brings us to the end of our agenda. Mr. McComber, we'll see you at Council on
January 19th. Hopefully we are going to be graced with Mr. Kato's presence then.
MR. MCCOMBER: Thank you so much.
CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you.
ADJOURN- There being no further business, at 10:21 a.m., Ms. Lee Loy moved to adjourn
MENT: the meeting. Seconded by Mr. Inaba and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kimball, Lee Loy,
Richards, Villegas, and Chair Kierkiewicz—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: Planning Committee is adjourned. Mahalo nui.
Approved:
nit„---- 1,,„, . ,, , ,o,2_
Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Chair (Date)
Planning Committee
AK/dt
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