HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0333.023 2024-2026Feb 2, 2026
County Council
Re: In Support of Bill 63
TOHCOUNY F CLERK
2016 FEB -2 AM if: 10
Aloha, Chair Inaba, Vice Chair Onishi & County Council Members.
P/Council
Bill G�
Corm •.�
Thank you for the opportunity to submit opinions regarding this proposed bill. I am submitting
testimony in support of Bill 63, Draft 2 which would permit residential dwellings within the industrial -
commercial mixed use (MCX) zoning district. The passage of this bill would go a long way toward being
able to provide workplace housing as has been testified to by previous members of the community. Also
Bill 63 is in line with the current version of the General Plan which encourages density within urban
areas which would allow live, work and play scenarios. Although this bill might apply more to
developments on the Kona side of the island, both of the areas in Hilo that were recently consumed by
fire are zoned MCX. In the rebuilding of these areas it would be practical to be able to add housing to
whatever is developed to give more options to those who wish to live and work in the downtown area.
Please do not complicate this bill by adding a requirement for a special permit to include workforce or
urban housing dwellings. That would defeat the purpose of the bill. I believe that this bill is a small but
important step in not only increasing housing but giving residents of our island more choices of where to
live and work.
In addition, Bill 63, is in line with Act 037 (from the 2024 Hawaii legislative session) —a state law that
permits residential uses in commercial zones and directs counties to update their ordinances.
I urge the Council to move forward and pass this Bill. We need workplace housing, we need urban
density housing now. Please do not delay and pass this Bill.
Thank you for your consideration,
Respectfully submitted,
Joy E)ataw
Joy Dillon
Hilo resident
808-640-2544
joy@joydillon.com
Comm. .3 RI. 3
Ref. To:
11(1011951
Ref. Date FEB - 4 2026