HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0313.024 2024-2026P / PCpWED
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From: Jessie Naomi Grace
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 11.47 AM
To: Council Testimony
Cc: Imiola Church; Sandra Decker
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Subject: Written Testimony in Opposition to BILL 60
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July 7, 2025
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TO: County of Hawaii Council
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Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Email: councilremotetestimony@hawaiicounty.gov
FROM: Jessie Grace
Resident of Waimea, County of Hawaii
Email: jngracegol@@gmail.com
MEETING: July 9, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Kona Council Chambers
West Hawaii Civic Center
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, BuildingA
RE: Written Testimonyin Opposition to BILL 60—Amendments to Hawaii County Code Chapter25
Relating to Zoning District Regulations for Meeting Facilities, Churches, Temples, Synagogues, and
Community Buildings (Planning Director Initiated)
Aloha Chair and Councilmembers,
My name is Jessie Grace, a resident of Waimea in Hawaii County. I am writing to express my strong
opposition to BILL 60, which seeks to amend the Hawaii County Code relating to zoning regulations for
meeting facilities, churches, temples, synagogues, and community buildings.
This bill, as proposed, poses a serious threat to the spiritual and communal fabric of our island. It would
unfairly burden faith -based gatherings, especially those held in private homes or smaller, community -
based venues, with unnecessary regulations, permits, and potential fines. These gatherings —which
include prayer, fellowship, worship, and spiritual support —are central to our cultural and religious life.
Equating these spiritual gatherings with commercial or entertainment events undermines the deeply
personal and communal purpose of worship. Furthermore, any attempt to restrict when and where we
gather for spiritual purposes infringes upon our First Amendment rights —both the right to freely
exercise religion and the right to peacefully assemble.
Historically, our Hale Pule (house of worship) has always been a place of refuge, open 24 hours a day
during national and local crises. It serves as a sanctuary for prayer, healing, and communityjr4,.
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BILL 60 would limit this access and undermine the Church's kuleana (responsibility) to spiritually
support our families and the broader community.
Our cultural and religious practices —including small group gatherings in homes —should not be
penalized or regulated as if they are disruptive events. They are expressions of aloha, unity, and faith.
I respectfully urge the Council to reject BILL 60 in its current form and instead engage in inclusive
planning processes that uphold and honor the voices, needs, and rights of Hawai`i's faith -based
communities.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
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