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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PCPLUED 007 2025-10-07 2024-2026REPORT OF THE POLICY COMMITTEE ON PLANNING, LAND USE, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DATE: October 7, 2025 PLACE: Council Chambers Hilo, Hawaii TIME: 9:02 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Comm. No. 286/Bill No. 52 Your Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development, to which was referred Bill No. 52, reports as follows: Bill No. 52, transmitted by Council Member Heather L. Kimball via Communication No. 286, dated April 30, 2025, amends Chapter 25, Articles 1, 4, and 5 of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), relating to henneries. The bill allows hens for household egg production on single-family, double -family, multi -family residential, and residential -commercial mixed -use zoning; provides for certain conditions and regulations. Both Planning Director Jeff Darrow and Planner V Tracie-Lee Camero were available in the Hilo Chambers to respond to questions. Committee Member Heather L. Kimball explained the bill identifies specific zoning districts where keeping livestock, such as hens, would be permitted. She clarified the bill does not apply to commercial production. Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, who had previously planned to introduce a similar measure but later withdrew it, expressed his support, noting this bill would allow for raising chickens on residential properties. Committee Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi opposed the bill, citing concerns about space requirements for henneries. Committee Chair Ashley L. Kierkiewicz and Committee Member Rebecca Villegas expressed appreciation for the bill, noting that it empowers residents to contribute to resilient and sustainable food systems on Hawaii Island. Bill No. 52 was referred to the Windward and Leeward Planning Commissions on May 20, 2025. On September 9, 2025, Managing Director William V. Brilhante, Jr., via Communication 286.2, forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Council from the Windward Planning Commission and the Leeward Planning Commission as recommended by the Planning Director, including four friendly amendments. PCPLUED Report No. 7 PCPLUED-7 Page 2 October 7, 2025 Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development Meeting of October 7, 2025. Planning Director Jeff Darrow and Planner V Tracie-Lee Camero were present in the Hilo Chambers to present the planning commissions' recommended amendments and respond to questions. Committee Vice Chair Michelle Galimba assumed the role of Acting Chair, with Committee Chair Ashley L. Kierkiewicz excused. In alignment with the recommendations by the planning commissions and Planning Director noted in Communication 286.2, Ms. Kimball proposed an amendment via Communication No. 286.4 to amend the definition of "household hennery," allow outdoor accessory use to dwellings, add that confinements must be fully enclosed at all times, add RA (Residential - Agricultural) districts as permitted, and include best management practices that align with state and federal agencies. Committee Member Jenn Kagiwada raised concerns about removing other poultry types from the definition of "household hennery," noting that residents raise birds other than hens for produce. Committee Member James E. Hustace expressed his concerns regarding secured spaces and recommended simplifying the definition. Mr. Onishi emphasized including best management practices for transparency and public education. Mr. Kdneali`i-Kleinfelder and Ms. Villegas voiced their support for the amendment. Bill 52 was then amended with the contents of Communication No. 286.4, approved with seven "ayes," one "no," and Chair Kierkiewicz absent. Your Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 52, as amended to Draft 2, and recommends its passage on first reading. ki AYES NOES ABS EX GALIMBA X HUSTACE X INABA X KAGIWADA X KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X KIERKIEWICZ X KIMBALL X ONISHI X VILLEGAS X Respectfully submitted, POLICY COMMITTEE ON PLANNING, LAND USE, AND ECONO�MIIC DEVELOPMENT ASHLEY L. KIERKIEWICZ, CHAIR PCPLUED REP,(}R,T 10i -h25 ADOPTED: V�'