HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP LAAC 035 2026-03-17 2024-2026REPORT 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
LAAC-35 Page 2 March 17, 2026
Mr. Darrow also noted that the subject parcel is bordered by Kua`aina Road and North Road, with a
County right-of-way located along its eastern boundary. While the parcel does not directly access this
right-of-way, he indicated that it may present future opportunities for additional access.
In response to further inquiry from Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder regarding the potential for future
rezoning to RS-20, Mr. Darrow stated that although the State Land Use District and LUPAG
designation support low -density urban development, such a rezoning would be unlikely, primarily
due to County water requirements.
Your Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions is in accord with the purpose and intent
of Bill No. 137, and recommends its passage on first reading.
dbk
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,
COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE
APPROVALS AND ACQUISITIONS
K�FATHER L. KI BALL, CHAIR
.R. W. i I i