HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PCPLUD 004 2023/09/19 (2022-2024)REPORT OF THE POLICY
COMMITTEE ON PLANNING,
LAND USE, AND DEVELOPMENT
DATE: September 19, 2023
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 11:20 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Comm. No. 435/Bill No. 66
Your Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Development, to which was referred Bill No. 66,
reports as follows:
Bill No. 66, transmitted by Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder via Communication
No. 435, dated August 25, 2023, amends Chapter 5, Article 4, Section 5-4-3, of the Hawaii County
Code 1983 (2016 Edition, As Amended), relating to Installation of Photovoltaic Systems.
The measure amends Subsection (f) by requiring a professional electrical engineer licensed in the
State of Hawaii to prepare, design, and stamp electrical design drawings and specifications for
residential photovoltaic systems if the system exceeds 30 kilowatts.
Deputy Building Chief Kelly Wilson and Supervising Electrical Inspector Gary Kaho`ohanohano
from the Department of Public Works Building Division were available in the Hilo Chambers for
questions. Director of Public Works Stephen Pause was available via Zoom for questions.
Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder shared that while the bill proposed language on
requiring no engineering stamp for a 30 -kilowatt capacity, he would amend it down to 10 -kilowatts,
if necessary. Director Pause and Mr. Kaho`ohanohano supported decreasing to 10 -kilowatts as that is
the general capacity of residential systems.
Committee Member Sue Lee Loy and Mr. Wilson discussed Hawaii County's alignment with other
counties and its operational differences. Mr. Wilson noted that Hawaii County handles inspections
and permitting in-house, while other counties do not. Ms. Lee Loy raised concerns about alignment
feasibility, safety standards, and legislating for industry gains and profiteering.
Committee Member Cindy Evans agreed with Ms. Lee Loy's safety concerns, expressing the bill
was not ready to move to Council, and that she would like more discussion on PV (Photovoltaic)
systems to inform more holistic code updates.
Bill 66 was amended with the contents of Communication 435.1 and introduced by
Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, replacing "30" kilowatts to "10" kilowatts based on Public Works
and Building Division's comments. The amendment passed with 8 "ayes," and absent, Committee
Member Jennifer Kagiwada.
PCPLUD Report No. 4
PCPLUD-4 Page 2 September 19, 2023
Ms. Lee Loy expressed her opposition to the bill, expressing reservations regarding inconsistencies
with bill intention and presentation, and specific industry gains.
Committee Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz asked Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder if he would be adhering to
Council Rule 10 and County Code of Ethics. She noted that while he no longer worked in the
industry, a member of his immediate family does, and that it was important to be transparent and
properly disclose relationships to the public.
Your Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Development is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Bill 66, as amended to Draft 2, and recommends its passage on first reading.
ki
Respectfully submitted,
POLICY COMMITTEE ON
PLANNING, LAND USE,
AND VELOPME T
i
AS EY L. KIERKIEWICZ, CHAIR
PCPLUD REPW ®4 202
ADOPTED: ((;;
AYES NOES ABS EX
EVANS
X
GALIMBA
X
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
X
KANEALI'I-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
LEE LOY
X
VILLEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
POLICY COMMITTEE ON
PLANNING, LAND USE,
AND VELOPME T
i
AS EY L. KIERKIEWICZ, CHAIR
PCPLUD REPW ®4 202
ADOPTED: ((;;