HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0063.000 2024-2026Ashley L. Kierkiewicz
Council Member
District 4 Puna
MEMORANDUM
Office: (808) 961-8265
Fax: (808) 961-8912
ashley.kierkiewicz@hawaiicounty.gov
IIAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street • Hilo, Hawaii 96720
DATE: December 18, 2024
TO: Dr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Council Chairperson
And Members of the Hawaii County Council
FROM: "4' Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Council Member
SUBJECT: Formation of an Ad Hoc Committee Relating to Updates to Chapter ll
Pursuant to Rules of Procedure and Organization for the Hawaii County Council, Rule No. 7 — Ad
Hoc Committees, I request the creation of an Ad Hoc Committee to develop policy recommendations
and updates to the Chapter 11 of the Hawaii County Code.
Chapter 11 outlines requirements of affordable housing to be built as part of new residential
developments where property is rezoned to create five or more residential units or lots, and for
rezonings for resorts, hotels, and industrial uses that add more than 100 full-time equivalent jobs. The
desire to update Chapter 11 follows the Council's adoption of Reso. 431-20, which directed Hawaii
County to strategically address its escalating housing crisis with urgency, and the Office of the
County Auditor's Report. No. 2023-01, which recommended clarifying sections related to housing
credits to ensure proper use and compliance. The Office of Housing & Community Development
engaged with Keyser Marston Associates to analyze Chapter l I and propose updates that address
issues raised in the resolution and audit, creating a code that better supports and accelerates housing
development throughout Hawaii Island.
On August 6, 2024, at a meeting of the Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Development,
an Ad Hoc Committee was formed to analyze and propose changes to Chapter 11. The Ch. l I Ad
Hoc Committee fulfilled its purpose, complying pertinent information and findings, along with
recommendations for the County Council's consideration, via. Communication 948.2. In its findings,
the Ch. 11 Ad Hoc Committee recommended continuing its efforts through the creation of a new Ad
Hoc Committee.
To assure compliance with HRS Chapter 92-2.5 (b) related to permitted interactions of members, a
Committee meeting of August 6, 2024, shall serve as the notice of "assignment" for the Ad Hoc
Committee created by the County Council.
I recommend this new Ch. 11 Ad Hoc Committee be made up of four Council Members, to be
determined through deliberative proceedings during the January 7, 2025, Committee meeting. The
purpose of the Ad Hoc Committee is to further explore recommended changes to Chapter 11 related
to Affordable Housing, support policy development, and advance programs that effectively respond
to the housing crisis.
The Office of County Council District 4 and the Office of Housing & Community Development will
co -facilitate this process to rewrite Chapter 11. Corporation Counsel and the Planning Department
will be enlisted to participate in this process, lending technical and other required support.
The Ad Hoc Committee will remain active for a period not exceeding seven months from its
formation.
I am requesting 30 minutes to discuss this request and select members of the ad hoc committee.
Mahalo nui.
cc: Kehaulani Costa, Acting Housing Administrator
Keiko Mercado, Acting Deputy Housing Administrator
Jeff Darrow, Acting Planning Director
Sylvia Wan, Deputy Corporation Counsel