HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP LAAC 026 2025-12-16 2024-2026REPORT OF THE
LEGISLATIVE APPROVALS AND ACQUISITIONS COMMITTEE
DATE: December 16, 2025 Re: Comm. No. 638lBill No. 111
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 11:34 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions, to which was referred Bill No. 111,
reports as follows:
Bill No. 111, transmitted by Managing Director William V. Brilhante, Jr., via Communication
No. 638, dated November 24, 2025, amends Section 25-8-33 (City of Hilo Zone Map) Article 8,
Chapter 25 (Zoning Code) of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), by
Changing the District Classification from Agricultural — 3 acres (A-3a) to Single -Family
Residential — 10,000 square feet (RS-10) at Waiakea, South Hilo, Hawaii, covered by Tax Map
Key: 2-4-080:014 (Applicant: Mailani Development, LLC) (Area: 4.4669 acres).
The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for the requested
change of zone, which would allow the applicant to subdivide the property into 14 house lots and a
road lot. The property is located at 1077 Abe Street.
Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow was present and provided a PowerPoint presentation via
Communication 638.1, which outlined the conditions of the favorable recommendation. Also
present were Charles Umemoto of Mailani Development, LLC, and Land Use Planning
Consultants Daryn Arai and Sydney Fuke.
Mr. Arai addressed your committee stating that they agree with the proposed conditions of
approval and that the applicant has a proven track record, including a 2019 project which produced
twenty-seven home sites for our community.
Committee Member Jenn Kagiwada voiced overall support for the rezone as she appreciates the
residential building infill but also inquired about changes to Ahe and Kikaha Streets. Mr. Darrow
noted that as part of a previous change of zone, a condition required that upon request from the
County the applicant would dedicate a portion of the road to the County to erect a roadway. Mr.
Darrow further noted that this condition is not a part of this applicant before us today; however,
any timeframe for such road improvements would be up to Public Works and the hope is that it
will become a fully connected road eventually as other opportunities arise.
Committee Member James Hustace inquired about the existing homesite on the property and its
private access via a gravel road. Mr. Darrow answered that per the applicant, access from Ahe
Street will be abandoned and only available via Kikaha Street.
Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked about the change in conditions relating to
fair share contributions and density. Mr. Darrow answered noting the potential for building up to
LAAC Report No. 26
LAAC-26 Page 2 December 16, 2025
three Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and once a building permit is requested for an ADU, it
will be flagged for Planning to require a fair share payment. The required fair share payments
would be for the additional ADUs on a lot. Mr. Darrow further noted that the Council can agree
with this condition or disagree if they feel it is too much and Planning will remove said condition.
Committee Chair Heather L. Kimball inquired about any affordable housing requirement if this
rezone and subdivision is approved. Mr. Darrow explained that an affordable housing agreement
would only apply with a 201H application and in this case a fair share contribution for the number
of additional lots would still be required in creating this subdivision. Ms. Kimball also noted that
these lots would not be served by municipal wastewater and is still constrained by the County and
asked about any plans for wastewater buildout for this area. Mr. Darrow explained that septic
systems are needed for the thirteen lots, with two septic systems on the lot that's over 20,000
square feet. He added that there is no municipal wastewater opportunity anywhere close to the
proximity. Ms. Kimball commented that having no municipal wastewater availability with this
area is very unfortunate as it presents a barrier where density is appropriate.
Committee Member Holeka Goro Inaba inquired as to what form of affordable housing
requirement would be considered. Mr. Arai replied that the applicant has been in discussion with
the Office of Housing and Community Development on how to satisfy the credits needed to earn,
with the applicant looking at potential off -site or on -site rental opportunities; however, no decision
has been made yet and they are still in discussion.
Your Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions is in accord with the purpose and
intent of Bill No. 111, and recommends its passage on first reading.
dbk
AYES
NOES
ADS
EX
GALIMBA
X
HUSTACE
X
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
ONISHI
X
VILLEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE
APPROVALS AND ACQUIISSIITTIONS
�IJEATHER L. RIMBALL, CHAIR
LAAC REPORT NO.: 26
ADOPTED: JAN_0 7 2L6