HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PC 074 2022/08/16 (2020-2022) REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
DATE: August 16, 2022 Re: Comm. No. 919/13ill No. 198
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 10:24 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Bill No. 198, reports as follows:
Bill No. 198, submitted by Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, via Communication No. 919, dated
July 27, 2022, amends Section 25-8-32 (South Hilo Zone Map), Article 8, Chapter 25 (Zoning) of
the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), by changing the district classification
from Agricultural—Three acres (A-3a) to Single-Family Residential— 15,000 Square Feet
(RS-15) at Ainaola, South Hilo, Hawaii, covered by Tax Map Key: 2-4-039:025. The
application is RJL, LLC. The project area is approximately 13.838 acres. Bill No. 198 was
introduced by Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz, by request.
The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for this change of
zone, which would allow the applicant to apply for a subdivision of 33 lots to be sold on the
open market. The property is located at the southwest corner of the Haihai Street and Ainaola
Drive intersection.
Planning Director Zendo Kern was present in the Hilo Chambers.
The representative for the applicant, Laurie Higashi, and their consultant, Daryn Arai, were
present in the Hilo Chambers. Mr. Arai explained that this is the proper land use with the
surrounding zoning districts, the property has adequate infrastructure, and the applicant will
provide private wastewater treatment through septic systems
Committee Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz and Committee Member Heather Kimball both disclosed
that they know the applicant through the Zonta Club of Hilo.
Committee Member Holeka Inaba asked why the cul-de-sac was not being built to dedicable
standards and how many lots would be connected to it. Ms. Higashi responded that if the cul-de-
sac were built to dedicable standards then the surrounding lots would be too small for the 15,000
square feet Residential zoning classification. She answered that there would be six connected
lots.
PC Report No.: 74
PC-74 Page 2 August 16,2022
Committee Member Matt Kdneali`i-Kleinfelder asked to see the Proposed Subdivision Plan,to
which Director Kern directed him to Figure 3 in the Background Report. Mr. Kdneali`i-
Kleinfelder then asked if a traffic study was conducted and if there is dedicated space for a park
within the subdivision. Director Kern responded that the subdivision is not large enough to meet 3
the threshold for the study and park to be required. Mr. Kaneali`i Kleinfelder asked why the
right-of-way improvements for the roads were not agreed to. Mr. Arai noted that there was a
recommendation from the Department of Public Works to make those improvements, but
because there is State land between the subdivision lot and the right-of-way, the improvements 3
would have been too small to be functional
Chair Kierkiewicz asked Ms. Higashi about a condition that allows her to increase the density of
the area, and if she intends to exercise that right. Ms. Higashi responded that it is under
consideration to increase the density, which is much needed, but the decision hasn't been made
yet. Chair Kierkiewicz thanked the applicant for her time.
The vote was then taken on the motion to move this measure to Council with a favorable
recommendation and passed with seven"ayes," with Committee Members Aaron Chung and
Tim Richards absent.
Your Committee on Planning is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 198, and
recommends its passage on first reading.
js
AYES NOES ABS Ex Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG X
DAVID X COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
INABA X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X
KIERKIEWICZ X
KIMBALL X
LEE LOY X ASHLEY L. KIERKIEWICZ, CHAIR
RICHARDS X PC REPORT NO.: 74
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: SEP 0 7 ?