HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PCPLUED 008 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. 333/Bill No. 63
Your Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development, to which was
referred Bill No. 63, reports as follows:
Bill No. 63, transmitted by Council Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi via Communication
No. 333, dated May 13, 2025, amends Chapter 25, Article 5, of the Hawaii County Code 1983
(2016 Edition, as amended), relating to dwellings.
The bill would permit residential dwellings within the industrial -commercial mixed use
(MCX) zoning district.
Both Planning Director Jeff Darrow and Planner V Tracie-Lee Camero were present in the Hilo
Chambers.
Committee Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi introduced a bill to permit residential dwellings in
industrial areas, aiming to reduce traffic and enable people to live closer to work. He noted that
homeless shelters and hospitals are already allowed in these areas, so residential dwellings
should be permitted as well.
Committee Member Heather L. Kimball supported having the discussion and requested the
Department of Public Works Building Division address concerns about building on toxic
locations if the bill is approved.
Committee Members Michelle M. Galimba and Jenn Kagiwada expressed support for the bill,
with Ms. Kagiwada emphasizing the importance of maintaining public safety and health in
mixed -use areas.
Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder supported the bill and questioned why the
provision was not included in the district initially. Mr. Darrow explained that previous attempts
had been made, but those measures did not pass.
Bill No. 63 was referred to the Windward and Leeward Planning Commissions as well as the
Planning Director on June 3, 2025.
PCPLUED Report No. 8
PCPLUED-8 Page 2 October 7, 2025
On September 9, 2025, Managing Director William V. Brilhame, Jr., via Communication 333.3,
forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Council from the Windward Planning Commission
and the Leeward Planning Commission, as recommended by the Planning Director, including a
friendly amendment.
Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development Meeting of October 7, 2025.
Planning Director Jeff Darrow and Planner III Moses (Moke) Ramos-Kia Tupua were present in
the Hilo Chambers to present the planning commissions' recommended amendments and
respond to questions.
Vice Chair Michelle M. Galimba assumed the role of Acting Chair, with Committee Chair
Ashley L. Kierkiewicz absent and excused.
Mr. Onishi stated his intent is to submit an amendment based on the recommendations of the
planning commission and the Planning Director at the next meeting.
Committee Members James E. Hustace and Jenn Kagiwada voiced their support for the bill.
Your Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development is in accord with
the purpose and intent of Bill No. 63, and recommends its passage on first reading.
ki
AYES
NOES
ARS
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 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ASHLEY L. KIERKIEWICZ, CHAIR
PCPLUED REPORT NO.: 8
ADOPTED: FEB 0 4 9096