REP LAAC 035 2026-03-17 2024-2026

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REPORT OF THE LEGISLATIVE APPROVALS AND ACQUISITIONS COMMITTEE DATE: March 17, 2026 PLACE: Council Chambers Kailua-Kona, Hawaii TIME: 1:31 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Comm. No. 760/Bill. No. 137 Your Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions, to which was referred Bill No. 137, reports as follows: Bill No. 137, transmitted by Managing Director William V. Brilhante, Jr., via Communication No. 760, dated February 17, 2026, amends Section 25-8-22 (Puna District Zone Map), Article 8, Chapter 25 (Zoning Code) of the Hawaii County Code (2016 Edition, as amended), by changing the district classification from Agricultural — 20 acres (A-20a) to Family Agricultural —1 acre (FA -la) at `Ola`a, Puna, Hawaii, covered by Tax Map Key: 1-7-016:010 (Applicant: Benjamin and Olimpia Love) (Area: 5.79 Acres). The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for this requested change of zone, which would allow the applicant to subdivide the property into five lots. The property is located at 17-4050 Kua`aina Road. Planning Director Jeffrey W. Darrow, Planning Consultant John Pipan, and Applicants Benjamin and Olimpia Love were present in the Kona Chambers. Mr. Darrow provided a PowerPoint presentation on the recommendation of the Planning Department for the applicant's change of zone request, noting that the minimum lot size for this parcel is one acre and that the Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) designates the subject property and surrounding area as low density urban. Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder inquired about the availability of water service, specifically whether the development would rely on rainwater catchment or County water. Mr. Darrow explained that pursuant to Chapter 26 of the Hawaii County Code, Subsection M, a change of zone of this nature requires the availability of County water service. Mr. Kaneali`i- Kleinfelder expressed concerns regarding existing infrastructure and potential traffic impacts along Kua`aina Road and `Ola`a Road, including whether sufficient infrastructure capacity and water resources exist to support the increased density resulting from the creation of four additional lots. Mr. Darrow responded that adequate County water capacity is available to serve the proposed development. He further explained that, for subdivision -related rezonings, the Planning Department typically evaluates cumulative traffic impacts during peak hours and coordinates with relevant agencies for review and comment. LAAC Report No. 35