HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PCPLUED 001 2025-01-21 2024-2026REPORT OF THE POLICY
COMMITTEE ON PLANNING,
LAND USE, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
DATE: January 21, 2025 Re: Comm. No. 93/Bill No. 22
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 3:06 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development, to which was
referred Bill No. 22, reports as follows:
Bill No. 22, transmitted by Managing Director William V. Brilhante, Jr., via Communication
No. 93, dated December 27, 2024, amends Chapter 25, Article 5, of the Hawaii County Code
1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), relating to hospitals, sanitariums, old age, convalescent,
nursing and rest homes.
The bill adds hospitals, sanitariums, old age, convalescent, nursing and rest homes as permitted
uses in the Industrial -Commercial Mixed Zoning District.
As Bill 22 was introduced, Committee Vice Chair Michelle Galimba assumed the role of Acting
Chair, with Committee Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz absent.
Planning Director Jeff Darrow was available in the Kona Chambers for questions. Mr. Darrow
explained that the bill promotes the establishment and development of hospitals, sanitariums, old
age, convalescent, nursing and rest homes within the Industrial -Commercial Mixed (MCX)
Zoning Districts to improve access to healthcare services while ensuring compatibility with
industrial and commercial land uses. The bill supports public health goals, aligns with the MCX
zoning intent, addresses the island's growing population's needs, and offers economic and
employment benefits.
Committee Member Jenn Kagiwada voiced her support for the bill and inquired about the
rationale for grouping hospitals with other care facilities. Mr. Darrow explained that the County
Code categorizes hospitals alongside these facilities as additional uses. Ms. Kagiwada then
questioned whether there are any other considerations beyond tradition for keeping these
facilities grouped together, particularly in relation to the zoning of certain communities.
Committee Members Holeka Inaba and Heather Kimball voiced support for the bill. Mr. Inaba
emphasized its potential to enable the construction of a new healthcare center in his district,
while Ms. Kimball mentioned the Department of Health may have requirements for care
facilities and suggested considering legacy zoning adjustments.
Ms. Galimba supported the bill, sharing the need for more healthcare facilities on the island.
PULUED Report No. 1
PCPLUED-1 Page 2 January 21, 2025
Your Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development is in accord with
the purpose and intent of Bill No. 22, and recommends its passage on first reading.
k'
AYES
NOES
ABS
EX
GALIMBA
X
HUSTACE
X
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
ONISHI
X
VILLEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
POLICY COMMITTEE ON