HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP LAAC 023 2025-10-07 2024-2026REPORT OF THE
LEGISLATIVE APPROVALS AND ACQUISITIONS COMMITTEE
DATE: October 7, 2025
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 11:00 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Comm. No. 513Bill No. 88
Your Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions, to which was referred Bill No. 88,
reports as follows:
Bill No. 88, transmitted by Managing Director William V. Brilhante, Jr., via Communication
No. 513, dated September 16, 2025, amends Ordinance No. 10-32, as amended, which reclassified
lands from Single -Family Residential — 7,500 square feet (RS-7.5) and Multiple -Family
Residential —1,000 square feet (RM-1) to Multiple -Family Residential —1,500 square feet
(RM-1.5) at Kukuau 151, South Hilo, Hawaii, covered by Tax Map Keys: 2-4-025:048, 053,
and 080 (Applicant: Ikaika Ohana) (Area: 5.05 acres).
The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for this request to amend
Condition D (Complete Construction), which would allow the applicant to start construction no later
than January 2026, with an estimated completion timeline of 18-24 months. The property is located at
350 Kapi`olani Street.
Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow was present and provided a PowerPoint presentation. Also available
was the representative for the applicant, Gregory Bigley.
Committee Member Holeka Goro Inaba questioned the removal of Condition E. Mr. Darrow replied
that Condition E had been satisfied by the applicant.
Committee Member Jenn Kagiwada requested additional information regarding Condition G,
specifically the drainage study, as the proposed project area lies within a flood zone. Mr. Darrow
explained that a drainage report must be completed and submitted prior to plan approval. Mr. Bigley
stated that the applicant retained hydrology experts who provided an extensive analysis and completed
a drainage report, which has already been submitted. Mr. Bigley further explained the project's design
incorporated modifications to buildings, and culverts along the drainage channel, which runs through
the site to mitigate such concerns while maintaining County access. Mr. Bigley also clarified that all
other conditions have been met except for construction.
Ms. Kagiwada also asked whether the applicant had applied for financing through the Hawaii Housing
Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC), and if so, whether the application had been
approved. Mr. Bigley responded that their HHFDC application had been received and is scheduled for
an October board hearing. Ms. Kagiwada thanked Mr. Bigley for his efforts and expressed her hope
that the project successfully receives the federal tax credits.
Mr. Darrow added that plan approval for the project was issued August 4, 2022, and confirmed that the
property did subdivide the 10-foot right-of-way.
LAAC Report No. 23
LAAC-23 Page 2 October 7, 2025
Your Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions is in accord with the purpose and intent of
Bill No. 88, and recommends its passage on first reading.
Mir
AYES
NOES
ABS
EX
GALIMBA
%
HUSTACE
X
INABA
%
KAGIWADA
%
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
ONISHI
X
V ILLEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE
APPROVALS AND ACQUISITIONS
FATHER L. IMBALL, CHAIR
LAAC REPORT NO.: 23
ADOPTED: OCT 2 2 2025