HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN PC 2022/03/08 2020-2022 Committee on Planning
21st Session
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawai i
March 8, 2022
CALL TO The regular meeting of the Committee on Planning was called to order at
ORDER: 10:31 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)
Mr. Aaron S. Y. Chung, Member (came in later)
Ms. Maile Medeiros David, Member (came in later)
Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Member
Mr. Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Member
Ms. Heather L. Kimball, Member
Ms. Susan L. K. Lee Loy, Member (came in later)
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: The following individuals registered to speak and came forward when
called by the Chair:
Dennis Boyd: Bill 112 (Comm. 595); and
Bill 115 (Comm. 601); comment.
Christopher Delaunay: Bill 112 (Comm. 595); and
Bill 115 (Comm. 601); comment.
Dean Au: Bill 112 (Comm. 595); and
Bill 115 (Comm. 601); comment.
Charles Young: Bill 112 (Comm. 595); and
Bill 115 (Comm. 601); comment.
Chuck Flaherty: Bill 112 (Comm. 595); and
(representing Sierra Bill 115 (Comm. 601); comment.
Club, Hawaii Group)
PC-21 March 8,2022
Kristy Van Pernis: Bill 112 (Comm. 595); and
Bill 115 (Comm. 601); comment.
Wendy Laros: Bill 112 (Comm. 595); and
Bill 115 (Comm. 601); comment.
Dwight Vicente: Bill 107 (Comm. 575); and
Bill 112 (Comm. 595); and
Bill 115 (Comm. 601); and
Bill 134 (Comm. 656); comment.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Seeing that there are no other testifiers, I'll be closing
Public Testimony at this time and moving on to Bills for Ordinances. Mr. Clerk, I
want to take a few things out of order today. Let's start with Bill 134.
Change Order As directed by the Chair and with no objection from the Council Members, the
of Business: following item was taken out of order:
BILLS FOR The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business,
ORDINANCES: Bills for Ordinances.
Bill 134: AMENDS SECTION 25-8-34 (PAPAIKOU-ONOMEA ZONE MAP),
ARTICLE 8, CHAPTER 25 (ZONING) OF THE HAWAII COUNTY
CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), BY CHANGING THE
DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION FROM AGRICULTURAL—TWENTY ACRES
(A-20a) TO FAMILY AGRICULTURAL—TWO ACRES (FA-2a) AT KALAOA,
SOUTH HILO, HAWAII, COVERED BY TAX MAP KEY: 2-7-008:130
(Applicant: Garvin and Laura Goode) (Area: Approx. 9.581 acres)
The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for
this change of zone, which would allow the applicant to seek subdivision of the
property into three lots for conveyance to family members and continued operation
of an approved bed and breakfast establishment. The property is located at 27-
2365 Hawaii Belt Road, 300 feet west(mauka) of its intersection with Kalaoa
Camp Road in South Hilo.
Reference: Comm. 656
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz (B/R)
and
Comm. 656.1: From Planning Director Zendo Kern, dated February 25, 2022,transmitting the
draft transcripts from the Windward Planning Commission's February 3, 2022,
meeting.
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Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to recommend passage of Bill 134
on first reading. Seconded by Mr. Richards.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Any disclosures by Council Members before we
proceed with discussion?
MS. KIMBALL: Yes, thank you, Chair. I'm going to be recusing myself
from decision making on this particular item at the recommendation of
Corp. Counsel due to my proximity to the property in question, my
personal residence. Thank you.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Let the record reflect that Council Member
Kimball is excused from the discussion and the decision making. Will the
representative for the applicant come forward? No stranger to this body,
Mr. Fuke. Great to see you this morning. If you could provide us with an
overview of the applicant's request?
(Note: At this time, Planning Consultant Sidney Fuke came forward to
address the members of the Committee.)
MR. FUKE: Sure. Happy to be here. More for this than the next one, which is a
little bit more controversial. Yeah, I'm here on behalf of the applicants, Garvin
and Laura Goode, who's here participating via Zoom, and if you have any
questions.
The property generally is located maybe about a quarter-of-a-mile north of the
Kalaniana`ole School, in the general area. It's about a nine-acre parcel. They
have two existing homes, and the third home is under review right now for a
building permit. They have three existing water meters.
What they want to do is essentially subdivide the property to enable each of their
children to own their respective area and continue to maintain the existing small
farm that they have. And Mrs. Goode is also, kind of like, in the equestrian
activities as well. In addition to that,they have one of their homes, in which they
live in, was permitted as a bed-and-breakfast. So they were going to continue that
bed-and-breakfast operation.
The Planning Commission had recommended favorably, as did the Planning
Director. And likewise, we respectfully request your favorable consideration of
their request.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Mr. Fuke for the overview. So just
confirming that the Goode's are on Zoom, in case Council Members have
questions?
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MR. FUKE: Yes, they are.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Great. And also noting that we have Planning Director
Zendo Kern in the gallery should my colleagues have any questions for the
department. Council Members? Mr. Chung, you have the floor.
MR. CHUNG: Good morning, Sidney.
MR. FUKE: Hi, good morning.
MR. CHUNG: So, how many parcels are they going to be subdividing this into?
MR. FUKE: It's three parcels.
MR. CHUNG: Three parcels. How many children do they have?
MR. FUKE: Actually, they have three.
MR. CHUNG: Okay, one for each.
MR. FUKE: And normally, they would have gone in, for like a Family Ag-3
Zoning. But because mathematically allows for, you know, like three lots; three
acre-size lots. But there's an existing easement that services the Kalaoa Camp
Road that kind of bisects the property. So it doesn't really render itself well for,
you know, a standard three-lot subdivision.
MR. CHUNG: I see, okay. I mean, FA-2a can actually theoretically, fit like four
lots, right?
MR. FUKE: Correct.
MR. CHUNG: But it doesn't lend itself to that.
MR. FUKE: No, no.
MR. CHUNG: Okay, alright. Thank you. That's all I had.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, you have the
floor.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. Mr. Kern, I'm looking at
the map that was provided with the documentation. And it—you know, and I'm
still looking at it. Nothing else in the area seems to be subdivided less thanno,
I'm going to actually ask you, what is the surrounding areas, you know? What is
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the minimum acreage there? I thought you were on Zoom. Thank you for being
here, Director.
(Note: At this time, Planning Director Zendo Kern came forward to
address the members of the Committee.)
MR. KERN: Good morning, Madam Chair and Members of the Committee. I do
have my team on Zoom. And it might be helpful if they share the map of the area.
I think that would be more productive.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Because I have it here in front of us,
Exhibit A. And I just want to make sure we're using, you know, density land
usage that matches the surrounding areas. A lot of the surrounding parcels look
like they're Ag-20, or you know, some are a little bit smaller, but just in keeping
with that right feel.
MR. KERN: Sure, we'll just double check if Maija is in Zoom room to share that
screen, or one of my Planners, Traci (Camero).
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: If we could get some support from Council Services to
admit Planning Department members into the room and pin them so that they can
share screen.
MR. KERN: And while they're waiting, one of the things we looked at on this
one as well is they had the permits for all three dwellings already. And so the
density doesn't really change. It's related to the amount of dwellings on there.
There's also a condition on there that says that there's no further additional farm
dwellings. So it'll really limit those to those three dwellings that would already
be permitted now. It'll just effectuate those three lots to allow them to continue
with their estate planning.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay.
MR. FUKE: I think, you know, to add to that, if you look at the tax map, many of
those lots in that area are relatively small. They're not consistent with the Ag-20
zone. You know, it's not uncommon that, you know, when the original zoning for
the whole island was made, it was kind of like, one big broad brush without
giving any consideration for existing lot sizes.
So, like in your district, for example, you have a lot of situations which may be
zoned Ag-3 or Ag-1, but the lots might be smaller. Same thing like with
Hawaiian Ocean View. So you know, you have situations like that. So, I'm just
looking at the tax map right now. And there is like, some two-acre lots, some
five-acre lots; three-acre lots all in the general area. So, a lot of times the existing
zoning designation, kind of like, belies reality.
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MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Fuke.
Yeah, maybe Chair, I'll yield for now.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Relley, I think we just need to admit Maija Jackson into
the Zoom room. I see that she's waiting up top.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And how is the property accessed now from
the highway?
MR. FUKE: There is an existing easement and that easement, actually services,
you know,just mauka of this property is Kalaoa Camp. So that easement also
services that camp as well.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, do they access from the highway?
MR. FUKE: That's correct. Yeah, from the main highway. But the property
itself doesn't front the highway.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: No, yeah, I'm looking at the map right now.
Okay.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Mr. Fuke. I believe we have Maija Jackson
from the Planning Department on Zoom. Aloha Maija. Can you please confirm
that you can hear me?
(Note: At this time, Planner VI Maija Jackson came forward to address
the members of the Committee.)
MS. JACKSON: Aloha, good morning.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Great. We can see you and hear you. Good morning.
One of my colleagues, Council Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder has a question
about one of the maps related to Bill 134, the Garvin and Laura Goode applicant.
MR. KERN: If you could just show the zoning map; share screen on the zoning
map to show the general makeup of the surrounding area, please?
MS. JACKSON: Sure. One minute. So all the properties surrounding the Goode
property are zoned Agricultural 20 acres, which is shown in the dark green color.
Their property is located here. There are several properties around the Goode
property at are nonconforming lots that are less than 20 acres in size.
MR. KERN: Could you zoom out a little bit. Which is pretty typical. It came
through a while back in Laupahoehoe, a similar situation where the zoning got
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overlaid. But the general lot sizes fit the general area, which this one does as well
when we did our analysis.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. So the zoning around this property is
Ag-20, but you do have some nonconforming lots. And is that legal,
nonconforming, or just nonconforming?
MR. KERN: Legal nonconforming. Correct.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Legal Nonconforming. Okay, thank you,
that answers my question. Thank you, Mr. Kern. Thanks for being here in person
today.
MR. KERN: No problem. It's a pleasure to be here. Thanks Maija.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Anyone else, questions or comments? Okay,
Director Kern, I just want to highlight something in your memo. Confirming that
this is in accordance to the General Plan and the Hamakua CDP (Community
Development Plan). I was looking at some of the testimony that came in to the
commission. And there was a split around setting an unnecessary precedent.
There was real concern around that. So can you just elaborate on that,just a little
bit?
MR. KERN: Sure yeah, I don't think it's definitely it sets an unnecessary
precedence. We know we looked at it, looked at the surrounding areas, looked at
the LUPAG (Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide) map. It all seemed to jive
together. And one of the things that we did around it was to put the condition on
there to restrict any additional farm dwellings, or any additional units on there to
really limit it to what that density was already allowed there to be. So it seemed
just to kind of really come together almost as a housekeeping matter,to allow
these people to effectuate their estate planning for the three dwellings that are
already permitted on there. So again, it doesn't actually increase any density.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Great. Thank you for sharing that, and I just appreciate
the creativity here. It is a very oddly-shaped parcel. And so the fact that you
were able to carve out one acre and provide for that easement. And you know,
just ensure that there is space for each of these dwellings to manifest is great.
And I'm going to be supporting this on the basis that there are existing
agricultural activities that are happening and in the pipeline. So, really appreciate
that. Alright. Oh, Ms. Lee Loy, your light is on.
MS. LEE LOY: Yeah, thank you. Director or Mr. Fuke, listening to discussion,
actually the biggest limiting factor is the water meters, correct?
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MR. FUKE: In a sense, yes. Because unfortunately, they already have three
water meters. So it frustrates any other properties in this area, you know, to get
rezoned and subdivided without the water. And as what Director Kern had
indicated, at the end of the day if the project is approved, all that you'll see is like
different tax map key numbers over there. Because three houses, three lots, that's
all you'll have.
MS. LEE LOY: And three water meters.
MR. FUKE: Correct.
MS. LEE LOY: Okay. Yeah, thank you. I will be supporting this. Chair, I
yield.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thanks Ms. Lee Loy. Mr. Chung.
MR. KERN: I was going to say, in addition, Condition E also would prohibit
that mathematical calculation of allowing for additional lots. So it does cap out
at three.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Mr. Chung.
MR. CHUNG: Did somebody say that the applicants are participating via
Zoom? Would we be able to see them?
MR. FUKE: They were given the link.
(Note: At this time, applicants Garvin and Laura Goode came forward to
address the members of the Committee.)
MR. GOODE: Hi.
MR. FUKE: That's Garvin.
MR. CHUNG: You know, since they were on. You know, it's always nice to
see applicants, right? You know, I have a question for either our Deputy County
Clerk or Corp. Counsel.
This is a question that's always interested me. You know, in a situation like this
where Ms. Kimball is recusing herself, does that mean that she's not able to
provide input or just so, she cannot participate in any way, shape or form then?
It's not just the voting, right? I'm not saying that—you know, I would go with
whatever, you know, she or whoever she or whoever's district we're talking
about is, you know, advocating, but it's always kind of interesting to hear, right?
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(Note: At this time, Corporation Counsel Elizabeth Strance came forward
to address the members of the Committee.)
MS. STRANCE: And the answer is, yes.
MR. CHUNG: Yes, what?
MS. STRANCE: She is not permitted to. It's a double negative, sorry.
MR. CHUNG: Okay. Alright. That's that, right?
MS. STRANCE: But if you're recused, you're recused. So you can't recuse and
then put your thumb on a scale.
MR. CHUNG: Okay. Thank you.
MS. STRANCE: Thank you.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Any other comments or questions? Okay. Vice Chair
Villegas?
MS. VILLEGAS: Not at this time. Thank you.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. Thank you. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. Sorry, one last question. Is
there any portion of this property that borders a stream or a waterway?
MR. FUKE: Actually, there is a streambed on the northern end of property. If
you look at the map, it's Figure 3 in the application. So the short answer to your
question is, yes.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, I'll look into that a little further.
Thank you.
MR. FUKE: And then also like, if you look at the map, too, it just shows you
where the approximate, you know, delineation of that line is, where the
streambed is, and relative to the top of the gulch area.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And how are protections for the waterways
dealt with? Through the State or does the County have any say in the ordinance?
MR. FUKE: There's no impediment of that stream, because that stream is on the
edge of the property. It's notfortunately, it doesn't, you know, bisect the
property.
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MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, right on. So, it's not actually in the
property itself? Thank you, appreciate it. Thank you, Chair.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Mr. Chung.
MR. CHUNG: Then I have another question regarding that recusal. What
exactly is the reason for that? I'm not trying to put anybody on the spot, but you
know, these are precedent setting things right? And you know, if you feel
uncomfortable going into detail that's alright. But you know, it was represented
that because of Ms. Kimball's residence being in close proximity to this
property. That raises a lot of questions, right? So what's the specific reason for
the recusal?
MS. STRANCE: It's been a while since I spoke to Council Member Kimball.
I'm not comfortable disclosing a confidential conversation that I may have had
with her about that. But the purpose of recusal is, it creates a conflict or there
may be a conflict of interest. And if a Council Member could benefit in some
way from proposed legislation, then they should recuse themselves.
So if there is, for example, there is land ownership proximity and something may
increase the value of property. If there is access that you don't want to have, you
know, increased traffic by your property. You know, so there are a lot of
different ways that conflict can come up. And so to allow a Council Member
then to participate, and not put their thumb on the scale and then not vote, there's
still that participation that could lead to what might present an ethical violation.
Our office tends to be conservative, and if a member is not comfortable with our
advice, then we always suggest that they go to the Board of Ethics to get an
opinion. Because the Board of Ethics will be the final arbiter of any allegations
or conflict of interest. And so, you know, we had a discussion. The Council
Member was comfortable with that discussion. And here we are.
MR. CHUNG: Right. And you know, actually I'm not really thinking about this
case in particular, but I'm just thinking about going forward. I mean, do we just
make statements saying, well, you know, there's a possible conflict of interest
and we don't have to vote? Or do we have to make specific declarations as to
why? So, sorry about this. I'm not trying to, you know, target you. I'm just
thinking this is kind of interesting.
MS. STRANCE: I don't think a Council Member necessarily has to disclose
why, because there may be personal reasons that would create that conflict. But
each Council Member has an obligation to look at proposed Council action, and
first, make a personal assessment; and then if they have questions to get some
advice or go to the Board of Ethics.
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MR. CHUNG: Right. Okay. Now,that's fine. I shall do further research on
this matter. Thank you.
MS. STRANCE: Thank you.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Mr. Chung. You know, I hear what you're
saying in ensuring that we are doing what we're elected to do, which is to make
decisions for our community. Our Council Rules do prescribe situations where
we are to review the Code of Ethics and disclose situations where there might be
a potential conflict of interest because of familial ties or potential financial gain.
And so, it is incumbent upon each of us to review that Code of Ethics each time
we are making a vote and not to abuse that privilege. Our rules make very clear,
disclosure either verbally or written memo transmitted to the Chair for the
record. Very quickly please, Judge Strance. We are on a tight agenda. Thank
you.
MS. STRANCE: So just to jump on that a little bit. Sometimes you folks will
disclose a connection that you do think rises to the level of conflict of interest.
The reason to do that is it allows your colleagues or others to challenge that. But
at least you're transparent about it. So that's exactly right. Not every connection
is a conflict, but there are those credations about when you need to disclose.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you for those additional insights. I don't think
you're allowed to say anything, but I will allow you the latitude.
MS. KIMBALL: Can I speak to Council Member Chung's question. And just
note, in this case, my basis for requesting guidance from Corp. Counsel was
potentially of some sort of financial impact of the decision making, which would
be clearly in violation of the Ethics Code. And that is why I sought the recusal
advice from Corp. Counsel. Thank you, Chair, I yield.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Mr. Chung.
MR. CHUNG: I do apologize. This is my fourth time, but I'm glad, you know,
we have that clarification. Because the statement made earlier was because of
close proximity. So you know, this could open up a can of worms, right? And
you know, where you might be conservative, I'm a little bit more liberal. In fact,
there was a time recently when Mr. Inaba had recused himself. And I said, why?
You know, but he explained why. And if he felt uncomfortable, it's fine. But
you know, as the Chair said, we're here to vote. And as much as possible, we
should try to find ways that we can vote and weigh in on matters. And that's
why I brought it up. And that's all. Thank you.
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CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Mr. Chung. Mr. Clerk, we have a motion on
the floor. Roll call vote please.
Vote on Bill 134: The motion to recommend passage of Bill 134 on first
(Approved) reading was carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair Kierkiewicz—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Committee Member David— 1.
Excused: Committee Member Kimball— 1.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. This Bill 134 is forwarded to the Council
with a positive recommendation. Thank you. Mahalo nui, Garvin and Laura for
joining us via Zoom. Mr. Clerk, next item of business to take up is Bill 107,
applicant, West Hawaii Business Park.
Return to Order The Chair directed the Committee to return to the order of business.
of Business:
Bill 107: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 18-115, WHICH RECLASSIFED LANDS FROM
OPEN (0) TO INDUSTRIAL-COMMERICAL MIXED (MCX-20) AND
GENERAL INDUSTRIAL (MG-la) AT HONOKOHAU IST AND 2ND, NORTH
KONA, HAWAII, COVERED BY TAX MAP KEYS: 7-4-008:013, 030, 074,
076-078, 084, 085 & 090-100 (FORMERLY TMK: 7-4-008:013 & 030)
(Applicant: West Hawaii Business Park, LLC) (Area: Approx. 282.367 acres)
The Leeward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for
this amendment, which amends Condition J(Kamanu Street Construction
Timing) and adds Condition N (Roadway/Driveway Requirements Related to
Development of Parcel 77) and Condition O (Ownership Transfer and
Development of Parcel 90). The properties are located along the east(mauka)
side of Queen Ka`ahumanu Highway in Honok6hau, North Kona.
Reference: Comm. 575
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz (B/R)
Postponed: January 18, 2022
(Note: There is a motion by Mr. Richards, seconded by Mr. Inaba, to recommend
passage of Bill 107 on first reading.)
; and
Comm. 575.1: From Planning Director Zendo Kern, dated January 11, 2022, transmitting the draft
transcripts from the Leeward Planning Commission's December 16, 2021, meeting.
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CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Because there's already a motion
and a second on the floor, I will be asking the applicant and/or their representative
to please come forward.
MR. RICHARDS: Chair.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Yeah, thank you. Just a quick thing, it's kind of interesting in
light of the previous conversation we had. I just wanted to disclose that I am not
affiliated with the ownership of this, but there's a relationship to a ranch, I serve
on the Board of Directors. Which is not related to Lanihau. Well, it is related to
Lanihau, but I have no oversight or interest in Lanihau whatsoever. But I will be
participating in this conversation. Just again, to disclose.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. I will be asking for folks to disclose before
we begin any discussion going forward. Thank you for that. Any objections to
the participation of Mr. Richards in this discussion? Seeing none. Okay,
Mr. Richards, you can participate.
Aloha gentlemen, please introduce yourselves for the record. Let us know if
there's anyone on your team that is on Zoom that you need to introduce as well;
provide us a quick overview of the request before us today. Thank you.
(Note: At this time, Lanihau Properties President and CEO Riley Smith
and Planning Consultant William L. Moore came forward to address the
members of the Committee.)
MR. SMITH: Alright, thank you very much, Planning Committee Chair and
Members of the County Council. My name is Riley Smith. I'm the President
and Chief Executive Officer of Lanihau Properties, and we are the wholly owned
landowner or West Hawaii Business Park. Accompanying me today is Bill
Moore of William L. Moore Planning. He is our consultant on this project.
MR. MOORE: Thank you, Chair Person and Council Members. Glad to be here
and happy to answer any questions or give some background or whatever
information you need. I know there's a lot of material that you received. Happy
to go over it and give some background of what's going on as appropriate.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Gentlemen, that would be really helpful to provide an
overview. We recognize that there are several conditions that you were looking
to amend. And so the request for those particular amendments, and then we do
have the Planning Director Zendo Kern here in person in the gallery, should
anybody have questions. Please proceed.
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MR. MOORE: If I can, thank you. Just some overview. This again, actually
Riley usually does an overview of the family, but this is a longtime family-held
property. Real quick.
MR. SMITH: Yeah, I apologize for not giving you some background
information. So the Lanihau Properties is owned by the Greenwell family. So
we're descendants of Henry Nicholas Greenwell that came to Hawaii in 1850.
We traced our roots back 172 years. We're descendants of his third oldest son,
Frank Greenwell. If you're familiar with north Kona. Anything that you see
Palani in north Kona is named after Frank Greenwell. So Palani Road, Palani
Ranch, it's all from the descendants of the family that I work for.
I've been the President and CEO since 2013. We initially obtained our
entitlements back in 2004. We conducted an EIS (Environmental Inventory
Survey). We obtained State Land Use designation of Urban in 2004, and zoning
also in 2004. Since that time, we have pursued a number of efforts to try to
construct infrastructure and connect our development, our project to adjacent
lands. The Kaloko Light Industrial area is immediately to our north. We are
currently under construction in building Kanalani Street from the terminus of
Kaloko Light Industrial area, connecting it to the new traffic signal that the State
Department of Transportation constructed through Goodfellow Brothers in 2018.
So that road construction, I've got some photos here of the work. We started in
June of 2021. We're expected to complete all of that construction in August. So
in another four or five months. I hope to be able to dedicate that road to the
County of Hawai`i by October. And then all of you folks that might want to go
shop in Kaloko and go to Home Depot or Costco and have a safer way to egress
the area and can go out to the traffic signal and instead of trying to make a left
turn on Hina Lani or navigate from there.
So, this request is to enable us to provide a Certificate of Occupancy for
Parcel 77 by allowing two means of access to County dedicable roads that would
access that property. So in our preliminary discussions with both the Planning
Department and the Department of Public Works, they requested that since
Parcel 77 is 31 acres, what they would prefer is that there be two means of access
to this parcel instead of one.
And so, Kanalani would be the primary access, but what we're proposing here, is
to enable the buyer of this property to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy if we
were able to construct the secondary connection of Kamanu Street to Honokohau
Properties' lands to the south. So that there would be two means of access to this
parcel to County dedicable roads. So that's sort of the gist of what we're doing
here. Bill?
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MR. MOORE: If I can, real quickly, as background, when this property was
originally rezoned in 2004, Kamanu Street was a really critical part of a
connection connecting Hinalani Street with Kealakehe Parkway. So there's a
condition that said, except for a ten-acre piece, you had to build all of Kamanu
including portions within Kaloko Industrial. There's a 300-, 400-foot section
that wasn't built. The numbers just didn't work. That cost of doing that was so
great that they couldn't proceed.
In the meantime, what happened is the County built Ane Keohokalole Highway
connecting Hinalani with Palani Roads. And the State widened Queen
Ka`ahumanu Highway to four lanes. So now,there is this robust interregional
road, and the importance off of Kamanu Street diminished. And as part of that,
the improvements there was a traffic signal put in across from the National
Park's entrance on Queen Ka`ahumanu Highway. The original rezoning allowed
a ten-acre piece off of Kanalani to be developed without triggering Kamanu but
that went nowhere. So we came in 2018, asked for an amendment to allow 48
acres to be developed with triggering Kamanu Street but extending Kanalani to
that traffic signal. That's what's under construction now and hopefully will
again provide a much safer intersection. You don't have to make a left turn on
Hinalani as you come out of Costco.
Once that happened, we also had some remnant lots that we created including
this Parcel 77, the 31-acre piece. And Lanihau was approached by a single
landowner that wanted to use that without subdividing. The original plan was to
take a road right through the middle and subdivide into four or five lots. Because
of this one user, we don't need to subdivide it, don't need to put in County
dedicable roads, but we wanted to have the two connections.
So that was our initial amendment. So we don't have to trigger all of Kamanu
Street, but there will be a connection from Kamanu to Kanalani through this
property through a driveway. And again, we agreed to a condition that the
driveway would be open to the public during normal business hours. So there
would be a way to get to Kanalani to Kamanu Street through this development.
Another critical element of this action is the County is trying to do a regional
sewer system as part of the Queen Ka`ahumanu project. They're putting sewer
line improvements within a portion of Queen Ka`ahumanu Highway. The
trouble is there is a rise between the West Hawaii Business Park and the sewer
wastewater treatment plant at Kealakehe. So in order to move sewer from the
Kaloko area, this area, to the sewer plant, a pump station is needed.
Lanihau has given 2.6 acres at no cost to the County for the location of that
sewer pump station. However, that sewer pump station is part of our zoning
conditions which requires Kamanu Street to be completed before they can get an
occupancy permit. So part of our request is to take away that requirement from
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that sewer pump station, provided that it's given to the County. The deeds are
with the Corp. Counsel now and will be going through to accept it. So we're just
waiting for the final action. But the condition to a waiver for that parcel is that
upon dedication to the County. The County is not required for Kamanu Street
improvements to be completed in order to construct the sewer pump station.
So those were the two amendments. Basically, it was trying to make the cost
work for that large one landowner, but providing interconnection between the
two roads. And again, waiving the County from having to wait for Kamanu
Street to be built in order to construct the pump station.
MR. SMITH: Maybe if I can add some additional details. So, the proceeds from
the sale, you know, I take the proceeds, I pay taxes. And the net income from
the sale is insufficient to build all of Kamanu Street, but it is adequate to build
450 feet of Kamanu Street. And so, as the person who's responsible for the
fiscal operations of the company, I need to make sure that I do not obligate our
company to do something that we can't afford to do. And so through the
proceeds of the sale, paying the taxes, I'll have adequate resources to be able to
construct this road. That portion of the road in a perfect situation, I'll have
adequate funds and I'll build all of Kamanu Street within the next one or two
years. But, what this does is it gives me an exit strategy so I don't obligate our
company to do something we can't afford to do. Thank you.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Planning Director, if you could just come
forward, please. Sorry, before we launch into discussion, I just want to make
sure we're looking at the correct draft ordinance. Looking at the background
report transmitted by the commission, one of the amendments they made to
Condition N, changing language from "prior to Certificate of Occupancy"to
"Final Plan Approval."
MR. KERN: I believe that is the case. We'll double check with my team.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: If that's the case, I don't think we have the correct
ordinance in front of us, the draft.
MR. KERN: Actually, I should say that my team will better answer that question
than I will, so I'll defer to them. Maija?
MS. JACKSON: Yeah, that is correct language. It should say, Plan Approval.
So if you can give me a few minutes, I will look to see what happened with the
bills and make sure to get the correct one to you.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, because that is a very, very big difference in
distinction here. And so the draft that was provided to our office and scanned
notes this. And I think it might have been an earlier draft that was transmitted to
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the commission. So I just want to flag that, because I know in the process, some
other clerical errors were pointed out. Those seemed to have been resolved, but
this particular very important piece was not.
MR. KERN: We will get that right to you. I apologize for that, and I take full
responsibility.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you.
MR. KERN: Thank you.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Questions or comments for the applicant or our
Director? Mr. Inaba.
MR. INABA: Good morning, still. I just wanted to touch on the point of, I
believe it's Condition N. And what are we talking about when it says, "It'll be
open to the public during normal business hours." The intention to provide this
connection and allow for public use? But what exactly do we mean with that
language?
MR. SMITH: So the buyer of the property would operate a business that is
typically open from about 6:00 in the morning to 9:00 o'clock in the evening. So
when their business is open to the public, that private driveway connecting
Kanalani Street and the terminus at Kamanu Street would be open to the public.
And you know, also the County sewage pump station Wastewater Division
personnel would have keys to that gate, so that they can go in and operate their
facilities when they need to also.
MR. INABA: Okay. And the reason for not wanting access to the public at all
times is?
MR. SMITH: Security issues, homelessness issues. I had a situation there in the
last couple weeks where I'm dealing with some unwanted residents of the
property. A typical situation in Kona. We just need to make sure that we have
control of our property and are able to insure the safety and security of our
businesses and their employees.
MR. INABA: Okay. And in ConditionI believe it's still Condition N, but
there's some changes in Condition J. When we talk about—I think Condition J
had specific language regarding the curbs, gutter, sidewalks. All of that remains
the same if we're talking about dedicable standards. Is that right?
MR. MOORE: That is correct. The Kamanu Street, the requirements basically
within the MCX (Commercial-Mixed) zoning by the County is to have curb,
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gutter, sidewalks. So it is something—we have actually construction plans for
Kamanu Street. It includes curb, gutter, sidewalks. The improvements in
Kanalani Street are being constructed with curb, gutter, sidewalks. So it is all
being done right now as we speak and will continue to be done.
MR. INABA: Got it. Okay, thank you very much Chair, I yield.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Mr. Inaba. Anyone else? I would like to
propose, because we have a motion on the floor, to move this forward to
Council. And my office will be in touch with the Planning Department to put
forward an amendment to ensure that the language that was proposed by our
Commission is elevated into this bill. Any discussion around that proposal?
Mr. Inaba, your light is on.
MR. INABA: Sorry, not on that specific proposal, but I just wanted to point out.
Sorry I forgot to mention this. In Condition J, the first amendment here I believe
it's just a clerical one as well. So maybe for the Planning Department. It says
that it's adding Condition M in part of that. But Condition M was already
included in there. So if we can make sure it's only adding N and O.
MR. KERN: We will clean that up by Council.
MR. INABA: Thank you very much, Chair.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, any comments on the proposed course of
action? Okay, thank you. Mr. Clerk, we have a motion on the floor to forward
Bill 107 to the Council with a positive recommendation. Roll call vote, please.
Vote on Bill 107: The motion to recommend passage of Bill 107 on first
(Approved) reading was carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kimball, Lee Loy,
Richards, Villegas, and Chair Kierkiewicz—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Committee Member David— 1.
Excused: None.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you very much, Mr. Clerk. Bill 107 is forwarded
to the Council with a positive recommendation. Gentlemen, we will see you at
Council. Thank you, Planning Director for working with our office to ensure
that language is clear and accurate words matter. Mr. Clerk, the next order of
business, if we could please take up Bill 115.
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Change Order As directed by the Chair and with no objection from the Council Members, the
of Business: following item was taken out of order:
Bill 115: AMENDS SECTION 25-8-13 (PUAKO-`ANAEHO`OMALU ZONE MAP),
ARTICLE 8, CHAPTER 25 (ZONING) OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE
1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), BY CHANGING THE DISTRICT
CLASSIFICATION FROM OPEN (0), MULTIPLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL—
4,000 SQUARE FEET (RM-4), MULTIPLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL—6,000
SQUARE FEET (RM-6), MULTIPLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL—8,000 SQUARE
FEET (RM-8) AND VILLAGE COMMERCIAL— 10,000 SQUARE FEET (CV-10)
TO PROJECT DISTRICT (PD) AT WAIKOLOA, SOUTH KOHALA, HAWAII,
COVERED BY TAX MAP KEYS: 6-9-008: POR. 013, 022, 025,POR. 029 AND 033
(Applicant: Waikoloa Land Company) (Area: 133.822 acres)
The Leeward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for this
change of zone, which would allow the applicant to develop "Area B" of the
proposed Kumu Hou project, to consist of 900 multi-family residential timeshare
units, private community centers, a convenience retail center, golf support facilities,
an operations facility, public parks and recreational amenities, and associated
infrastructure. The properties are located between the 75- and 76-mile markers on
Queen Ka`ahumanu Highway and west(makai) of the highway to the King's
Highway Foot Trail, `Anaeho`omalu and Waikoloa.
Reference: Comm. 601
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz (B/R)
Postponed: February 8 and February 22, 2022
(Note: There is a motion by Ms. Lee Loy, seconded by Mr. Richards, to recommend
passage of Bill 115 on first reading.)
; and
Comm. 601.1: From Planning Director Zendo Kern, dated January 20, 2022, transmitting the
testimony and hearing transcripts from the Leeward Planning Commission's
November 18, 2021, meeting and the draft testimony and draft hearing transcripts
from the December 16, 2021, meeting.
; and
Comm. 601.3: From Council Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, dated February 17, 2022,
transmitting proposed amendments to Bill 115.
; and
Comm. 601.4: From Council Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, dated March 1, 2022, transmitting
informational material for Bill 115.
and
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Comm. 601.5: From Council Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, dated March 1, 2022, transmitting
informational material for Bill 115.
(Note: Comm's. 601.6, 601.7, 601.8, 601.9, and 601.10 from Council
Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz dated March 3, 2022, transmitting
amendments to Bill 115, were circulated)
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. I'd like to invite the applicant
and/or their representatives to come forward to provide the Council with a very
brief overview in response to some of questions and concerns that have been
raised over the last couple of committee meetings. And I'm saying brief,
because I have a series of communications that addresses each of these concerns
via proposed amendments and wanted to ensure that we're having very focused
conversations on those topics in an orderly fashion.
MR. RICHARDS: Chair.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: If I might intervene in just a second for a moment. During
public testimony, a comment was made about Mr. Fuke that caught me. And
under our Rule 13, Condition (i) and 0), all remarks should be directed to the
Chair and not anybody in the gallery. And so I took great offense to that. And
so, I think seeking Corporation Counsel. I don't know if we strike that from our
minutes or what we do with that? But I took great offense, because that was
inappropriate, making comments about Mr. Fuke. Yeah, I took offense on that,
Sidney. So how do we go forward with this?
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Your personal offense is noted for the
record. And as the minutes are presented to my office, I will ensure that they are
stricken from the record.
MR. RICHARDS: Okay, thank you Chair. I wanted to get that just cleared up
before we go forward with this.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: We appreciate you elevating that. Thank you.
Mr. Plunkett, thank you.
(Note: At this time, Waikoloa Land Company, John Plunkett came
forward to address the members of the Committee.)
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MR. PLUNKETT: Thank you, Madam Chair. And I do get the message, to
keep it very brief. And I promise you I will. And thank you again, Council
Members, for having us back here to discuss this project with you. But,just to
wrap up what we've done in our discussions with the Council, and I won't even
go into prior background because I think that would just be redundant. But on
the subject of water, we are putting forth a condition that will require Kumu Hou
to have a net-zero draw on the Waimea aquifer. And therefore having no impact
on that very important resource.
Secondly, we put forth a condition that will ensure that the 27 holes of golf will
remain in permanent open space, irrespective of the continuation of golf. But it
will remain an open space uses into perpetuity.
Third, we wholeheartedly agree with the dire need for affordable housing on this
island. Our updated condition will provide that we're able to get the 201H
exemptions and that our Archeological Inventory Survey will permit that we will
do substantially more than the 140 units of affordable housing on the parcel as
designated. But we furthered that condition that in all cases, we will be required
to do the affordable housing project. And I should note that a condition of the
Planning Commission, which we had a tremendous dialogue with, does require
that the affordable housing will be occupied before Kumu Hou is occupied,just
to refresh your memory on that.
And further, on an important point regarding kama`aina housing. We've put
forth a condition that we'll be recording a covenant that runs with the land
assuring two percent of the proceeds go to the Waikoloa Foundation with .5
percent of those proceeds being directed by the County for their initiatives in
affordable housing and tourism management; as well, we're willing to consider
other possibilities as well, that we can discuss. We also put forth the conditions
for the defibrillators in the commercial properties. And finally, we've put forth a
condition to dedicate the King's Trail to the appropriate State agencies.
We do appreciate the suggestion to look at the Aina Aloha assessment for
economic futures which we have done. Members of our team led by Kanani
Aton and Ann Bouslag have evaluated this and we believe our score was good.
But I'll let them answer any questions regarding that assessment. I thought it
was actually a very good tool.
And finally, as promised, we provided the Planning Department with a detailed
schedule of how we manage density within the Waikoloa Resort as the declarant,
and have gone over that in detail with them. And they would be better equipped
to answer any questions that you may have on that, as opposed to me.
So again, we really appreciate it. I've been as brief as I can, Chair. And we
appreciate your time and effort that you have put into this. And so, we are
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prepared to take your questions. Anything that we need to discuss with you, our
team is prepared. Thank you very much.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Would you be so kind as to introduce
members of your team that are joining us here in person, as well as available
over Zoom, so my colleagues are aware?
MR. PLUNKETT: Okay, in person we have Mr. Fuke, who is well known to all
of you; we have Kanani Aton, who has been a critical part of our community
engagement efforts; we have Ann Bouslag, Project Director from PBR Hawaii,
which is our principal planner for the project; Scott Head, who is our Vice
President of Operations here on the Waikoloa Resort; Cary Boeddeker, who's the
daughter of our founder and as well as, President of the Waikoloa Foundation, a
critical part of our team. And on Zoom, available for various questions, are
Mr. Stanford Carr of Stanford Carr Development; we have Tom Nance for any
water questions; Alan Haun, for any archeological issues that come up; Steve
Dollar on near-shore water issues and so forth; and Jason Tateishi, for any traffic
issues that may come up. And I believe that's it.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. It's good to know you're all here. Thank you so
much for that. Again, we have about five different amendments that
Mr. Plunkett provided a sketch for us for. And if Council Members don't mind,
I'd like to start taking up these amendments, so that we can have very focused
discussions on the various topics. We can start with the amendments that we
hoped to kind of talk about at our last committee meeting, but we'll start with it
today, and it's related to AED's (Automated External Defibrillators) and
Housing. Communication 601.3.
Motion to Amend: Mr. Richards moved to amend Bill 115 with the contents of
Comm. 601.3. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy
And you know, Mr. Fuke, or whoever would like, if you would like to provide us
with a quick overview. I know that a number of individuals on this body had
identified the need to just be a bit more specific about the affordable housing
requirements and the timeframe for their construction, as well as the mandatory
addition and installation of AED's, which we know are lifesaving devices,
throughout the property. So,just an overview, Mr. Fuke.
(Note: At this time, Planning Consultant Sidney Fuke came forward to
address the members of the Committee.)
MR. FUKE: Sure. Thank you again, Madam Chair and Members of this
Committee. The brief overview actually, was done very well by Mr. Plunkett. I
was actually very impressed for a great job. Essentially, what it is, is the first
condition is like in response to Council Member Lee Loy, I think had raised that
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issue and that was also eloquently brought up by one of the members of the
public. This relates to the AED.
The second one relates to the open space. And I think that Council Member
Kimball had, you know, raised that issue.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Hang on, Mr. Fuke, we're just speaking on the AED's
and the affordable housing requirements.
MR. FUKE: Okay. So that's the AED condition. As far as the workforce or
affordable housing requirements, based on the comments that we received from
Members of the Council as well as the community, talking about the need for
additional workforce affordable housing. We had drafted language such that it
would enable the developer to, first of all, construct a minimum of 140, whether
it's going to on this site or any other property within the resort. And that's their
obligation, because there is a potential that this particular designated site may not
be able to realistically render the full 140. But nevertheless, that's their
commitment. Even if means that a portion of that would have to come off the
Kumu Hou project, well, so be it. That's their obligation.
There's also this desire to have more than 140 units. And if that could be
accomplished through a 201H program that would be subject to the County
Council's review and approval, then that's what it's kind of like noted over here.
The other thing, too, is we had represented through Mr. Carr, and also
Mr. Plunkett, that the housing would be specifically set aside for rentals for a
minimum of 65 years. Sixty percent of which would be targeted to those earning
between 30 to 60 percent, and the balance would be for up to 120 of the County
AMI (Area Median Income). So that's in essence the workforce affordable
housing condition.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Mr. Fuke, we'll pause there if anybody has
questions about this particular amendment. Council Members. Mr. Inaba.
MR. INABA: For the record, we're on Communication 601.3?
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: (Comm.) 601.3, which is related to AED's and also
affordable housing guidelines and the requirement of 60 percent of these units
serving the 30 to 60 percent AMI, and the balance targeting 120 percent AMI.
MR. INABA: Okay, thank you. No further questions.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Okay. Ms. Kimball.
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MS. KIMBALL: Yes, I just wanted to acknowledge and thank the applicant for
also including the EV (electric vehicle) chargers in this amendment. You know,
we just had that discussion two weeks ago about the necessity to have an equity
lens on this. So,thank you for taking the time to include that, appreciate it.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Okay, we have a motion on the floor to
amend Bill 115 with the contents of Communication 601.3. Mr. Clerk, roll call
please.
Vote on Motion The motion to amend Bill 115 with the contents of
to Amend: Comm. 601.3 was carried by the following roll call vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kimball, Lee Loy,
Richards, Villegas, and Chair Kierkiewicz—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Committee Member David— 1.
Excused: None.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Moving on to the next communication and proposed
amendments from the applicant. May I have a motion to amend Bill 115 with
the contents of Communication 601.6?
Motion to Amend: Ms. Lee Loy moved to amend Bill 115 with the contents of
Comm. 601.6. Seconded by Mr. Richards.
This is related to 201H housing development. Mr. Fuke, if you'd like to
elaborate? Actually, I think you already touched on this. It was to ensure that in
the event that there is the potential to increase workforce housing, it's not
restricted to this particular parcel, that other spots within the property.
MR. FUKE: Correct, so the last iteration that was sent to your office, the
Council, it basically stated that there would be a commitment for 140, whether
it's on this parcel or anywhere within the resort. Should this parcel that we've
been identifying cannot render the full 140, the goal of the applicant,
nevertheless is to have more than 140. And if that's the case then it increases the
cap, then we would have to submit a 201H application and it would be subject to
the Council's review and approval. But that is the applicant's overall objective.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you very much, Mr. Fuke. Any questions or
comments? Mr. Inaba.
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MR. INABA: Thank you. A question for Corporation Counsel. I'll proceed
with the question. The proposed language here, underlined, says that, "The
applicant shall also cause a development of additional units to be constructed
provided that the appropriate exemptions are secured through the 201H . . ."
process. So based on this language, is it saying only if they go and apply for the
201H process, do they need to construct additional affordable units?
(Note: At this time, Corporation Counsel Elizabeth Strance came forward
to address the members of the Committee.)
MS. STRANCE: I haven't been involved in the drafting on this particular bill.
And if you have those specific types of questions, I'd like to contact the deputy
who may have been working on this. And I know the Planning Department has
been working as well.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Mr. Inaba, my understanding of this is right now, with
the parcel that's been identified, only 140 units can be built. And so, at the
recommendation of the applicant and Stanford Carr, pursuing a 201H would
increase the ability to build more housing. That's my understanding. And this
kind of really is very surgical in identifying this is how we go beyond the 140.
Perhaps Mr. Carr can elaborate further. We also have the Planning Director
here.
(Note: At this time, Developer Stanford Carr came forward to address the
members of the Committee.)
MR. CARR: Aloha, this is Stanford Carr speaking. Thank you, Madam Chair
and Members of the Committee. Council Member Inaba, our plan is to utilize
HRS 2011-1-38 (Hawai`i Revised Statutes), which is what we've used over the
last 15 years in order to develop workforce rental housing. Madam Chair is
correct. We plan to use the same statute in order to increase the density of units
from the existing underlying zoning that only permits a limit of about 140 units.
So we'll utilize this tool in order to increase the number of affordable rental
housing.
MR. INABA: Thank you. Director Kern, if you could come up, please? This
language starts with, "Shall also cause a development . . ." And the 201H
process comes afterward. So in terms of language and specificity to secure more
units, we're talking about, "Shall cause," is first, and then we have, based on
"appropriate exemptions," after. So how does this play out in your
understanding?
(Note: At this time, Planning Director Zendo Kern came forward to
address the members of the Committee.)
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MR. KERN: Sure,thank you for the opportunity. Zendo Kern, Planning
Director. The way that we read this and the intention is that,the applicant shall
cause that development of the additional units provided that they get the
exemptions to the 201H. Requiring them to do that without having the 201H
approval would basically be impossible.
So again, the way that we interpret it and read it is to be as they will do it so long
as they can get those exemptions through the 201H. Otherwise, they're limited
to that 140 now based on zoning.
MR. INABA: And are we—does the "Shall," implore them to go and seek out
the 201H?
MR. KERN: Yes. Shall is shall, yes.
MR. INABA: Shall it shall. Very good. Thank you, Chair.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Any other questions or comments on this
particular amendment regarding affordable housing and 201H tool? Okay,
seeing none, we have a motion on the floor. Mr. Clerk, roll call vote,please.
MR. CHUNG: I have a comment before that.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, Mr. Chung.
MR. CHUNG: And you know, I did have my light on.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Oh, I'm sorry.
MR. CHUNG: No, but I turned it off, because it was answered. Because I
shared the same concern that Mr. Inaba voiced. But it seems that the
commitment now is to—you shall, to develop more workforce housing provided
that—okay? And it was cleared. I just had to make that comment. It was, you
know, a valid point that Mr. Inaba brought up. But clearly, yeah.
MR. PLUNKETT: To be clear, we will pursue the 201H exemption in order to
try to develop in excess of 140 units on that site. But in no event will we do less
than 140 units.
MR. CHUNG: It's not just an intention, you shall, right?
MR. PLUNKETT: We shall.
MR. CHUNG: Okay. Very good. Thank you.
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MR. FUKE: And just to add,the reason why the term, like, "shall cause," you
know, was added. Like, "The applicant, shall cause,"because the developer of
that housing project may not necessarily be Waikoloa Land. But it's their
responsibility to make sure that it happens.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Mr. Chung, I apologize profusely for not seeing that
your light was on.
MR. CHUNG: I turned it off.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, I thought you were getting ready to vote.
MR. CHUNG: But I figured then felt compelled to say something.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: No that's fine and I think it's important to underscore
that for all the committee meetings that we've been a part of, the applicant has
said, "We intend to pursue more housing." And what you're doing is you're
putting your money where your mouth is, right? And we are now codifying that
intention, and really, now we have a tool to just hold you accountable to this. So
mahalo nui for your willingness to include this language. Anyone else. Okay,
Mr. Clerk, roll call vote, please.
Vote on Motion The motion to amend Bill 115 with the contents of
to Amend: Comm. 601.6 was carried by the following roll call vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kimball, Lee Loy,
Richards, Villegas, and Chair Kierkiewicz—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Committee Member David— 1.
Excused: None.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Next item. May I have a motion to amend
Bill 115 with the contents of Communication 601.7?
Motion to Amend: Ms. Lee Loy moved to amend Bill 115 with the contents of
Comm. 601.7. Seconded by Mr. Richards.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: This is related to concerns raised about keeping open
space, open space. And so, Mr. Fuke, if you just want to elaborate on this?
MR. FUKE: Sure. This condition was actually in response to a number of the
Council Members raising, and especially Council Member Kimball, about like,
what's going to happen to the balance of the golf course. And so this condition,
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you know, explicitly states that the remaining 27 golf holes currently zoned
Open will remain in either golf course use or open space. Almost like in
perpetuity.
And that it also includes a provision that,there's going to be at some point in
time, some slight adjustments to the actual hole locations, you know, because of
what's going to happen. If the two zoning amendments are approved, you know
there's going to be slight adjustments to the golf holes. So once the golf holes
are specifically identified, then a specific metes and bounds description of where
they are located would be provided to the Planning Department. So for
monitoring purposes, it'll become rather easy. So that's the condition.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Any questions or comments on this
amendment? Mr. Inaba.
MR. INABA: Yeah, thank you. And you know, this amendment and the point
that Council Member Kimball brought up, we do want open space. At the same
time we do need affordable housing. And I'm a little concerned to put a cap on
all 27 holes when at this point, you know, we're here for 900 plus units. Only a
140 right now, which will be affordable, and some of this—not to say that we
might not need more affordable units later, which may be another nine holes
could use.
So, you know, I'm sure I'll support this amendment. I like the intention because
we like open space, but we do need housing, which everybody's talking about
when it comes to this project and we've heard testimony. So, I might be further
working on this language prior to our next meeting. Thank you, Chair.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Mr. Inaba. Ms. Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you, Chair. And you know, first I want to thank the
applicants again for being flexible and listening so diligently to concerns and
comments made by Council Members. And appreciate Council Member Inaba's
concerns. However, it's not just that open space is something that we like. It's
something that once we give it up, we can never get back.
And so, you know, I certainly think there is this huge need for affordable
housing. This is a place that's already designated as Open. I think it's important
to preserve that where we can, and we are giving up a little bit with this
agreement. But the fact that you guys are willing to protect this in perpetuity, I
think is really critically important.
So I encourage you to kind of rethink your logic, Mr. Inaba,just from the
standpoint of, again, recognizing that this particular zoning is unique from others
in the sense that it's really something. Once we depart from it we can never go
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back or go to something else. So I think that's why I wanted to focus on
protecting that zoning. Thank you, I yield Chair.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Ms. Kimball. Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. And thank you to the applicants. I'm actually
going to be supporting this amendment. You know, I think out of everybody
here on the Council, I've been on every part of construction. And oftentimes
what's in the field doesn't lend itself for the true development potential. But
there is a need to kind of redraw those lines.
And although we have provisions within the County Code to provide de minimis
zoning edits, this actually really ratifies that these lines will be defined. And I
can really appreciate that, because you know, with other construction projects,
there's little bit wiggle here,just 2,000 square feet there. And before you know
it, it adds up to an acre or two of property. And so, this actually really holds it
nice and tight, and why I will be supporting this amendment. I yield at this time.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Mr. Fuke.
MR. FUKE: Yeah, if I can just add to that, you know,the applicant is really
committed to keeping that open space, because that's really part and parcel of the
overall resort's ambiance. The reason why we had added, you know—and not to
diminish the importance of workforce affordable housing. It is very, very
critical. And that's the reason why we had suggested the provision for a 201H
exemption, and just to take that further. If the bills that are currently before you
are approved, and there is a desire for additional workforce housing, the Project
District bill currently caps the number of units to 900.
And there's probably, if they, you know like Dr. Bouslag and her team redesign
the area, it's quite possible that more units could be accommodated. But to be
able to do that, you're going to need to have either a zone change amendment or
a 201H exemption. And so, it is possible you can have more units, you know,
within this Kumu Hou area. But to be able to do that, you're going to need a
201H exemption. So that's the idea.
So, we appreciate what Council Member Kimball is saying and Council
Member Inaba. Both concerns are very, very valid, and we feel like the existing
condition can implement both concerns.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you for that, Mr. Fuke. Any other questions or
comments. Anyone else? Okay, there is a motion on the floor, Mr. Clerk, roll
call vote, please.
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Vote on Motion The motion to amend Bill 115 with the contents of
to Amend: Comm. 601.7 was carried by the following roll call vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Committee Members Chung,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kimball, Lee Loy,
Richards, Villegas, and Chair Kierkiewicz—7.
Noes: Committee Member Inaba— 1.
Absent: Committee Member David— 1.
Excused: None.
(Note: Mr. Inaba voted "kanalua"then "no.")
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you very much for that, Mr. Clerk. Moving on to
the next proposed amendment. May I have a motion to amend Bill 115 with the
contents of Communication 601.8?
Motion to Amend: Ms. Lee Loy moved to amend Bill 115 with the contents of
Comm. 601.8. Seconded by Mr. Richards.
And this is regarding water and irrigation systems. Mr. Fuke, do you want to
provide a high-level overview? And I know that Mr. Tom Nance is available via
Zoom in case folks have questions.
MR. FUKE: Yes, so this condition was actually drafted by the applicant's
attorney just to codify essentially what the applicant has represented, essentially
trying to achieve, you know, net-zero in terms of overall impact of the potable
water resource. So that condition achieves that.
I had an offline discussion with the Planning Director that would probably want
to tweak this just a little bit just to enable them to kind of monitor that. So you
know, if everything goes favorably by this committee and goes to the County
Council, prior to County Council formally acting on it for first reading, then
between the applicant and the Planning Director will come up with language to
address the monitoring issue that he had.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Director Kern, could you please come forward and just
share with us the concerns you had and propose changes to language so that
we're all clear.
MR. KERN: Sure, Zendo Kern, Planning Director. It's more so just making
sure that there was some language in there that showed us that we would have
some reporting back to us. So probably some way in like providing a plan to us
to be approved and then updates through the annual progress report. Some
fashion like that, because if it's on us to look at,then we need to have that
brought to us. Just wanted to take out any of that ambiguity.
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CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Great,thank you very much for clarifying your intention
and the methodology going forward, appreciate that. Any questions or
comments on this communication? Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. I just, you know, I
really appreciate you guys listening to us and the community regarding your
water usage and really making some movement to lessen your impact on our
finite resources. And but more so, take care of your needs within your
community using reclaimed water. And I think this amendment really shows
your strength in your wording in putting your money where your mouth is and
that you're actually going to do this, you're going to hold to it. So I really
appreciate that. Thank you for working with us to this end and to codifying this
within your ordinance. Thank you.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Mr. Inaba.
MR. INABA: Thank you. And yes, mahalo for putting forward this language.
Just, if you could a little bit elaborate on how exactly—what are some of the
methods you will be using to get this 540,000 gallon offset over the course of the
development.
(Note: At this time, PBR Hawaii Project Director Ann Bouslag came
forward to address the members of the Committee.)
MS. BOUSLAG: There's two main methods. One is by converting some of the
existing landscaping to native and drought-tolerant species and using maybe
some more renaturalized lava features. If you drive in there now, you'll see it's a
lot of grass and trees, like many resorts were done long ago. And that uses a lot
of water.
So a significant part of the savings can be achieved in that way. And the rest
would have been achieved by using brackish water to round out the irrigation
rather than the fresh water that's now relied on. And I'll add that most resorts in
the area, unfortunately are using fresh water. And I think Waikoloa would like
to be a leader in transitioning that to brackish water.
MR. INABA: Thank you. And are you aware or do you know the amount that is
used, fresh water, in your development for irrigation and landscaping right now?
MS. BOUSLAG: I don't have that number on me.
MR. INABA: Does anybody on the team have that number. So we know
exactly how we're going to offset the use?
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CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Mr. Nance, are you on Zoom? Do you hear the
question? I think you had touched on this at a high level at the last committee,
but if you just refresh our memory? Mr. Inaba, could you repeat your question,
please?
MR. INABA: Yes, good afternoon. Do we know the current usage of fresh
water for irrigation in landscaping purposes, so we understand, you know, what
it's going to take in terms of either conversion to the brackish water or changing
in landscaping to do this offset?
(Note: At this time, Hydrologist and Water Resource Engineer
Tom Nance came forward to address the members of the Committee.)
MR. NANCE: Right now, for the common areas that are controlled by the
applicant, that irrigation amount from the potable system, as I understand it, is
about 400,000 gallons per day or possibly more than that. There is also within
the various developments, irrigation with potable water. And in the past, my
understanding is that they have appealed to the developer to convert to brackish
water because it's far less expensive than the potable water. So, 400,000 is a
number that the applicant controls and could make that same kind of change
from potable to brackish water irrigation for other developments in the project
that wanted to make that conversion to save money on irrigation.
MR. INABA: Thank you. And then this conversion, is that just a quick change
with the water company that provides your water, or how do we go about making
that? Just for the public's understanding, you know, if we're committing to
making this change. Is it something that's going to take months, years of
approval to secure brackish water, or is it something that happens quickly?
MR. NANCE: Well, it can't happen immediately because in some areas there
may need to be a change to a more salt-tolerant kind of landscaping that could
survive with the brackish irrigation rather than a potable. So it'll have to be done
over a period of time, but probably can be done as fast or faster than the addition
of potable water for the project.
MR. INABA: Got it. Mahalo, Mr. Nance. And then mahalo, Director Kern on
the suggestion of language for monitoring and reporting. Chair, I yield.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Anyone else? Ms. Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Yeah, I just actually had a procedural question for Director
Kern, you know, with these amendments that you would like made. Because this
amendment, is it better for us to wait and have a completely revised, or go
forward and then you can throw your amendment in? He is acknowledging
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positively that we can proceed with the amendment. Thank you, Director. I
yield, Chair.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Yeah, thanks for that question. I was just going to
clarify, we'll vote on the measure before us. You know, the Planning Director,
rightly so, raised we need to have some kind of water conversion plan that's
transmitted to them so that as the applicant is transmitting their status of project
development through the annual progress reports, they'll have something to kind
of gauge progress by. And so, we'll vote on this and then by the next meeting
we will have language that has been vetted by the department regarding the plan.
Thank you. Chair David.
MS. DAVID: Thank you for your patience. Reading and going over the
proposed amendments, some of which I approved, I just have a question. And
I'm not sure who can answer this, but in each of these amendments the statement
in these additions have been that the applicant"shall,"the applicant with respect
to the golf course; with respect to site plan approval, "It shall run with the land,"
and "The donation offer shall be provided." And then with respect to this water,
"The applicant will effect conservation." Just wondering why "shall" is not
being used as well.
MR. FUKE: It's a good point. I mean, that's why I had to add the caveat in the
beginning, I mean I took, you know,the liberty to drafting a lot of these
conditions, but this one was the attorney, so
MR. PLUNKETT: Mr. Fuke is correct. Our attorney did draft this condition for
us because we wanted to make sure it was correct. And it's really a legal issue.
The intent and obligation is there that this has to happen.
MS. DAVID: Right, and I understand that. We've been having numerous
conversations on "will" and "shall"right? So I was just wondering whether this
would be something that could be in conformance with the rest of these
conditions that we're talking about. And not for today, but you know, we still
have two more meetings.
MR. FUKE: Yeah, so, I think Chair David, in response to your request, you
know, as Planning Committee Chair Kierkiewicz noted that, we will come
forward with some language change over here to just enhance the monitoring
portion. So in conjunction with that, we will, kind of like, vet it again with the
attorney to see what's the difference between "will" and "shall." And if the
consensus is "shall" is more appropriate, then we hear you, yeah.
MS. DAVID: Thank you for that and thank you everybody for being here today.
I yield. Mahalo.
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CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair David for raising that. Mr. Chung.
MR.CHUNG: Then maybe I should just ask the question of the developer? Do
you see any difference between the word, "will" or"shall?"
MR. PLUNKETT: I'm not a lawyer. I mean, from my standpoint, no.
MR. CHUNG: But what's your intent?
MR. PLUNKETT: The intent is to do it, period.
MR. CHUNG: So, "shall,"right? Yeah, okay.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: I mean to be uniform and consistent, we will amend the
language at the next reading, from "will"to "shall," especially because we're
going to be tweaking this particular amendment to incorporate the Water
Conversion Plan. Thank you for the discussion on this. Any other comments,
questions? Okay, seeing none. Mr. Clerk, we have a motion on the floor. Roll
call vote, please.
Vote on Motion The motion to amend Bill 115 with the contents of
to Amend: Comm. 601.8 was carried by the following roll call vote:
(Approved)
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. Bill 115 is amended with the contents of
Communication 601.8. Moving on to the next amendment. May I have a motion
to amend Bill 115 with the contents of Communication 601.9?
Motion to Amend: Ms. Lee Loy moved to amend Bill 115 with the contents of
Comm. 601.9. Seconded by Mr. Richards.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: And this is related to 1.5 percent from proceeds from
gross sales going to the Waikoloa Foundation. Ms. Boeddeker, if you want to
elaborate a little bit more about this? And .5 percent of that being donated to the
County to support County driven affordable housing, tourism management
initiatives.
(Note: At this time, Waikoloa Land Company Owner, Cary Boeddeker
came forward to address the members of the Committee.)
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MS. BOEDDEKER: Good afternoon and thank you all for having us here again.
We appreciate the time and I personally very much appreciate all of the thought
and insight all of you have given to us. I've learned a lot from this process. I've
never done this before, so it's quite interesting for me.
You know, in listening to a lot of the feedback about the foundation, and the fact
that it's still in its infancy, we felt that it was important to allow a partnership
with the County Council in helping us to oversee funds, a half a percent. First of
all, we have the two percent, which we have already talked about previously.
But the half percent would go through the foundation, but directed to programs
specifically addressing tourism, management, and affordable housing, which
we've heard numerous times is so incredibly critical here.
So we would like to work with you. You hear daily about the needs of the
community. We do have a wonderful advisory board, but I think you can also be
an extension of that. So we would like to present that you.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Just to clarify, sorry. I think language we
got was related to 1.5 percent. And you mentioned 2 percent?
MS. BOEDDEKER: Well, the original two percent, which is taken out of the
gross sales proceeds, and then the 25 percent of that. So hopefully that's clear.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Yes. Thank you. Mr. Fuke.
MR. FUKE: Just to add to that, we had, you know, the idea was to set aside that
.5 percent for affordable housing or tourism initiatives. So we were kind of
debating about like whether the funds should go directly to the County, or should
the County then designate an agency? And I think we had opted to say like, no,
if it goes directly to the County, then the County would have to accept it, and
then it's got to be maybe appropriated. And the Mayor has got to release the
funds, you know, you have all of that stuff. And who knows, maybe there may
be additional staff that might be required to handle it and all that.
So we thought it would be best to have the body, you know, this Council, you
know, you tell us. Like, essentially the way we see it working, is that, say if we
have "X" number of dollars, and we ask the Council, like, how do you want to
use it? You want it be directed to some kind of tourism initiative, a management
initiative, or affordable housing? Maybe directing it to, you know, Kamakoa Nui
or any other kind of project. Then you provide that direction. And then it
becomes the foundation's obligation to set aside those funds. So that eliminates
the so-called beaurocracy. So that's how it's structured.
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MS. BOEDDEKER: But I also furthermore with that. It was very important to
the foundation to create a relationship with the community and with all of you.
So instead of just handing it over, we felt as a foundation, the importance of
building that team together to do the right thing for the community.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you for that. Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Thank you, Chair. Probably—this is little confusing for me
in how it's written. It says, ". . . 1.5 percent of the parcel gross sale shall be
derived of first-time sale and donated to the Waikoloa Foundation of which
.5 percent of such proceeds . . ." So .5 of 1.5?
MS. BOEDDEKER: It's .5 of two.
MR. RICHARDS: Okay, I think that's confusing.
MS. BOEDDEKER: Yeah, I agree. We could probably work on maybe
rewording that just a little bit.
MR. RICHARDS: And I think I completely understand the intent. And you
know, when you said 2 percent, that made sense, but 0.5 of 1.5 is pretty small.
MS. BOEDDEKER: So the .5 percent is what we're talking about in partnership
with the County.
MR. RICHARDS: Okay, so I think we just need to clean up the language. I
support the intent and I think that's what you were trying to do. Just the
language needs to be clarified. Chair, how do you want to do that?
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: I'd like to hear from other members first, but I don't
want to muddy the waters. I don't want to adopt something that we're not all
crystal clear on. And so, I'll ask the individual, Ms. Lee Loy who made the
motion to just withdraw this, and at our next meeting, I think we'll have clearer
language. But I think it's important to hear from everyone, so that we can craft
accordingly.
MR. RICHARDS: Yeah, I agree. Thanks, Chair.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Chair David.
MS. DAVID: Alright. Thank you for the explanation on the .5 percent. And
you're mentioning Council. That the Council would be the ones to determine
what community benefits this .5 percent will go through. My question is
basically a procedural one. How does the Council as a body become the
depository for funds which might run into the millions?
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And I'm not sure if this is a Corp. Counsel question, or finance question, but
great though and how does it play out? And maybe you can't answer that right
now, but I just wanted to throw that out there because I don't understand how
that will happen. And the separation of powers,jurisdiction.
MR. FUKE: So, quite honestly whether it's the County Council or the
Administration, you know, it just says, like, designated by the County of
Hawaii. So,the money doesn't go directly to the County. The County tells the
foundation how to use the funds. So that's the direction. So the question is like,
who provides the direction? Is it the County Council or is it the County
Administration, or maybe both? You know, ideally, you'd want to have it both.
I really don't know, like how that would basically be structured and that's the
reason why it was left generically, the County of Hawaii.
MS. BOEDDEKER: And that's also why we debated this ourselves internally
about how would this work? That is why we had it going through the foundation
as a body that would be directed by the County and County Council however we
figure out this process. But that's the intent. So maybe we could all think
together about how that would work.
MS. DAVID: And I'd be curious to see what Corp. Counsel or Finance would
weigh in on this particular subject matter. Okay, mahalo. I yield.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Mr. Chung.
MR. CHUNG: And I would agree, you know, having looked at this amendment
that it needs to be tweaked. It is incorrectly written. And it seems to indicate
that 1.5 percent of the proceeds will come out, and out of that, .5, which is not
the intent. So thank you. You know, I'll be voting—what are we going to do
with this?
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: No, I'm going to ask Ms. Lee Loy to withdraw after
everyone's weighed in. Thank you.
MR. CHUNG: Well, I will say this, though, when it does come back. I'll vote
for it, but there's something inside of me that just says, it doesn't sit well with
me, okay? I like the intent that you're trying to partner with the County, but I
just think your foundation should be your foundation, you know. And this is a
big chunk out of what you guys could do. But you know, hey, if the intent is to
partner, that's fine. There's something that's not right to me, but I'll vote for it.
Thanks.
MS. VILLEGAS: Chair?
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CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Vice Chair Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: Aloha. Thank you everybody for your patience with my
being via Zoom today, and for this great conversation, and the willingness to
take this back and make amendments. The terminology is quite confusing. It
makes me think that actually, it's .75 percent. It's just confusing. But, I also
concur with Mr. Chung's kind of just feeling of unsettlement about this. While
the intention is there, and I appreciate. Ms. Boeddeker, you taking the initiative
to bring this forward.
I've had a number of people, my constituency in District 7, bring forward to me,
suggestions and requests that actually the full two percent be contributed to
County funding for affordable housing. I appreciate this, essentially it's a 25
percent give of that two percent, if I understand correctly. So I would ask, of the
two percent, I'm going to go ahead and ask a full half of that be contributed to
some kind of partnership.
The thing that seems to weigh in most conflict with those that I've spoken to is
the 900 timeshares. And that being just such a huge number with a huge impact
on this side of the island. And you know, I am hopeful that that number might
be able to be reduced. And I'm hopeful that the number, you know,the whole
concept of a foundation sits awry in my mind as I look at the history of Hawaii,
and the history of our people being relegated to feeling needy for the handouts of
major developments or corporations.
It goes in opposition to what I feel is imperative in how we transition the
management of our resources. They are priceless and invaluable. And the
overall concept of a foundation, then, thus being—I've just watched the number
of—I've been sick, so watched the number of television shows. And the same
story repeats throughout history. I wish I had the solution, but it makes my
stomach churn to feel the same protocols being utilized in order to appease these
huge needs that we have as a community. We continue to repeat the cycles that
have not brought solutions.
Yes, the affordable housing or the workforce housing piece is absolutely
amazing. So grateful. But the percentages and the numbers are not equitable for
the solution for the issues we're facing right now. So I'm going to selfishly ask
for more. I'm asking for more workforce housing. I'm asking for more of a
contribution from that two percent. And I'm asking for less building in that 900
area block.
Thank you for my broader range on this and my comments. But I hope you'll
take that into consideration as you go back to the drawing board and clarifying
the specifics and the terminology utilized in the specific piece. With that, I yield.
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CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Vice Chair. Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. You know, I'm listening to my colleagues and
they've raised the issues that I had about the percentage and maybe refining this.
But I'm going to look at Kanani a little bit, because we've identified affordable
housing and tourist management initiatives. And one thing we're beginning to
elevate with our kind of tourism coming back after the pandemic isn't so much
tourist management, but responsible visitation. And responsible visitation not
only by our guests, but by ourselves.
And so, I actually would love to see more of a broader term about how we
actually begin to protect our resources, our cultural ones. The shoreline, all of it
from a more broader context of everyone providing a more responsible visitation.
And so, if you guys could take all of the feedback that we had here today, I don't
want to get stuck, because tourism at some point might augment over time, right?
And I just want it to be more inclusive of not only our visitors, but you know,
our local families also.
The other thing I know that's coming up later on is about the trail. And so, if
there's also some inclusivity of trail, trail management, trail education, again,
responsible use and visitation of all of our cultural resources in the area. But also
the nexus between our mauka and makai lands. I think that's where we're trying
to go, and we're kind of using terminology in words that we have right now and
available to us, but I would love to see this amendment kind of expanded to be
the life of the foundation's goals and objectives.
(Note: At this time, Waikoloa Foundation Senior Project Manager
Kanani Aton came forward to address the members of the Committee.)
MS. ATON: Okay so, mahalo nui for calling me forward. And as a member of
the advisory board, we see all of it as a priority, that you're talking about this
unified vision around cultural resources, `aina-based resources. And all of our
precious, precious Akua resources, like the wa`i, the water; those kinds of things.
While we can get really specific on fractions or percentages, it is not lost to us
that all of the proceeds and all of the work that's going to come out of the
foundation is a unified plan that looks at new models of economic diversity that
holds the core of aloha `aina. Of that practitioner mindset of the ineffable love;
the high-quality execution of what it means to be Hawaiian in this modern day.
And hopefully we can craft a prioritized plan that takes into account all the
things that we're trying to hedge at. Open space, water, lowering, you know,
impact from our present economic model of tourism today.
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The critical crunch of affordable housing, especially bringing our workforce
close to where our parents are working, so that the children can be right next.
All of those things are the important work of the foundation. These are new
things. Yes, it feels weird because we've never done things like this before. But
we need to call forward new economic models that hold the community at the
core.
And yes, Rebecca, I agree with you that we need to ask more in the name of the
community, in the name of the culture, in the name of the land; in the name of
those powerful resources that we call Akua. The Wa`i a Kane, all of those
things. And we need to hold those conversation together. So thank you for
calling me forward on that.
MS. LEE LOY: Yeah, thank you for kind of elaborating on that, because I, you
know, and Judge Strance can agree, legal writing is just very structured. But
what we're trying to implement is this deeper understanding of our `aina and the
culture within it. And so how do we codify that? So if you can take that back?
You know, at the suggestion of our Chair, we're going to kind of pull this one
back and give everybody a little bit more time to think about it. But, yeah, if you
could drill down on your team with that, and how we actually elevate community
through this process is what I think we're all chasing. And that new model,
right,that new model. Chair, I yield.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Ms. Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you, Chair. Agree with most of the comments already
made. Wanted just to propose a suggestion, maybe we change it from tourism
management to destination management? And then we're tying into the Hawaii
Island Visitors Bureau Destination Management Plan, so there's kind of a
roadmap that exists. And another partnership opportunity. I actually like this
relationship idea. It is novel from my understanding, but I think that that's
what's intriguing about it.
And I think there are probably some language requirements in terms of figuring
where the funds go and maybe strengthening within this amendment, you know,
that the process a little bit? I'm wondering kind of along the same lines with the
water,that we need to have some language about reporting to Planning on this as
part of the annual report. So, you know, whoever is taking the lead on rewriting
this, those are a couple of my suggestions. Thank you, Chair. I yield.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Yeah, thank you. I think Condition DD of 115 does
make mention of the annual report, and it covers all the conditions. So, we'll
ensure the proper language. And it's just sounding like, we may need to offer up
several different versions of a potential amendment because I do hear similarities
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within comments, but also some very clear distinctions around wanting the
County to be a partner and wanting Waikoloa Foundation to just fully have sole
discretion on how to program those dollars. Thanks for the conversation.
Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Yeah, and I appreciate you coming forward too, to talk story
about this, because this is something that I wanted to comment on, but the
cultural side. And I mentioned this previously, this is a new direction as far as
responsible development going forward. And it's a new, and I'll use the word,
partnership, and it's exceedingly novel. What I see is an opportunity, and I've
made these comments before about keeping the whole cultural side very
authentic. Because we're going to fund it and we're going to recognize the
importance of it going forward. So having a foundation that actually that's the
mission behind it to keep it going forward, it's kind of like turning a battleship or
a cruise ship since we're talking about tourism, it doesn't turn right away, but we
have to start making that turn to make that. And I think this is a way to start
doing that.
And the sensitivity of Waikoloa wanting to respond to the concerns of the
Council. It's different now. And I think this is the way forward. And so I fully
appreciate this and I appreciate the comments that are being made. It's not going
to be quick, but I think that way—you know, a friend of mine, she's not with us
anymore, but she was very adamant about keeping the culture authentic. And
this is what this is going to do, by recognizing the importance and elevating it to
that level of status. So, I like the direction of all this. Thank you, Chair, I yield.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Mr. Richards. Mr. Chung.
MR. CHUNG: Yeah, you know, when I said I had reservations, and of course,
Ms. Villegas had reservations as well. Our reservations are miles apart, okay?
This isI'm going to try to articulate it as best I can even if I said I wasn't able
to do it earlier. This is akin to what we were discussing when the Ironworks
building came up, the project, okay? Trying to take a cut from the development
and the sales. That troubles me. We have taxing authority as the County. There
are other ways to generate funds. But what we're doing here is trying to take a
cut, use the foundation as a conduit to come to the County somehow for
distribution out.
And see, the other ones are intended to make the development better. This one is
different. I like the partnership concept, that's a good thing. And if you agree to
it, fine. But the higher the amount goes up, then you're put in a position where
you have to look at the Council Members and think well, if we don't agree to
this, then this whole project may fail. And no developer should be put in that
kind of position. And that's what I'm troubled about.
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There are other ways to get monies to get it out to the community. Sorry, we
might have to tax you guys more. But, not this way. But if you guys agree?
And so I'm okay with, you know, as I said I'll vote for it under the present setup.
But if it gets too far afield, I'm really concerned about the legality of it. So, I
just had to say that, and we'll just keep it at that, okay? No need for any
response.
MR. FUKE: You know, I think that maybe I should just point out several things.
The reason why this condition came about was, there was a comment made by, I
think, a member of the public, maybe the Sierra Club,just saying like, "Oh, you
know, Hokuli`a had something like that, but it just never worked out. You know,
they promised, promised . . ." You know, those kinds of stuff. So,this is a
situation where the developer or the applicant was just trying to, you know,put
their money where their mouth is. You know, so this is what they represented,
and so it's like a codified representation.
You know, in a perfect world, we don't think—like even Kuki`o has its own
foundation, but then, you know, it's not codified. And perhaps, like in a perfect
world, it shouldn't be codified. And maybe what you pointed out very
accurately, like the Hilo Ironworks situation.
But nonetheless, I think that, you know, after hearing all of this, there's some
questions. One is like, should it or should it not be codified as part of the
ordinance? The other one is that, if it does get codified or doesn't,then there
should be some clarity, you know, regarding the 1.5 or .5 percent or whatever?
And I've got to take responsibility for that, or the blame. You know,that was
my crude math. Okay, but everybody understands that.
The other one is like, in terms of like, if it's codified, then how do you define
County of Hawaii? You know, who does the designation? Is it the Mayor in
consultation with the Council? Or is the Council in consultation with the Major?
I mean, I think that needs to have some clarity as well. And the point about like
being destination management initiative. I think like what Council Member
Kimball pointed out. And as the Chair noted that at some point in time, if this
becomes codified, and this is another condition that the Planning Director and I
had, you know, an offline conversation that they would like to have a little bit
more clarity in terms of the monitoring system.
Although it's part and parcel of the annual reporting system, they would like to
have some kind of language over here that shows like how many funds, how
much you raised over a year, you know, that kind of stuff. And the last item,
was of course, like what Council Member Villegas talked about. Well, maybe
you should increase it from two percent to three percent or whatever the case,
you know. But there is that number issue.
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So hearing from what Chair Kierkiewicz had mentioned, was maybe calling for
this item not to be part and parcel of this package of amendments. And maybe
between now and first reading, if we can come up with some language, if at all,
then that can be covered independent of the balance of the amendments.
MR. CHUNG: What I'm saying is this, I don't care whether they have two
percent, three percent, five percent, 10 percent. If this bill takes all of that,
what's the use of having a foundation? It doesn't matter whether it's 25 percent,
50 percent, 75 percent, or 100 percent of this thing. And that's why I said, I had
reservations about this. It offends me actually. But I'm willing to vote for it
with these numbers, you know, incorrectly worded but. We know what we
mean. You know,just for the sake of moving this thing through and trying to
advance your good intentions. And trying to work and become a partner. But,
what's the use of having a foundation if this thing gets crazy?
MS. BOEDDEKER: Well, and to address that just a little bit further too, I mean
the foundation currently has, and I think I've expressed this to you, a very
modest budget today. I mean it's basically, $100,000 a year, which we get
through, you know,the Waikoloa Bowl. And of course,that will grow as we
start to get into raising money. But every single dollar that goes out of the
foundation is less work the foundation can do.
So obviously, as the President of the foundation, I am protective of that money.
And I want to see it go to the best use for the community. However, I am also
very open to partnerships. So if there's a way to do that that we're not thinking
of that's a better way that you can think of, because we're trying to do the right
thing, as we keep saying, especially from the foundation's perspective and what
we're trying to do. In no way was this intended to be something that was not
didn't go over well. You know, I think we're trying to figure out partnerships.
MR. CHUNG: Let's stop right there already. It's well intentioned. I think we
all recognize that. But you know, I'll state it again, I just think what you have
proposed here is far beyond what any other foundation has come up with. And
you were receptive to the concerns of others and the public. But if it goes too far
afield I've got to object. That's all.
MS. BOEDDEKER: I appreciate that.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Mr. Inaba.
MR. INABA: Yeah, thank you. And I just want to chime in on the partnership.
I think it is a good idea. Right now, have you folks made those moves to amend
who's on your actual board, not the advisory board?
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MS. BOEDDEKER: We have a board meeting in about three weeks with my
advisory board members to discuss so, yeah.
MR. INABA: Okay, yeah. So you know, with the intention of making sure that
funds are used, you have a modest budget you say. And yes, we do want to
make sure that the foundation is supported for whatever efforts for culture that
you have in mind. Not that they've been clearly articulated yet, but I want to
make sure that we do have capacity in the County and we do need affordable
housing. So I do support taking some of that which you folks initiated and
offered, to make sure that we can develop the affordable housing. So,thank you
for that idea for partnership. Chair, I yield.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Mr. Inaba. We do have our work cut out for
us. So Sid, I'll reach out. There's a lot that was elevated here that you
understand is of great importance to this body. And I just can't help but reflect
on, you know, some things that Council Member Chung said. Just being aware
of the changing political wins, right? That happens at the change of
administrations every couple of years with the election of new Council Members.
And so, we want to do what's best and right for our community, but we also
want clarity in terms of who will be in charge of that decision-making around
how these funds will be spent. So thank you. Ms. Lee Loy, if I could get you to
withdraw your motion? Thank you.
Withdraw Motion Ms. Lee Loy withdrew her motion to amend Bill 115
to Amend: with the contents of Comm. 601.9.
MR. FUKE: Madam Chair, can I just do a follow-up then? So, if between now
and first reading, say maybe like within the next week, can we propose an
amendment that can be considered by the full Council, or does it still have to be
considered by the committee?
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: I think it's fine. We'll take the vote on, you know,
putting this forward to the Council today. But I think we're all very interested in
seeing what sort of other draft language you have around this amendment.
Thank you.
MR. FUKE: I understand, thank you.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. I need a motion to amend Bill 115 with the
contents of Communication 601.10.
Motion to Amend: Ms. Lee Loy moved to amend Bill 115 with the contents of
Comm. 601.10. Seconded by Mr. Richards.
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CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Mr. Fuke, this is regarding the King's Highway Foot
Trail. If you want to provide a high-level overview before we go over to
comments.
MR. FUKE: Sure, I believe like the Sierra Club had mentioned that it would
really be nice if he applicant were to set aside the King's Trail, you know, to
either Na Ala Hele or the Federal Government. So the applicant had no
objections, so you know, this is the language. The only thing that's left kind of
blank was that, you know,that SHPD (State Historical Preservation Division)
number. And I'm trying to get that number from the archeologist. But
nevertheless, you know, notwithstanding its absence. I mean, even if it's absent,
everybody knows what the King's Trail is, so.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Mr. Fuke. Any questions or comments on
this particular amendment? Ms. Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: I'm glad you're doing this as well. Did you reach out to the
State and make sure they're going to take it?
MR. FUKE: No. That's why we're saying like, as opposed to dedicate, you
know like, it can cause some problem. And this was like, after consultation with
the same attorney who drafted the water condition. You know, if you say like,
it's going to dedicate and it's going to effect before you can even get your
building permit or plan approvals, then you know, that dedication process can
take forever and a day. So you know, your obligation is really to make that
offer. And it's up to them to kind of see it through. So that's why it's structured
like—along these lines.
MS. KIMBALL: Got it, thank you.
MR. PLUNKETT: And if I could just add to that,that it's our intent and our
desire to put that in the hands of the appropriate agency as soon as possible.
MS. KIMBALL: Great, appreciate that. Thank you, that's all, I just had that
question.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Yeah, I actually appreciate this amendment about donating.
And I'm reflecting, I think about Ka`upulehu. There was a requirement for them
to complete a number of cultural plans. And it just took forever for it to get
through State Historic Preservation Division. And if I'm not mistaken, the better
part of 10 or 12 years for them to satisfy that condition. And so I do appreciate
thisgoing,just here have it. Not, hinge it on any acceptance or formal
acceptance, it's yours. So I will be supporting this amendment. I yield.
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CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thanks for bringing that up, Ms. Lee Loy. I was going
to bring it up myself. I think it took them seven years just to hear back from
SHPD before they could proceed, so. Alright, if there are no other questions or
comments on this amendment, we'll move to the vote. Mr. Clerk, roll call.
Vote on Motion The motion to amend Bill 115 with the contents of
to Amend: Comm. 60 1.10 was carried by the following roll call vote:
(Approved)
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. Bill 115 is amended with the contents of
Communication 601.10. We are at the end of the list of proposed amendments to
Bill 115. So I will take any closing remarks on the bill, as amended, before we
take a vote on the motion that is on the floor, which is to forward Bill 115 to the
Council with a favorable recommendation. Mr. Inaba.
MR. INABA: Yeah, real quick, so we know what the project is for. Mr. Fuke, I
sent you an email regarding the current zoning and the existing buildout on your
lands. Can you share a little bit about what that number is? So with this
rezoning we know that we'd be granting the 900 timeshares, the 140 affordable
housing, the 25 single-family residential. I believe that's it. I might have missed
something. Well, with your current buildout, how much room do you have left?
MR. FUKE: I don't know if the Planning Director had provided the unit count.
Did he? They did, and it was kind of like a spreadsheet done parcel by parcel,
and that's the reason why, Council Member Inaba, it took a while. Because they
had to kind of generate all of that. But that spreadsheet kind of identifies all of
the different properties within the resort, what they're capable of supporting, you
know, zoning-wise, what has been built, what's capable of being built, so on and
so forth. And so that spreadsheet is very clear. It doesn't specifically earmark,
you know, which properties that Waikoloa Land owns but this is just overall.
As a master developer, they have some measure of control over the density. So
bottom line, if you make reference to the zoning of the resort right now, which
was approved in 1978 and 1991, currently entitles 9,992 units. And this does not
include the two commercially developed areas, the Queens' Market Place and
then the King's Court. So it's all of the other properties.
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So, however, off that total 9,992 units, the Special Management Area that was
granted by the Planning Commission, the last go around in 1991. It reduced that
and provided a cap. And that density cap is 6,365. So that is approximately
3,600 units less than what the zoning allows. So if there is going to be more
units within that area that exceeds 6,365, inspite of what the zoning says, the
developer or the affected property owner would have to go the Planning
Commission to raise that unit cap.
The number of units that's been built according to this chart, you know,to date is
about 3,414 units. And so there is a difference of roughly 2,900 units between
what has been built and what is allowable by the SMA. So as far as the 2,951
units that's capable of being developed, you know, based on the chart, then
Kumu Hou is part of that. So what they did was they kind of like reshifted the
density, the uses around, within the entire resort. And that's this chart here.
MR. INABA: Okay, so the information you sent me says that with the existing
zoning and the buildout of your project there's room left for 649 more units on
your land.
MR. FUKE: I did that in the absence of this detailed spreadsheet, so I stand
corrected. And this one here was done by the applicant's in-house. So it took a
while for them to generate this. So I stand corrected. This, what you had before
was provided to you by the Planning Director is information that we provided to
the Planning Department. And they will, moving forward, will be using this as a
basis to monitor, if this project is approved, to monitor the total number of units
within the resort.
MR. INABA: Okay, so with all the current bills for rezoning—maybe you can
point me to the right column for your properties, not the entire resort area that
could be built. Because that's what the question via email was, and that's what
your 649 units answer was based on, not the entire entitlement of the resort area,
but the lands directly under control by Waikoloa Land Company.
MR. PLUNKETT: Maybe I can help a little bit on try to help Mr. Fuke answer
this question. So, in answer to the question on—if your question was lands that
are owned specifically and wholly by Waikoloa Land Company.
MR. INABA: And the lands that we are currently been affected by the current
bills before us.
MR. PLUNKETT: And without Kumu Hou.
MR. INABA: So with the current zoning and the current buildout.
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MR. PLUNKETT: Under the current zoning, if you look at the column that says,
"Units Allowed per Zoning Code." And in that, I'm going to ask Mr. Head to
help me too, if I missed something. There's a parcel, 11 acres, that's called the
Beach Golf Course Driving Range. It's zoned for 319 units.
The parcel that we're proposing the workforce housing on is zoned for 142 units.
There's a parcel that will actually be merged within Kumu Hou that's underneath
that. It's 12.17 acres that is zoned for 87 units.
What's not on this schedule, and the reason this can get a little bit confused and
I'll go farther if I could, is that there is a commercially-zoned parcel, which also
permits up to 100 residential units on it. But the intent is, that remains a
commercial parcel. So those are specifically owned by Waikoloa Land
Company.
Now, if I could just elaborate a little bit further. If you look at the column that
says "Units Built Today," so 3,414 units have been built today. We are the
master developer and hold substantial rights by virtue of our declaration, which
allows us to allocate among the resort various densities and so forth. And so, it's
incumbent upon us as the declarant under that declaration to manage the density
cap. And as you can see, when we filed the application, we said, there's 3,414
units built; there's 2,951 units that remain under the density cap for a total of
6,365, which is the total under the cap, under the SMA.
So what we've done is we've reconciled to that, where could those be put? And
we have included in that, the 900 for Kumu Hou. And then under various other
projects that are in the resort that we approve, allocate density, and we do that by
deed and other mechanisms. Scott, did I summarize that correctly?
(Note: At this time, Waikoloa Land Company Vice President of Resort
Operations Scott Head came forward to address the members of the
Committee.)
MR. HEAD: No, excellent job. I think this is going to be a roadmap for us
going forward in reporting to the Planning Department our strict adherence in
remaining under the SMA caps. I know it gets very confusing to interpret, but it
is our guiding map that we use. And that there are a lot of iterations to it, but
John, you did an excellent job describing it.
MR. INABA: That was a very long-winded answer. So, with a specific number
or column, I think based on the way you folks have developed over the last
40 years, and we know what the entitlements are. You built a certain way, how
many unitsI should say, you have left with your remaining space for the lands
that are being affected by this rezoning bills, the both of them?
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MR. PLUNKETT: We have 2,951 that we can either through some combination,
build on our own lands or allocate to other developers is the simple answer, and
it's a fairly complex schedule, but that's the best I can simplify it. And included
in reconciling to that 2,951, we've included Kumu Hou's 900.
MR. INABA: Okay, we were about 2,300 off in the emails that I think I was
corresponding with Mr. Fuke on. I'll open it up to questions or comments from
my colleagues. Thank you.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Mr. Inaba. Any other comments? Vice
Chair Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: Yes, please. I suppose, and thank you, Mr. Fuke, for referring
to Communication 595.6 and the graft that is contained within. I suppose it
comes as a bit of a surprise, and it makes me a little uneasy, that the numbers that
were provided for this graft—while the communication came from our Planning
Director, all of the information came from the developer themselves.
That doesn't sit particularly well with me. I would prefer to think that the
information like this would come directly from our Planning Department, as
there needs to be some separation between church and State in my opinion here.
Also, one of my constituents was cut off in testimony, and they did some very
in-depth research of the background report and the Planning Director,
Chris Yuen, when he made statements about this development. And on
Page 516, Chris Yuen states that timeshare units will not be considered in the
count of the 3,000 resort visitor unit limit set by the General Plan for resort
nodes, such as Waikoloa is.
It sort of questions here as to, how can a timeshare unit be considered a
residential unit. And it is thus taxed based on a residential unit. I would say
somebody who stays at a timeshare is not considered a resident in our County.
Residents, you know, in my mind are people that buy places to actually live in
them.
I also have some questions about what happens if the applicant doesn't timely
comply with any of the required development conditions. Are there any time
limits for compliance? Would that just be up to the Planning Director to decide
whether or not to initiate rezoning to the original or other zoning districts? I
have questions about that, especially with a project of this size. Can you answer
those questions for me, please?
MR. FUKE: Sure, Council Member Villegas. We are familiar with the letter
that former Director Yuen had prepared and made the separation between visitor
units and conventional residential units, and how timeshare was regarded. And
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so if you look at the table that was provided, it was specifically broken down
between visitor units and residential units. And cumulatively, it shows like,
3,000 for visitor units on the top, and 3,365 on the bottom for residential units for
a total of 6,365.
If you look at where Kumu Hou is, Kumu Hou is within the visitor portion, that
900 units. So, we were very mindful of trying to stay within the so-called
interpretive cap that Mr. Yuen had stated in that letter. That's the reason why
you know, it's about three or four years in the making on this project, because
there was a lot of things, moving pieces, that we had looked at. You know,
before coming up with this plan. And one of the things was, how would
timeshare be accounted at? And we had to do a deep dive, had it further
reconfirmed by the former Planning Director, Mr. Yee. And that's where we are
right now.
In terms of the construction time table, when the staff and also the Planning
Commission reviewed it, you know, when you deal with a major resort like that,
and it's like 40 years in the making. You're not dealing with a specific project,
like maybe dealing only with a 10-acre parcel, and you know, you want to have a
performance condition associated with this. This relates to like a development
for the whole resort. What was very critical from the commission and the
department standpoint was making sure that appropriate conditions related to the
project, infrastructure and otherwise, are all tied in that portion of the
development.
So as a result, you see like, you know, within the Kumu Hou ordinance, Bill 115.
You know there are time-sensitive conditions, but the time-sensitive conditions
are not related to the actual construction of the unit itself, but performance of
other conditions. You know, workforce housing, the submittal of annual reports,
and depending on where the foundation goes, you know, that condition; the open
space, the conveyance, or the offer of a conveyance of the King's Trail.
Those are items that you have, like time sensitivity relative to the actual
construction of the 900 units. It's a question of the marketplace and whatever.
So there is no specific timetable related to when the 900 units will come online.
MS. VILLEGAS: Okay, thank you for that, Mr. Fuke. I appreciate your
clarification. Still clear as mud, but that might be my brain right now. I also
wanted to put forward that there have been conversations and testifiers who
consistently requested more bike paths throughout this resort area. There are lots
of golf cart paths already in existence there, but there has been a fervent request
for real bike paths, and the potential for those to lie within the 800-foot setback
from the highway.
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So I just wanted to bring that forward, as you folks have been very gracious in
listening to their requests, the concerns, and making concerted efforts to make
whatever compromises possible in order to make this zoning change more
palatable to our community, especially in a timeframe when we have so you
know, I have COVID.
So you know, our numbers are going down, but it's not because people aren't
still getting COVID here. And our economy is still very fragile, as it's based on
tourism. And as I sit with this pain and these physical challenges, it weighs
heavy on my heart and my chest that we continue to line ourselves up being
reliant on external visitors and external economic forces. And our people
continuing to rely on, not for sources of employment, without anywhere to live.
And so, we just perpetuate this cycle.
And we are very vulnerable as a society and humanity as we continue to navigate
a path through climate change, which we know that this may not be the last
major virus or pandemic or whatnot. So I urge this continued thinking outside of
the box and transitioning from our perpetual reliance. And in our western world,
wealth is this goal and yet, when is enough enough? And for all of us to have
enough to live a healthy lifestyle here in the islands. I think it should be all of
our goals. Those that already live here. And not necessarily continuing to look
outside for those resources. So, thank you for your patience with my comments.
I yield.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Anyone else? Comments before we move
to the vote. We still have Bill 112 to review and discuss as well. Okay, seeing
none. Just want to thank you all for your presence and your willingness to
engage the commission. They did a very excellent job, thoroughly vetting and
providing amendments to strengthen the conditions in this ordinance.
We appreciate the genuine willingness to connect and have a dialogue and put
forth meaningful solutions. So thank you, you're really setting the bar for how
other developers or anyone really interested in doing anything here on Hawaii
Island should operate. And that's doing it in partnership and collaboration with
community and the County. So, thank you. We have a motion on the floor to
forward Bill 115, as amended, to the Council with a positive recommendation.
Mr. Clerk, roll call vote, please.
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Vote on Bill 115: The motion to recommend passage of Bill 115, as
Draft 2 amended, on first reading was carried by the following
(Approved) roll call vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kimball, Lee Loy,
Richards, and Chair Kierkiewicz—7.
Noes: Committee Members Inaba and Villegas —2.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Bill 115 is forwarded to the Council with a
positive recommendation. We have a couple other amendments forthcoming on
that, which we will hear at first reading. Mr. Clerk, if we could get to the last
item on the agenda, Bill 112, the companion measure for this project.
Return to Order The Chair directed the Committee to return to the order of business.
of Business:
Bill 112: AMENDS SECTION 25-8-13 (PUAKO-`ANAEHO`OMALU ZONE MAP),
ARTICLE 8, CHAPTER 25 (ZONING) OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE
1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), BY CHANGING THE DISTRICT
CLASSIFICATION FROM OPEN (0) AND MULTIPLE-FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL—8,000 SQUARE FEET (RM-8) TO MULTIPLE-FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL—6,000 SQUARE FEET (RM-6) AND SINGLE-FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL— 10,000 SQUARE FEET (RS-10) AT WAIKOLOA, SOUTH
KOHALA, HAWAII, COVERED BY TAX MAP KEY: 6-9-008:021, POR. 027,
POR. 028, AND POR. 031
(Applicant: Waikoloa Land Company) (Area: 45.932 acres)
The Leeward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for
this change of zone, which would allow the applicant to develop "Area A" of the
proposed Kumu Hou project, to consist of up to 264 multi-family residential units,
up to 25 single-family residential lots, and associated infrastructure. The properties
are located between the 75- and 76-mile markers on Queen Ka`ahumanu Highway
and west(makai) of the highway to the King's Highway Foot Trail, `Anaeho`omalu
and Waikoloa.
Reference: Comm. 595
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz (B/R)
Postponed: February 8 and February 22, 2022
(Note: There is a motion by Ms. Lee Loy, seconded by Mr. Richards, to
recommend passage of Bill 112 on first reading.)
and
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Comm. 595.1: From Planning Director Zendo Kern, dated January 20, 2022, transmitting the
testimony and hearing transcripts from the Leeward Planning Commission's
November 18, 2021, meeting and the draft testimony and draft hearing transcripts
from the December 16, 2021, meeting.
; and
Comm. 595.2: From Council Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, dated January 28, 2022,
transmitting supplemental materials for Bills 112 and 115.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, there's a live motion on the floor. Before I
call for the vote, any comments? Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Yeah, I just wanted to make one comment in regards to
Communication 595.6, which is the reconciliation of all of the units. And I just
have to say it, because I'm having due-diligence trauma right now, having had
worked for a number of landowners and/or their representatives, we were
chasing this for the better part of 10 years, when Chris Yuen came out with that
determination, and trying to understand it.
And I find this incredibly valuable with the overlaying of the land-use dockets
that cover that particular area. All the zoning and the SMA. This infamous
SMA 25. I'm looking at Ann, she knows. This really is an amazing tool and a
good foundation for our Planning Department to keep track of these units, as
these various landowners in the area have to do their annual progress reports.
This is really going to be a fantastic tool. So with that, I yield.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Ms. Lee Loy. Anyone else? Okay,
Mr. Clerk, roll call vote on Bill 112, please.
Vote on Bill 112: The motion to recommend passage of Bill 112 on first
(Approved) reading was carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kimball, Lee Loy,
Richards, and Chair Kierkiewicz—7.
Noes: Committee Members Inaba and Villegas —2.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Bill 112 is forwarded to Council with a
favorable recommendation. Folks, Ms. Bouslag, Mr. Plunkett, Mr. Fuke,
Ms. Boeddeker, Ms. Anton, Mr. Head; everyone on Zoom with the project team,
thank you for being here. We will see you at Council for first reading on
Wednesday, March 23rd. My office will be in touch to confirm the time.
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MR. PLUNKETT: Thank you again to the Council for all your patience and
working with us. And I think it's been a very positive dialogue for us. And we
do appreciate it. Thank you.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Good work everyone. Before we close, I
wanted to invite up our Corporation Counsel and Clerk. You guys know that I
make these off-the-cuff comments, and I just wanted some clarity for the record,
about my statement to omit personally offensive comments that were made by
one of the testifiers. I don't have the authority to do that. And so, you know,
Corporation Counsel, I just want to make sure that we're very clear about how
we, or just the nature of the minutes and how testifier's comments are reflected
for the record. Thank you.
(Note: At this time, Corporation Counsel Elizabeth Strance came forward
to address the members of the Committee.)
MS. STRANCE: Elizabeth Strance, Corporation Counsel. I don't know if I
need to say much else. So at the beginning of conversation for this session,
Council Member Richards raised concern about offensive comments that also
violated your rules and suggested they be stricken from minutes. And
Chair Kierkiewicz agreed that if any minutes came through, that she would edit
them.
So just a couple things. One is that that level of content of community input is
not in minutes in the first place. So,there's not a risk that they would be in the
minutes.
Secondly, the Chair doesn't have authority to self-edit. So I think everybody
knows what the comment was, but it wasn't specifically called out. And so the
suggestion would be that she would self-edit. Under Robert's Rules, there would
be a process to expunge information from minutes if minutes came back before
the committee that were improper in it. That would be the process at that time to
take care of that.
And then just by way of reminder, the Chair has the authority to hold people
account to following the rules. And Council Members would be free to raise
points of order to assist the Chair in a busy meeting like today was. So there are
ways to address that in real-time. But I did want to be clear because this is a
public meeting, that there is not going to be a process of Chair self-editing
minutes before they're presented to the committee.
CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you for that clarification. Yes, I don't just have a
red pen where I can go and strike minutes from the record. So, I just wanted to
make sure for the record that was very clear. And I'm sorry if I caused anyone
any personal offense with those comments. Mr. Richards.
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MR. RICHARDS: Yeah, thank you Chair. I appreciate the clarification of it.
And it just highlights my concern that we—this group, we conduct business in a
very high-level and respectful manner. We don't have to agree, but we can still
be respectful. And that's why I took offense for that. Mr. Fuke, he comes before
us all the time, and he's a highly respected individual within our community. So
I wanted to just make a note of that. Thank you, Chair, I yield.
CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Mr. Richards. It's noted that we should all
maintain a level of professionalism and decorum. Thank you. Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Yeah, thank you, Chair. And thank you, Judge Strance. My
concern really was some level of false light for an individual that I know has a
lot of integrity. And I just didn't want to carry forward in the discussions that we
had. So I do appreciate Mr. Richards' raising that issue.
But as a way to level set, I think each and every one of us are very mindful of our
integrity and our trustworthiness. So, thank you for this discussion, Chair. I
yield.
CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. We are at the end of our agenda. Any
discussion? Seeing none.
ADJOURN- There being no further business, at 1:25 p.m., Ms. Kimball moved to adjourn the
MENT: 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: Thank you. Planning Committee is adjourned.
Approved:
2- (.102_2_
Ms. A sh ey L. Kierkiewicz, Chair (Date)
Planning Committee
AK/dt
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