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REPORT OF THE POLICY <br />COMMITTEE ON PLANNING, <br />LAND USE, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT <br />DATE: October 7, 2025 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Hilo, Hawaii <br />TIME: 9:02 a.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Re: Comm. No. 286/Bill No. 52 <br />Your Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development, to which was <br />referred Bill No. 52, reports as follows: <br />Bill No. 52, transmitted by Council Member Heather L. Kimball via Communication No. 286, <br />dated April 30, 2025, amends Chapter 25, Articles 1, 4, and 5 of the Hawaii County Code 1983 <br />(2016 Edition, as amended), relating to henneries. <br />The bill allows hens for household egg production on single-family, double -family, multi -family <br />residential, and residential -commercial mixed -use zoning; provides for certain conditions and <br />regulations. <br />Both Planning Director Jeff Darrow and Planner V Tracie-Lee Camero were available in the Hilo <br />Chambers to respond to questions. <br />Committee Member Heather L. Kimball explained the bill identifies specific zoning districts <br />where keeping livestock, such as hens, would be permitted. She clarified the bill does not apply <br />to commercial production. Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, who had previously <br />planned to introduce a similar measure but later withdrew it, expressed his support, noting this <br />bill would allow for raising chickens on residential properties. <br />Committee Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi opposed the bill, citing concerns about space <br />requirements for henneries. <br />Committee Chair Ashley L. Kierkiewicz and Committee Member Rebecca Villegas expressed <br />appreciation for the bill, noting that it empowers residents to contribute to resilient and <br />sustainable food systems on Hawaii Island. <br />Bill No. 52 was referred to the Windward and Leeward Planning Commissions on May 20, 2025. <br />On September 9, 2025, Managing Director William V. Brilhante, Jr., via Communication 286.2, <br />forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Council from the Windward Planning Commission <br />and the Leeward Planning Commission as recommended by the Planning Director, including <br />four friendly amendments. <br />PCPLUED Report No. 7 <br />