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REPORT OF THE POLICY <br />COMMITTEE ON PLANNING, <br />LAND USE, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT <br />DATE: January 21, 2025 Re: Comm. No. 93/Bill No. 22 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Kailua-Kona, Hawaii <br />TIME: 3:06 p.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Your Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development, to which was <br />referred Bill No. 22, reports as follows: <br />Bill No. 22, transmitted by Managing Director William V. Brilhante, Jr., via Communication <br />No. 93, dated December 27, 2024, amends Chapter 25, Article 5, of the Hawaii County Code <br />1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), relating to hospitals, sanitariums, old age, convalescent, <br />nursing and rest homes. <br />The bill adds hospitals, sanitariums, old age, convalescent, nursing and rest homes as permitted <br />uses in the Industrial -Commercial Mixed Zoning District. <br />As Bill 22 was introduced, Committee Vice Chair Michelle Galimba assumed the role of Acting <br />Chair, with Committee Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz absent. <br />Planning Director Jeff Darrow was available in the Kona Chambers for questions. Mr. Darrow <br />explained that the bill promotes the establishment and development of hospitals, sanitariums, old <br />age, convalescent, nursing and rest homes within the Industrial -Commercial Mixed (MCX) <br />Zoning Districts to improve access to healthcare services while ensuring compatibility with <br />industrial and commercial land uses. The bill supports public health goals, aligns with the MCX <br />zoning intent, addresses the island's growing population's needs, and offers economic and <br />employment benefits. <br />Committee Member Jenn Kagiwada voiced her support for the bill and inquired about the <br />rationale for grouping hospitals with other care facilities. Mr. Darrow explained that the County <br />Code categorizes hospitals alongside these facilities as additional uses. Ms. Kagiwada then <br />questioned whether there are any other considerations beyond tradition for keeping these <br />facilities grouped together, particularly in relation to the zoning of certain communities. <br />Committee Members Holeka Inaba and Heather Kimball voiced support for the bill. Mr. Inaba <br />emphasized its potential to enable the construction of a new healthcare center in his district, <br />while Ms. Kimball mentioned the Department of Health may have requirements for care <br />facilities and suggested considering legacy zoning adjustments. <br />Ms. Galimba supported the bill, sharing the need for more healthcare facilities on the island. <br />PULUED Report No. 1 <br />