HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PCPLUD 006 2023/10/17 (2022-2024)REPORT OF THE POLICY
COMMITTEE ON PLANNING,
LAND USE, AND DEVELOPMENT
DATE: October 17, 2023 Re: Comm. No. 516/13ill No. 84
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 9:30 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Development, to which was referred Bill
No. 84, reports as follows:
Bill No. 84, transmitted by Committee Member Heather Kimball and Committee Member Susan
Lee Loy via Communication No. 516, dated September 27, 2023, amends Chapter 5, Article 4,
Section 5-4-7 and Chapter 5, Article 5, Sections 5-5-4 and 5-5-5 of the Hawaii County Code 1983
(2016 Edition, as Amended), Relating to Cancellation of Construction Code Permit Applications,
Permit Expirations, and Permit Extensions.
The bill seeks to standardize and coordinate various timing elements for applications, extensions,
and expirations of Construction Code permits to be in alignment with statutorily required adoption
of new Construction Code standards to ensure proposed projects are planned and designed in
accordance with updated and modified provisions of the Construction Code.
Chief Julann Sonomura and Deputy Chief Kelly Wilson from the Department of Public Works
Building Division, and Corporation Counsel Elizabeth Strance were available in the Kona Chambers
for questions. Public Works Director Stephen Pause was available via Zoom for questions.
The bill proposed to streamline the building permit application process, enhance efficiency and
enforcement of construction timelines, reduce bureaucracy, and foster greater reliability and
predictability for both applicants and officials involved. Ms. Kimball and Mr. Pause emphasized
that the Building Code provides safeguards to ensure public health, safety and welfare during
construction and occupancy.
Committee Member Cindy Evans and Committee Member Michelle Galimba queried the rationale
behind altering the current Construction Code language. Ms. Sonomura stated the proposed
language ensures accountability among construction parties. Ms. Lee Loy underscored the bill's
alignment with existing building regulations. Ms. Kimball emphasized that deadlines foster
proactive communication and prevent permit application stagnation. Ms. Evans, Ms. Galimba, Ms.
Lee Loy and Committee Member Holeka Inaba suggested further explicitness for improved
understanding.
PCPLUD Report No. 6
PCPLUD-6 Page 2 October 17, 2023
Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder inquired about the current processing time for
residential permits in the Building Division. Ms. Sonomura reported an average of sixty days for
accurate applications in the last three months. Mr. Kdneali`i-Kleinfelder expressed interest in
implementing an internal deadline for departmental approval. Both Mr. Wilson and Ms. Sonomura
stressed the importance of managing expectations and setting realistic deadlines, given the current
workload of the division. Ms. Kimball urged caution in imposing rigid timelines, considering the
department's project volume. Ms. Evans voiced concerns about the reliability of the permitting
process. Mr. Pause provided reassurance on the significant improvements in departmental capacity
and processes in recent months. Committee Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz recommended that the bill
specify the department's response timeframe for extension requests.
Ms. Kierkiewicz voiced her support for the bill for its streamlined process and accommodations for
residents. Ms. Kierkiewicz appreciated its potential to enhance property value and increase real
property tax revenues.
Committee Member Jennifer Kagiwada supported the bill and recognized its potential in effectively
managing expectations.
Ms. Kimball disclosed that her husband, an architect and owner of an architectural firm, does not
confer any direct benefits from this bill.
Your Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Development is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Bill 84, and recommends its passage on first reading.
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Respectfully submitted,
POLICY COMMITTEE ON
PLANNING, LAND USE,
AND DEVELOPMENT
ASHLEY L. KIERKIEWICZ, CHAIR
PCPLUD REPORT NO.: 6
ADOPTED: NOV O 1 202
AYES NOES ABS I 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 DEVELOPMENT
ASHLEY L. KIERKIEWICZ, CHAIR
PCPLUD REPORT NO.: 6
ADOPTED: NOV O 1 202