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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PCPLUD 010 2024/04/30 (2022-2024)REPORT OF THE POLICY COMMITTEE ON PLANNING, LAND USE, AND DEVELOPMENT DATE: April 30, 2024 Re: Comm. No. 822/Bill No. 152 PLACE: Council Chambers Kailua-Kona, Hawaii TIME: 2:19 p.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. 152, reports as follows: Bill No. 152, transmitted by Committee Members Heather Kimball and Susan Lee Loy via Communication No. 822, dated April 5, 2024, Amends Chapter 5, Article 1, Article 4, and Article 7, of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as Amended), Relating to Pre -approved Plans for Residential Dwellings. The bill adds a definition for "multi -family dwelling", and amends the plan review fee schedule specific to pre -approved model plans for residential dwellings. Committee Member Holeka Inaba assumed the role of Acting Chair of the Committee. Ms. Kimball and Ms. Lee Loy introduced this bill to provide pre -approved plans for multi -unit buildings, from duplexes to larger complexes, to speed up the permitting process. Ms. Lee Loy noted that the bill offers an additional housing choice, provides a more affordable option for multi -family residences. She emphasized how the proposed addition would help the Building Division streamline its review process, allowing for more time to be spent on more unique building plans. Department of Public Works Building Division Chief Julann Sonomura was available in the Hilo Chambers and Deputy Chief Kelly Wilson was available in the Kona Chambers for questions. They conveyed their support for the proposed bill. Committee Member Michelle Galimba appreciated the potential time saved through the pre -approval process. Mr. Wilson shared that the Building Division typically reviews pre -approved single-family dwelling packages within six days. Committee Members Cindy Evans and Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder raised concerns about definitions and what might be allowed under the term multi -family dwellings. Mr. Wilson noted that current pre -approval processes focuses on single-family units, omits duplexes and exempts residences under 900 square feet. He added that Bill 152 would rectify this by allowing pre - approval for tiny homes and larger multi -family dwellings. Ms. Kimball PCPLUD Report No. 10 PCPLUD-10 Page 2 April 30,2024 emphasized definition alignment with International Building Code (IBC) standards and clarified that the Department of Public Works was not being granted new permitting powers, but rather, are being directed to accelerate certain existing processes. Committee-Member Rebecca Villegas shared concerns, drawing parallels between the proposed bill and recent transient accommodation rentals legislation. Both Mr. Wilson and Ms. Kimball clarified there is a distinct difference. Committee Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz expressed support for the bill and asked how the public would access information on what plans were pre-approved. Mr. Wilson noted that no specific plans were listed on the division's website, but that general contractors advertised plans they have to offer on their channels. Ms. Kierkiewicz suggested listing companies that offered pre-approved plans on the County's website, so the public knew what their options were. Acting Chair Inaba echoed Ms. Kierkiewicz's suggestion to having information online, provided support for the bill's intention, and recommended clarifying definitions. Your Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Development is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill 152, and recommends its passage on first reading. kj AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted, EVANS x POLICY COMMITTEE ON GALIMBA x PLANNING, LAND USE, INABA x AN EVELOP ENT KAGIWADA X _ KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X KIERKIEWICZ X KIMBALL x ASHLEY L. KIERKIEWICZ, CHAIR LEE LOY X PCPLUD REPORT NO.: 10 VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: JUN 0 5 2024