HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0313.013 2024-2026June 16, 2025
Policy Committee on Planning, Land'Use, and Economic Development
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
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16410
COUNTY CLERK C 50
COUNTY OF HAWAII
2075 JUN 16 AN It: ►
Re: Opposition to proposed Bill 060 an ordinance amending Chapter 25, Article 1, Article 2, Article 4, Article 5,.f
and Article 7of the Hawai'i County Code 1983 (2016 edition, as amended), relating to zoning district regulations
for meeting facilities, churches, temples, synagogues, and community buildings.
I am writing in opposition to the proposed Bill 060 that would prohibit churches from gathering before 8:00 a.m.
and after 9:00 p.m.
I have been a resident of Hilo since 1974 and have been an active member of three different Christian churches.
I also have many family and friends who are active members of other faiths in this community so I am well aware
of the type of services and activities that are available through these churches. Therefore, I believe 1 can speak
on behalf of myself, my church, and many other churches that may be impacted by these proposed changes.
On October 6, 2017, a memo was issued by the Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice entitled
"Federal Protections for Religious Liberty" (Federal Register 82FR49668). It states:
1. The freedom of religion is a fundamental right of paramount importance, expressly
protected by federal law.
2. The free exercise of religion includes the right to act or abstain from action in accordance with one's
religious beliefs. Federal statutes, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 ("RFRA")
support that protection, broadly defining the exercise of religion to encompass all aspects of observance
and practice whether or not central to, or required by, a particular religious faith.
3. The freedom of religion extends to persons and organizations. The Free Exercise Clause protects not
just persons, but persons collectively exercising their religion through churches or other religious
denominations, religious organizations, schools, private associations, and even businesses.
My primary opposition to the passage of Bill 060 is that it infringes on my First Amendment rights and my
church's under the Free Exercise Clause that ensures that individuals or churches can practice their religion freely
without government interferences.
Secondarily, churches of all denominations and religions not only meet the spiritual needs of our communities
but are vital partners to address the socio-economic, youth/elderly, substance abuse, recreational and other
needs of the community. I have been apart of and have witnessed many churches involved in feeding the
hungry and outreach to the homeless, providing voluntary care for the elderly, etc. Many of these activities
require the use of church facilities to prepare for such activities and would be curtailed if the hours of facility use
is restricted by the passage of this bill. As more government services and resources are being cut because of
limited funding, it is more critical to turn to the churches and faith -based organizations to serve the community.
For these reasons, I respectfully request that you VOTE IN OPPOSITION to Hawaii County Bill 060.
Sincerely,
Sara Narimatsu `
Hilo, Hawaii f'
Comm. •
Ref. To•
Ref. Date 7 20