HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0313.005 2024-2026P / POWED
5110
C,OMM.313
The Church of the Holy Cross
'0 440 West Lanikaula St. Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4038
w
f Phone: (808) 935-1283 Mobile: (808) 464-4884
02 Pastor: Rev. Eric S. Anderson
FYMAYP,•�`` Email: esanderson.ucc@gmail.com
www.holycrosshilo.com
4
G
�Z
C-) ^
Q ` )
C,p
June 16, 2025
-
-<
01-
C:)-<
Members of the Hawaii County Council
Hawai'i County Building
25 Aupuni Streetf
Hilo, Hawa'i 96720
�+
Dear Council Members,
I write to oppose Bill 60, specifically its proposal to reclassify houses of worship as "meeting spaces." I believe
the proposal ignores the Constitutional status accorded to religious organizations. Further, it would make
some common religious practices illegal. That may not be the intent, but it would be the effect.
When the bill redefines religious facilities as "meeting facilities" it creates an immediate problem. Yes, people
meet here. They meet here to deepen religious community, and to offer service and support to the
surrounding community. While some of the activities resemble those taking place at private clubs or
community centers, their central purpose is religious. Religious practices have protections under the
Constitutions of Hawai'i and the United States.
Quite simply, churches, synagogues, and temples use their facilities differently than other organizations.
Zoning law needs to reflect this simple fact.
I note with sadness that existing law permits churches, temples, and synagogues in the RS, RD, RM, RA, FA,
and A districts. The bill would permit meeting facilities in RA, FA, and A — so religious organizations would not
be allowed in RS, RD, or RM districts.
Further, the bill puts time limits on activities at "meeting facilities" that immediately make current practice
illegal. In Section 8 (revising Chapter 25, article 4, division 1 of the Hawai'i County Code 1983, item (d) reads,
"The hours of operation for meeting facilities shall start no earlier than 8:00 am and end no later than 9:00
pm." What of midnight worship services on Christmas Day? What of Easter sunrise services? What of early
prayer gatherings? What of Bon dances?
I strongly urge the rejection of Bill 60. It fails to account for the significant differences between religious
organizations and other institutions that build "meeting facilities." It restricts permitted sites for religious
Comm. •
Ref. To:
Ref. Date JUN 17 202,rj
structures from current law. Worst of all, it unacceptably restricts religious practices and opens the door to
further restrictions.
Please reject this bill.
Sincerely yours,
Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor
Church of the Holy Cross
United Church of Christ