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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN PCPLUED 2026/03/10 SPECIAL MEETING (2024-2026) DRAFT Special Meeting of the Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development 22nd Session Hawaii County Building 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii March 10, 2026 CALL TO The Special Meeting of the Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and ORDER: Economic Development was called to order at 9:01 a.m., in the Council Chambers, Hilo, by Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz Chair. ROLL CALL: Present: Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Chair Mr. James E. Hustace, Member Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Member (via videoconfetence from Kona) Ms. Jenn Kagiwada, Member Mr. Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Member Ms. Heather L. Kimball,Member Mr. Dennis "Fresh" Onishi,Member Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member (,via videoconference from Kona) Absent& Excused: Ms. Michelle M. Galimba, Vice Chair STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, FROM THE Statements from the Public on Agenda Items. PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS: The following individual registered to speak on Bill 66, Draft 2, and came forward when called by the Chair: Dwight Vicente: - Comment. BILLS FOR The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, ORDINANCES Bills for Ordinances. Bill 66: ADOPTS THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I GENERAL PLAN (GP) 2045 AND (Draft 2) REPEALS ORDINANCE NO. 05-025, AS AMENDED Reference: Comm. 372.30 Intr. by: Council Member Kierkiewicz (B/R) Postponed: July 9, August 20, September 17, and October 27, 2025, PCPLUED-22 March 10,2026 (Note: There is a motion by Council Member Inaba, seconded by Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, to recommend passage of Bill 66, as amended, on first reading.) Comm. 372.192: ; and From Council Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, dated March 4, 2026, transmitting proposed amendments to Bill 66, Draft 2. CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. May I have a motion to forward the contents of Communication 372.192 to the Planning Department and Planning Commissions. Motion to Refer: Mr. Hustace moved to forward Comm.,372.192 to the Planning Department and Planning Commission. Seconded by Ms. Kimball CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Members, this is so that we can engage in the discussion regarding the amendment that I have transmitted to this body. Seeing that my Vice Chair is not here, I hope you will indulge me in allowing to present and also run this meeting. Thank you. Thank you for being here today: I just want to reorient everyone that may be tuning in about General Plan conversations. What the General Plan is; what the document is; how it was built and how the Council and County will be using it going forward. The General Plan is our community's long-range policy document. It is the official State-required document'that guides how we plan for growth, where we invest, n:infrastructure,and how we respond to hazards and development pressures over time.' It informs how properties are zoned, where we invest infrastructure and prioritize it. And ensures that our decisions, over the long term, are aligned with this particular document. But the General Plan is not. It is not a Zoning Code. It is not a list of specific projects; it°.is not our County budget. It is also not a vehicle for promises that the County does not have the legal authority to fulfil. It is a policy framework that other tools must be consistent with. The amendment that is before you in this particular communication builds on Years of engagement and themes that were brought forward during the General Plan 2045 process. It also follows the structure and organizational logic of past plans, 1971, '89, and '05. And the intent was very straightforward. Preserve what works and strengthen implementation and accountability. Every element in the plan follows a very simple structure. It begins with a findings and purpose, which explains why the issue matters. Then a goal with Page 2 PCPLUED-22 March 10,2026 describes the long-term outcome we are working toward; policies which establish the principles that should guide our decision making; and then actions, identifying who is responsible and what needs to happen within the County to carry these policies out. These ideas again, were sourced from community voice, and they serve as the foundation of this plan. You'll see that there are a number of priorities that residents raised, not just in this most recent update process, but I think about from the veryq beginnings of the General Plan. Over time, it's very clear that the community wants the same thing, to protect land and cultural resources; address their housing crisis, strengthen agriculture, diversify our economy, improve transportation systems, prepare for natural hazards, and ensure that government is transparent and accountable to the public. These themes are reflected throughout the plan, and I believe our role as this body is to ensure that these themes are translated into priorities and enforceable through County policy. This amendment has eight elements:` Implementation, economy, malama aina and community resources; public services and,facilities, public utilities, housing, transportation, and land use. This plan is very straightforward. You could also call it boring, and it's intended to be. The idea is for the Council and County departments, any time a project, or proposal, or policy comes forward we evaluate it according to the policies within the General Plan that will help to guide our decision-making. And then, actions were assigned to various County departments. One of the things that I want to point out that was really strengthened in this particular,amendment was the implementation framework. We really treated this as the engine,of the General Plan, and it is the first and foundation element of the GP, establishing the administrative, financial, and procedural mechanisms to carry out this plan in practice. Four articles serve as the backbone of implementation, administration, and coordination, capital improvements, and financing; community engagement. And I think we all have enough experience here on the Council to know that this is something that the County can absolutely do a better job at. And then, monitoring reporting, and updating mechanisms so that that Council as well as the public will know over the course of the life of this General Plan, progress that has been made. I will rest here and take any questions folks might have at this time. I also want to note that we have our Planning Director joining us here. Thank you, Director Darrow for being here. Council Member Hustace. MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. Just a couple questions as I was going through the communication, if you could help walk me through it a little bit. Page 3 PCPLUED-22 March 10,2026 There were couple instances where you called out Banyan Drive, specifically. If you could speak to that. It's a little different than Draft 2 in a sense that it calls out Banyan Drive and stewardship; management of visitor activity. So, in part, if you could explain that piece. But secondly, should we not be calling out Ali`i Drive in the same vein then to some extent about visitor management in that space. CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: Do you have other things? MR. HUSTACE: I had some other questions, but L'll start there is that's okay with that one. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Sure. Unlike Ali`i Drive, which is currently developed and overseen by a Business Improvement District body, Banyan Drive for many years has suffered from having any zeal leadership authority by the County specifically, because it is something that is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. If you are following very closely at the Legislative Session, there is a lot of conversation about Banyan Drive right now and how that Waiakea Peninsula can be utilized, not necessarily just for economic benefit, but what are ways in which the community can benefit from this`resource. When the volcanic eruption happened in 2018, many of the natural resources that residents there would frequent were taken,they were lost. And so, there was significant pressure within the East Hawaii Community, particularly, between Banyan Drive and Keaukaha that you know, we just don't have the capacity. We don't currently have the facilities to accommodate the flow of additional residents coming to these areas. So, by identifying Banyan Drive in this plan, and you're right, this is the only particular area on'Hawai`i Island that is specifically called out in the plan, there is tremendous opportunity to do something there. But we need leadership; we need a stewardship framework. We need to be working with the State to figure out the legal authority who is going to be doing what going forward. And you know,just tracking What is happening at the State level, it seemed appropriate to call this out specifically, in the plan. All members are welcome to elevate something within their respective districts to include in the plan. However, I was very disciplined in this approach in wanting to strip out anything regional neighborhood district level, because felt that was very appropriate for community development plans. Page 4 PCPLUED-22 March 10,2026 But Banyan Drive is a very special case that, you know, the Mayor and this body are advocating for some kind of movement forward. And so,just wanted to call out that there should be more coordination between the County and the State. MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. Appreciate that. Just thinking about it in terms of other conversations we're having about Bill 132. So,just thinking about having that visitor engagement activity and some of the,challenges we face in some of those areas that need support. So, thank you for that. In terms of going and stepping back a little bit, in terms of definitions, we're still following along with the definitions that are in the Draft 2, correr t?, , CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: Sorry, could you please specify what is meant by definitions, because there is not a catalog of definitions in this particular amendment. MR. HUSTACE: Right. So,in the General Plan;,Draft 2, we have one of the headers is Definitions just identifying and giving some more basis for some of those terms and terminology, as we're still following along that same pathway with those definitions that were identified ire the previous draft and in the current draft, Draft 2. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Within the Planning community, there are standard definitions, so that folks understand what'i being articulated. While we do not have a definition section in this particular amendment, I would say that everything that is contained across all of the elements are self-explanatory. And if more detail was needed, it was presented within that particular policy or action. MR. HUSTACE: The terms that you used,just circling back? CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Yes; they are aligned, standard Planning language. MR.' USTACE: Okay. And just I may have the Director pop up here for moment; But what I wanted just ask you first was on solid waste, you have Element 4 Public Services and Facilities; and Element 5 is Public Utilities. Solid waste seems to falling under Element 4. And I think it can go between either one. But in Element 5, I think you have wastewater in there. If you could just share your thoughts on how those two chapters differ; why some exist and some versus the rather. And if I'm mistaken, please let me know. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: I'm sorry, what is your question? MR. HUSTACE: That's okay. There are two elements or chapters. There's Public Services and Facilities; and then there's Public Utilities. They are, in my mind, interchangeable, similar; lot of similar components within there. Page 5 PCPLUED-22 March 10,2026 Like for example, in Element 5, Public Utilities, you call out wastewater and sewer. But in Element 4,you have Solid Waste Management. So,just curious on how those chapters are different, similar, why some subsections are in others. CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: Sorry, in my mind, Solid Waste, Transfer Stations, Landfills are facilities. And I'm thinking of our wastewater treatment systems more as utilities, which is why they are separated accordingly in each of those elements. If you feel that they could be merged, that could certainly be considered. MR. HUSTACE: Then, we have the solid waste masterplan, that kind of efforts going on by DEM (Department of Environmental Management), and even through the South Kohala, Puak6 plans talks,about wastewater. But we're also talking about solid waste too, where there's been conversation's about setting rates for solid waste. And either collections, verging on that side of utilities. So, not just collections, but also tipping'fees those sorts of things. So, them has been recommendations in that regard in past"plans and documents. So, it's one of those ones that could verge in either one. So,just food for thought on that one. Thank you, Chair. Then, the last question I had, is actually more towards the Director, if that's okay. revisiting a previous topic. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: That's totally fine, and I just wanted to speak to a point you raised about fees and things going forward, The General Plan is a land use documents and so, including things like fees goes beyond guiding development and g,rowth patterns. This really speaks to the setting of these critical infrastructure pieces. And departments are empowered through ordinance to set things like fees: Again, all in alignment with the General Plan. But it is not something,that,we are specifically including. Director? MR.,HUSTACE: Thank you. Director,just a question on our agricultural lands, if you don't mind. (Nate: At this time, Planning Director Jeff Darrow came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MR. DARROW: Aloha, Chair Kierkiewicz and Members of the Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development Committee. My name is Jeff Darrow, currently, the Planning Director for the Planning Department and the County of Hawaii. If I could ask a favor before we answer questions, I prepared a brief comment or statement that I'd like to read into the record if that's okay, Chair. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Sure, Director, go ahead. Page 6 PCPLUED-22 March 10,2026 MR. DARROW: Thank you. So, as mentioned, my current role as Planning Director; part of my role under Chapter 7 of the Hawaii County Charter, is to advise the Mayor, Planning Commissions, and the County Council on all Planning and land use matters. Another responsibility is to prepare a General Plan, implementation plans, and any other amendments thereto and accordance with Section 3-15 of the Charter. Planning Director Duane Kanuha initiated the Comprehensive General Plan Review process on February 6, 2015. This process has continued since then through four Administrations, four Mayors, andf6ur Planning Directors. As required by law, there has been tremendous public participation and input from State and County agencies, which is meticulously documented on our website. The proposed draft General Plan 2026 was submitted at the end'of close of business on March 4, 2026. This draft is referred to as Draft General Plan 2026 and is intended to substitute Appendix A, which is the current Draft General Plan 2045. So, this particular plan, Draft General Plan"2026 will substitute this current plan Draft General Plan 2045; This is not considered,an amendment to the proposed Draft General Plan 2045,but is a complete rewrite and considered a new draft plan. Based on S ection 226-58 of the FIRS (Hawai`i Revised Statutes), the County General Plans,,aud development plans shall be formulated with input from State and County agencies as well as the general public. This new draft plan did not receive input from me. Up to just before the hearing, I did not see any public comments on this proposed new draft submitted to the County Council. Communication 372.194 states that this policy direction reflected in the Draft General Plan 2016 draws heavily from the decade-long community engagement process that informed the General Plan 2045 draft. This reliance on the input from the proposed Draft General Plan 2045 does not substitute the requirements to provide opportunities for input from the general public and from State and County agencies on this newly proposed Draft General Plan 2026. The comments previously received were specific to the Draft General Plan 2045, and that the public and agencies were reviewing this particular draft and not the current Draft General Plan 2026. There is tremendous documentation of the efforts and outreach that has been by Planning staff and consultants, including but not limited to 125 public meetings, which included 67 CDP (Community Development Plan) Action Committee meetings. There were also 37 public agency meetings, 37 Landowner meetings, and 26 Council updates. Page 7 PCPLUED-22 March 10,2026 The Planning Department has received over 8,600 public comments on the Draft General Plan 2045. The Planning Department staff also met with each Council Member to provide an opportunity for suggestions on the Draft General Plan 2045 for those specific districts. We received excellent comments. We did not receive any indication that this plan should be vacated or replaced. My main concern moving forward with this newly proposed draft is that we are not allowing the public and government agencies opportunities for input on this new draft. I have read both the Draft General P1an,2045 and the Draft General Plan 2026 from cover to cover. I offered the following advice to the County Council for decisions options on this matter. Number one,you cannot approve the proposed Draft General Flan 2026 recently submitted and continue making amendments to the proposed Draft'General Plan 2045. These amendments will be voted one,and if substantial,will be forwarded to the Planning Director. The Planning'Director would provide recommendations on the amendments to the Planning Commissions, who will in turn, provide recommendations back to the County Council. You can approve the proposed,Draft General Plan,2026which will replace the Draft General Plan 2045 including all the General Plan policy maps, which are located at the back of the plan, and additional information that's not included in the Draft General Plan 2026. If you choose this option, I suggest the following steps be considered: Not to forward this draft to the Planning,Director and the Planning Commissions until all additional information including any definitions, land use maps, etcetera, is submittedx and there is a complete document for review. Number two,before this document is forwarded to the Planning Director, I would suggest holding public Bearings around the island to provide an opportunity for public comments on this newly proposed draft. Additionally, I would suggest sending a copy of this draft to State and County agencies for their comments. Number three,you can incorporate portions of the proposed Draft General Plan 2026 into the proposed Draft General Plan 2045 as an amendment. These amendments will be voted on and if substantial will be forwarded to the Planning Director, and the Planning Director will provide recommendations on the amendments to the Planning Commission, who will in turn provide recommendations back to the County Council. My last bit of advice is that we do not rush into a decision. We have been working through this process for over ten years. Let's take our time and make sure that we do this right. Thank you. Page 8 PCPLUED-22 March 10,2026 CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: You still have the floor. MR. HUSTACE: Thanks, Chair. Thank you Director, appreciate the time this morning. I may have asked this question in a previous conversation. It is called out in the recommendations here regarding Important Ag lands (IAL). You know, the challenge I have with Important Ag lands is that's it's a State designation, right? MR. DARROW: There are two designations of Important Agricultural Lands. One is a State designation, which is similar to the four designations of Urban Rural Conservation, and Agriculture. So,there is an additional designation called Important Agricultural Lands. That land can be identified and designated as such. The term that is applied in the General Plan is relating to a Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide map designation; MR. HUSTACE: Shouldn't we use some other terminology, not to confuse the two. I know you talk about Productive Ag'.Extensive Ag, as kind of the subsections. But why even call it out as a header, as a definition, when it just should support those other definitions instead: Because if I'm not mistaken, we only have one area that's considered the State IAL,right? Parker Ranch specifically. So, it just seems to kind of confuse the messaging a little bit. MR. DARROW: I hear your question andl believe you're referring to the references in'the proposed Draft 2026 Plan. In the proposed Draft 2045 Plan, we specifically tried-to change the terminology. And that's why you saw those different designations. MR. HUSTACE: Right; So, some of the policies and actions in the 2045 Plan go more along'the lines of Prepped Ag and Extensive Ag. But even still,you have that subsections; important Ag Lands. You have it called under the definitions. For me3,it just seems to confuse it a little bit. When we have that designation; we're using that designation. In either one of the documents, because it has a very specific State Land Use. So, I think we just need to be careful on how we use that, and then how people then reference it from there. MR. DARROW: It has resulted in misunderstandings in the past. That's why there was an attempt to make those changes. MR. HUSTACE: Okay. Then I guess my recommendations would be that we're very clear on the use of that language, because it only is that Parker Ranch Land. No one else has gone after that sort of identification before. Thank you, Director. Thank you, Chair. Page 9 PCPLUED-22 March 10,2026 CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Want to check in on Council Chair Inaba. Do I see Council Chair Villegas? Excellent. I just want to note for the record. I just want to note that Council Member Villegas and Council Member Kaneali`i- Kleinfelder have joined the meeting. Thank you. Kona, any questions or comments? MR. INABA: It's my understanding that you will be revealing a new set of maps with the Planning Department, is that true? CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Yes, to respond, I had approached Director Darrow as part of this drafting process to let him know that I would like to explore the mapping procedures that were utilized in previous plans so'that land use designations were much simpler and,we could embrace a gradient-based approach, which allows for more flexibility in decision making. I do not possess mapping skillsets, but the Planning Department does, and I hope that we can work collaboratively to make maps happen. - - MR. INABA: Great. So, I would first of all,thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz and your office for putting this document together because it's very usable; it's very clear to understand. I would support sending it to the department and to the commissions. My only question is, by what point will the maps be ready and when will we transmit those maps to the commissions as�well? In my understanding they could be significantly different than what was presented in the 2045 Plan to us. So, what'does that timeline look like? CHR KIERKIEWICZ; I haven't had a chance to talk to the Director, specifically about timeline. But I do want to honor the intention of the maps of the 2045 Plan. I'm just looking to simplify the designations. So, for instance, if there are designations of medium and high-density Urban, rather than having those two separate designations, combining them into a simple singular Urban designation. It shouldn't take a lot of work. But then again, I'm not a mapping person. I don't know if these maps are something that can be generated before the first commission hearing, or if it's something that is going to be transmitted back to the Council. I don't know. But I do want to make sure that the maps are presented to the commission, so that they're sending a full recommendation back to the Council. You know, the commission and the department do have 180 days to respond to this body. If they need all of that time, I will give them that time. It would be great to get it back before then. But again, willing to work with the department. Sorry, I don't have a clear timeline for you, Council Chair. Page 10 PCPLUED-22 March 10,2026 MR. INABA: I think sending this on, we have a lot of new commissioners across our island. Some who have seen this with the 2045 Plan; some who have not. But again, I see this as a usable document where we will be able to hopefully have an assessment tool now that it's far more simple, that we as a County and even community can use this assessment tool to evaluate whether or not projects or proposals coming before the Council or before the Administration are, in fact, in line with these policies, as proposed in this 2026 General Plan draft. So, I would support and I would also ask that in'the creation of the new maps, if you folks could keep in mind using software that is flexible in the event that other members of the Council or perhaps even the commission could propose slight changes, and that those new maps could be created without too much trouble. So, I'm in support of the motion on the floor, but do believe that we will need to see the maps here in Committee before we send it on to them, if it's not going to be sent as part of this packet today. Thank you. CHR. KIERKIEWICZ. Thank you. And thank you for bringing up the assessment tool. With the County now engaged with OpenGov for parts of its operation, I do see tremendous opportunity to have the General Plan document uploaded into that system, so that the public, the Council, County departments can track in real time,progress being made ori'various actions that are laid out here. I also thinkit's possible to train some Al (Artificial Intelligence) model in the policies of the General Plan, so that any time a decision needs to be made, a simple prompt to query can be made�of this system. And it can analyze the question:according to the policies that are in this particular document. I'm also happy to convene a special meeting of this body. Council Chair, I'm not quito sure if you're saying that we as a body need to send maps to the commission first or if you're just wanting to ensure that this body sees maps before they're adopted'by the Council. MR. INABA: Council Member Kierkiewicz,just being that we have no maps in the plan, and if they're subtenantly different than what has been seen, then I believe those would also need to be sent back, or that could be a question for Corporation Counsel. But I don't believe we can accept new maps without having it go back to the department and to the commission. I don't think we need special meeting. We can simply review maps in a normal scheduled Policy Committee on Planning to review the maps and make the motion to send them on to the commissions and department. I'm happy to take any advice from Corporation Counsel. That's just how I could see it working potentially based on the rules in the General Plan. Page 11 PCPLUED-22 March 10,2026 CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: Yeah, you know, I did have a conversation with Corporation Counsel Schoen, who's not here today. And J, I don't want to put you on the spot. But I did share with her that the intention was to work with the department, as this narrative is sent to the commission to build maps using the gradient-based approach so that these maps can be presented at the commission. They're vetted at commission before being sent to this body. They wouldn't be changing significantly, they would be built off what is in the 2045 plan,just simplified. I'm not sure if anybody from Corporation Counsel would like to weigh in on this approach. Jusi want to make sure that all the necessary viewing parties have that opportunity. (Note: At this time, Assistant Corporation Counsel J Yoshimoto and Deputy Corporation Counsel Jean Campbell came forward,to address the members of the Committee,), MR. YOSHIMOTO: Good morning, Council Members. J Yoshimoto, Assistant Corporation Counsel. MS. CAMPBELL: Goad morning, Deputy Corporation Counsel Jean Campbell. MR. YOSHIMOTO: So, Committee Chan Kierkiewicz, can you summarize what you just mentioned as far as your conversation with Corporation Counsel Schoen? CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: Sure. So, here's where we are. In Communication 372.192 is'General Plan,2026, and amendment. It contains narrative. It does not include maps.'The idea is to forward the communication to the commission, as I explained to Corporation'Counsel Schoen. And in that time where the department is reviewing this information, work collaboratively with them to simplify the maps that were presented in the 2045 draft. My question is, do those simplified maps, which are based on what's in the 2045 version, need to come to this committee first and then be transmitted to the commission, or is it okay to be presented at the commission and then transmitted to this body?' MR. YOSHIMOTO: Based on what you said, my recommendation would be, and we can have Ms. Campbell too, also weigh in, would be the first option that the maps be presented here first, so it's a complete package. So that this body knows, and the public knows what is being transmitted to the department and to the commissions. So, we need the maps. It needs to be read, and right now procedurally-wise, it doesn't sound like it's complete. Page 12 PCPLUED-22 March 10,2026 CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: No, they're not ready. But the second option that I articulated is that legally durable? MS. CAMPBELL: I would recommend that we go into Executive Session to have that level of discussion about this. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, would someone please make a motion for this body to enter into Executive Session. Council Member Kimball, thank you. Vote on Motion to Ms. Kimball moved to enter into Executive,Session in Enter into order to hold attorney-client privilege,discussion regarding Executive Session: Bill 66, Draft 2, as authorized by Section 92-5(a)(4) of the (Approved) Hawaii Revised Statutes. Seconded,byMs. Kagiwada and carried by the following voice'vote: Ayes: Committee Members Hustace, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,Kimball,Villegas, and Chair Kierkiewicz—7. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Members Galimba end Onishi —2. Excused: None. Recess: At 9:42 a.m., the Chair called for a recess in order to clear the room. Reconvene: The Meeting reconvened at 10:47 a.m. CHR, KIERKIEWICZ: Good morning, we are back from Executive Session. Council Member;Kimball, if you could provide a summary of our discussion. MS. KIMBALL: Yes, pursuant to Section 92-5(a)(4) and our ability to consult with:our attorneys,regarding our liabilities, duties and responsibilities, we discussed,the legal aspects of the procedure relating to the adoption of the General Plan andinterim amendments. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. I just want to say that we're stuck because the amendment procedures are not clear. They're very messy. Even the Planning Department and Corporation Counsel have agreed that they haven't even followed these procedures to a T. So, its applications seems not to be straightforward and across the board. That being said, there is nothing that legally prevents this body from forwarding the contents of Communication 372.192 to the commission and the department for their review and recommendation. However, my colleagues have asked, and Corporation Counsel had suggested a tool to identify how the 2026 Plan is, in fact, an amendment to what is before us in the 2045 Plan. Page 13 PCPLUED-22 March 10,2026 I am happy to provide that along with maps, if this body would feel more comfortable with all of that before sending this communication to the Planning Commission. If there are amendments that you folks would like to offer, I will also start thinking about them now. So that a complete—all of our ideas can be transmitted to the department and commission at once. Council Member Hustace. MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. A question for Director Darrow, please. Thank you, Director. And so, in the 2005 General Plan, it lays out a path for going to the intern amendments. Why is something like that not in the 2045 Draft 2. (Note: At this time, Planning Director Jeff Darrow came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MR. DARROW: I can't specifically answer that question. You know, I was speaking briefly with Council Member Kimball. And she brought to remembrance that when we started this process before it went to the Planning Commissions, there was a lot of questions being asked. How do we proceed with the process through thecommissions up to the Council, and then when it is at the Council, if there are amendments how do we proceed with that. So, we looked at the current process that's in our 2005 General Plan, and even that was interpreted differently. Some people interpreted that you could make simple amendments at the Council without'having to take it back. You would just do minor changes. There was information in that. It talked about substantial changes to the intent or subject matter of the proposed amendment or of the plan itself.'Those would have to go down. The way that it described it was that you had to follow the interim amendment, which required the Council to adopt a resolution and present that. That particular resolution requesting those amendments. That actually happened in this process. In the beginning in 2015 when the plan was launched, there were seven resolutions adopted by the Council and presented to the Planning Department to incorporate'those specific amendments. So, it hadn't even gotten up to the Council at"that point. It was just that they wanted to make sure that as we were going through this process, these suggested amendments were part of the plan. There was significant work done by Corporation Counsel, Betsy Strance trying to answer this process. And she provided both the Council Members as well as the Planning Department staff with a memorandum. I'm sure that's still available. My understanding or recollection was, and again correct me if I'm wrong; I thought there was going to be process that we implement that process in the Code, rather than put it in a plan. Because that was my concern, having a process in the Page 14 PCPLUED-22 March 10,2026 plan versus in the Code. So, that was, I believe the intention of the reason why you're not seeing it in the current plan. MR. HUSTACE: It's a timing question, too. I think, if we said, today we're going to adopt the 2045 Plan. Then we don't have anything on the table for that discussion for any sort of amendments or changes up until something is considered. So, that was my question about, it existed there, why not this one. So, thank you for answering that. I know, it's presenting us lots of challenges, what's in the 2005. Because the timeline has beef cued; it's been in different directions. Some are followed and some not. MR. DARROW: I will make sure that everybody gets a,copy of that memorandum. I believe certain Council Members have it." But we'll make sure that it's provided. It might provide clarity. Because I think that's where we finally all agreed on a pathway forward. Because even after reading;this we still had questions. MR. HUSTACE: Right. And I think we all still have many more questions. But through that amendment process, you stated Director about simple changes versus substantial changes. I'm not sure, it's somewhat defined there about some of those changes; whether deleting, removing, changing things on the map, etcetera. If those are considered may be more substantial. Then, the simple ones, we've talked about it a couple times iii-our;past hearings on this. On what could be simple,you know, if there's a typographical or grammatical error, those sorts of things. i understand that. But still not very clear on that. The document itself, 2045; and I think we requested an editable version of this. I don't think we have that, if I'm not mistaken. And there's also been some discussion"here aboutthe maps themselves. How can us at Council edit those maps, or make changes? You shared that; we sat"down with you, and I sat down with you, Director, a couple times talking about things. In the General Plan, maybe more specific to District 9,dings like, maybe the map had an error here, or there was something that needed to be updated or changed. Those were conversations you and I had, and your hope in me that I bring those amendments forward to make those changes. But I can't change those maps myself. So, those all sit with you in your office, correct? MR. DARROW: Well again, that was what I was trying to bring up earlier. We're looking at a complete substitution of the current plan. MR. HUSTACE: No sorry, I'm not talking about the 2026 proposal. I'm talking a little bit more broadly in a sense that, if looking at the 2045 one, if I wanted to Page 15 PCPLUED-22 March 10,2026 restructure it how it was or make some changes. Chair Kierkiewicz, I know, at a different length considering simplifying different pieces; making some substantial changes in different sections, and we should be working on connecting the two in forthcoming discussions. But if I wanted to make minor tweaks here and there to assist and make changes how I see them for the district I represent or specifically, the map, I don't have access to the maps and how to get into the ArcGIS (Geographic Information System) and then be able to present that as an amendment, correct? Or do you need us to work directly with you and your staff dnd,put that on you and your staff to then present those amendments? MR. DARROW: We did not, in-house, create those maps. We hired a consultant. They are the ones that prepared the maps. When you look at our website, that's the consultant that'has provided all of those graphics that you see where you can go in; you can look'at'particular areas. You can look at the difference between this map and the`last,map; Youhave that swipe tool. All of that entire process was done through a consultant. It was not done through Planning. So, to work with Planning on,creating those maps, we couldn't do that. We would have to work with that consultant that created those maps to be able to effectively not only just show a changed map, but it would be helpful to have the new map,he able to overlay the last map and see the changes. MR, HUSTACE: Potential changes that are being recommended by this body. MR. DARROW- So, we could recommend changes to the consultant. They could put together the different changes in a proposed map that could be brought forward to`the Council and the Committee to review. MR.'HUSTACE: So, we'll be working from our offices through you to the consultant. We cannot work with the consultant directly, or have the maps accessed directly ourselves? MR. DARROW: Possibly. I'd have to check. MR. HUSTACE: Those maps are owned by the County, though, correct? MR. DARROW: Correct. MR. HUSTACE: We purchase their services and subsequently the maps. So, could we not have those transferred to us? MR. DARROW: Again, unfortunately. Page 16 PCPLUED-22 March 10,2026 MR. HUSTACE: You know, I don't have ArcGIS skills or mapping skills. So, of course, we're going be leaning on your staff to help some of us on that. MR. DARROW: Because of the fact that it was so extensive, the amount of work that had to be done, we hired a consultant to do this work. But again, let me follow up on that and find out to what extent we can work collaboratively with them; or if you, Council Members can work with the consultant directly. MR. HUSTACE: So, because of some of the conversations I had with you there was an irregularity in the Lalamilo Farm Lots with one of them. There was a strange polygon or whatever it was that did not fit in that,space. It had a different designation or something. I had a conuersation`with you and your staff, but I can't make that change myself. Soy that's why I was looking to you to help me with that change, because we don't have that capability here. If we have to go to a consultant, that's another leap and,step; and I don't know if we still have them on contract; the finances for it. MR. DARROW: We°do, but I would have to check on how much we have left in regards to the contract'. MR. HUSTACE: Okay. I will stopthere for now. Thank you Chair, thanks Director. CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: I mean, I will say, it's a bit concerning that we don't have the internal capability to make changes to the maps and their way to build capacity within the Planning Department so that we're able to make those changes at our leisure. MR.,DARROW: Possibly, we'd have to check. I mean we only have two GIS staff. I mean the amount of work they do is just beyond me. It's all of the permitting that's coming in; all of the input that goes into those maps, and it's just constant: As far as'having them become the tool to be able to create this new General Plan, I just don't know to what capacity we have. The consultant has been incredible to work with. I think we just need to take the time to meet with them and find out how we can collaborate to get that product completed. I think it would be an excellent opportunity to again, as we create that new one to have the ability to overlay, so people can see that clear difference from the 2045 map to the 2026 map. CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Director. And what is the name of the consultant? MR. DARROW: Sorry, I don't have that information right now. Page 17 PCPLUED-22 March 10,2026 CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. Council Member Kimball, you had your light on. MS. KIMBALL: Just a couple things, responding to the query. I also had some mapping amendments. I'm sorry, I wasn't clear as to when we were supposed to introduce those. I'm wondering, Director, if we as Council Members were able to provide just like an adequate descriptive amendment to,a map, would that be sufficient to be considered an amendment to the map, or do we have to actually produce a new visualization. So, for example, in Council Member Hustace's case it sounds like there's a straight polygon that doesn't belong there. Could he simply just provide that description? Maybe this is a Corporation Counsel question. Rather than an actual new visualization as an amendment,: MR. DARROW: My understanding from past history is that when,map amendment was done, you had to submit the visual.changes on a proposed map. Typically, you would see they're actually linked to the GIS where there's amendments done where it would show what area you're changing from what to what, and it would show the difference of those map changes. I believe the same thing would be deeded here, but on a grander scale, in the sense that I would gather that each Council Member is going to have proposed map changes. And so, we'd want to figure out a process that we can effectively do that quickly with A consultant so that we can get the finished product as soon as we can., MS. TKIMBALL: I,recall, and this was back maybe even when April Surprenant was here, a template that she showed me for mapping changes that had the CRE (Commercial Real Estate) and post. And so, obviously just a few things. One, I'm inclined to either have you withdraw this amendment and submit a new one with'the maps and/or postpone this until a later date. I'm wondering if it's wise to actually propose a date certain at this point, so that we have sort of a self-imposed timeline. If so, I know that my colleague, and I'll let him chime on this. Chair Inaba is looking at resurrecting Bill 181, Draft 2. Y suggest that date certain be after the first meeting in April, so that we can at least have that conversation before we revisit this. I will also say, in the interim here I will take the opportunity to meet with the Planning Department; potentially, the consultant, if necessary, around the GIS piece. As a former professor of GIS at UH (University of Hawaii) Hilo, I think I could probably give this body some assistance in making those amended map, depending what format they're available to me in. So, that's something that I will Page 18 PCPLUED-22 March 10,2026 help my colleagues with if they have mapping amendments, once I've had the opportunity to check on what is actually accessible to us. CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Council Member Kdneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. Jeff,you've been here for a while in the Planning Department. I was thinking back to the budget process; listening to the mapping being done by independent contractors. And maybe I misunderstood this, but as I listened to Zendo (Kern), I remember clearly that the County had put funds into the Planning Department, and I'm not even going back to 2015. I'm just thinking as a departments ktow much did we expend? If you know on the top of your head, I'd like to see it. Ilow much did we expend for the General Plan drafting as a department in your time? - MR. DARROW: In my time, there hasn't been much. Everything was previous. I don't think we've extended any contracts sinceI've been there. Everything was pretty much requested and approved'after a particular point through Zendo's Administration or through Mitch Roth's,Administration. When I came on board I don't believe there was any need to request additional funding. We had already gotten'to the point that We had a pretty solid draft. There were some minor amendments made from the new Administration reviewing, having some input. And theme prepared to bring it before the Planning Commissions. So, there wasn't much changes being done where we needed a consultant. By the way, the Manning Consultant that we hired for the mapping was Focused Planning Solutions. All of our consultants are on Page 5 of the PDF, and that's the consultant that did,the mapping. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: When did we hire that consultant, 2015? MR. DARROW: I would think from the beginning. I would have to confirm that. I mean the mapping was a big part of the process. MR. KAEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: When you go back to your office, can you task someone in providing the Council with a general accounting of funds expended to fulfill the General Plan process. MR. DARROW: I believe we did that, correct? CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Yeah, I did want to share that that was provided to the Council last year. I'll try to look on Laserfiche for the actual communication number. Because it was one of the first questions I asked was how much money over the last ten years has been spent by the Planning Department engaging the Page 19 PCPLUED-22 March 10,2026 various consultants to generate this plan. I'm trying to find that communication number, so you can all revisit it. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Yes,please. I don't remember that communication, but yeah, if you could research it, and then just review. What I'm getting at, Jeff, is we have the 2026 document, and we have the 2045 document. There is consideration on sending the 2026 to the Planning Commissions and back to you folks to review, which is going to be a very complex process, in my opinion. There was a lot,of work done starting in 2015 to now, to the 2045. MR. DARROW: Sorry, they're giving me information regarding the mapping. I apologize for that. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER. That's okay. We have a kuleana to the community to do this in a manner that is efficient for financial purposes and for the purposes of getting this done. But'also, forthe draft General Plan that works for the next 20 years. And the way that ths'process initiates with a kind of loose language that drives process is really problematic to me. So, what I'm highlighting right now is, we have a process that started in 2015. It's 2026. We had the same conversation with Zendo, but here we are. I don't think this is too different, this is what, 200 ? And then looking forward to 2045. Our kuleana is to make sure that this doesn'thappen again; that the Planning Department is able to put together the document for the hearings; come back with the good document. Give the Council amendments if there are any and pass it; not 4hrough four administrations and ten versions of the Council. But in a manner that's efficient and quick. Soy that process to me, at this point, listening to all my Council Members, that is the most problematic piece of this until I see that we have nailed that process down.-So, we're nest just passing this on to the next Council and administrations to figure out and Planning Director when they get there. So, do you feel in either document that we have 2026 or 2045 that the process is sparkling clear; that no one will be confused; and it's efficient and timely. Can you say that about either one of those documents right now? MR. DARROW: Well, I would not say that about either. And the reason why I would say that is obviously, ten years for any document is just way too long. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: We had COVID, we had eruptions over how many years. MR. DARROW: Yes, there's a lot we could use as excuses. But regardless. Page 20 PCPLUED-22 March 10,2026 MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I'm just saying major things that changed or shaped our community. MR. DARROW: That also brought delays to the process, right? But regardless of that, this process shouldn't take that long, right? In the past, there was just taking a plan and amending that plan, right? You had like a Ramseyer version; you made some changes to the wording. You updated things and you changed the maps and updated them. And it came through, right? This particular direction for this plan was a completely new plan. The 2040 first, and then the 2045, which took that and added in new things from the new Administration. All of these significant things,happen when administrations change, right? Even with this Administration, there was apause for a little while. Let's take a look at this, right? There was a decision to create a type of new plan. But I feel that we might be rushing that a bit, rather than taking the time and going out to public hearings and getting input for this new plan; and being able to,you know, it shouldn't take us that long. It definitely won't take 10 years but,if we took a little bit of time; went out into the communities; got their feedback on this new draft plan, and as well as create the maps possibly at'definitions. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER:' You're talking about the 2026 that was just brought up.- MR, DARROW.- That's why I'm saying, we have one that's way too long; we have one that's'relatively very short.; MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. And we've started with neither one, inyour eyes, actually, details the process clean and clearly enough. As far as how we get this done efficiently and timely; and not through four administrations and seven generations of f the Council. MR. DARROW: I can answer that for one, I mean, knowing that, as I had mentioned again earlier, all the information we had of the public meetings we went through; the input we had; the comments we received, and the changes. Whereas, on this new plan I don't have anything to find out how did we get here; how' did we get this information to make this decision or this direction. There's nothing as far as an appendix or something that gives me any kind of data backing, reporting, or references, or comments, or something that says, this is how we arrived at this plan. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: That's the 2026. Because we two floating right now. Page 21 PCPLUED-22 March 10,2026 MR. DARROW: One we have extensive; one we don't have. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, I yield for now. Thank you, Jeff. CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: Anything from members in Kona? MR. INABA: Not at this time. But I am working to introduce, based on the advice our Clerk, a new version of the bill based on Bill 181, Draft 2. Thank you. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: I just want to clarify, and you have clearly disagreed with me, Director, that the 2026 Plan is an amendment to the 2045 Plan. Again, I'm happy to provide the documentation, the tool that shown the clear nexus between those documents. I went through the 2045 Plan twice with what is in Statute and Charter in mind; really being disciplined about what is related to land use; what is related to development. Stripping away everything else that is really intended to be an ordinance or a functional plan,or,in a community developmentplan. If we put everything in the General Plan and we say, all of these things are our priorities, guess what? Nothing is important anymore. And I think it dilutes the plan in and of itself. It erodes trust that people have in government because we say we're going to be doing all of these things. So, it's a very distilled and disciplined approach. I'm happy to provide that narrative for you. I also think it was very important to not include the amendment procedures in the 2026 Plan, and you agreed. That was also reflected in the draft you put forward for 2045. Because that kind of procedure really does belong in County Code. At this point, it sounds as if folks would like a little bit more time; a bit more information;this tool and,the Proposed mapping. You know, I'm willing to postpone this meeting to the Call of the Chair. I don't know if we should be taking out our calendars at this point or just picking a date. I'm very mindful that August is a very busy time for us; April is a busy time for us, because of Merry Monarch and budget hearings. But I'm happy to just identify a date to see if that works for folks. MR. DARROW: Super. CHIC:KIERKIEWICZ: You wish. It's very cute, but you are looking to do this in October, Director. Can we look to Thursday, April 9t'? MR. DARROW: I'm sorry, Chair. I'm going to be off island during that time. From the 7t'to the 13t', I'll be off island. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. How's about Thursday, April 2na? Page 22 PCPLUED-22 March 10,2026 MR. DARROW: That might be Planning Commission. ` MR. INABA: Yes, it is the Windward Planning Commission meeting date. Council Member Kierkiewicz, I was wondering if we would be able to take this up on April 7 h. And if we schedule this either right at the top of the day or at the end of the day, if the members are open to it. CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: Director Darrow won't be here.-Are you able to send your deputy or someone from the department to represent you? Ideally, we are working in advance of the meeting on the seventh, and you would have relayed to us your thoughts. MR. DARROW: We can make sure Bethany (Morrison)is available. She's been significantly involved in the entire process; as well as the Deputy Director. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Mr. Clerk, seeing that this is a Special Meeting, are we still okay to postpone our deliberations to a regular=rescheduled Committee date? I'm getting a head-nod, yes, okay. Alright: I need a motion to postpone this matter to our April 7th Committee hearing,' Motion to Postpone: Ms. Kimball moved to postpone Comm. 372.192. to April 7, 2026. Seconded by Mr. Hustace. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Sorry, Clerk. I'm messing this up today. So, the motion on the floor is to forward this communication to Planning. We still have the over-arching motion to approve Bill 66, Draft 2. What would be the proper motion to rest this conversation until the 7t' of April. MR. HERICKS: Withdraw the motion to refer, so, you can get back to the main motion, or decide on the motion to refer. It's probably preferable to withdraw the motion to refer, CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: Mr. Hustace, can you please withdraw your motion? Withdrawn Motion: The motion to refer Communication 372.192 to the Commissions and Planning Department was Withdrawn by Mr. Hustace. Page 23 PCPLUED-22 March 10,2026 Motion to Ms. Kimball moved to postpone Bill 66, Draft 2, to our April 7 h Postpone: meeting. Seconded by Mr. Hustace and carried by the following (Approved) voice vote. Ayes: Committee Members Hustace, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kimball, Villegas, and Chair Kierkiewicz 7. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Members Galimba , and Onishi —2. Excused: None. CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: Any discussion? Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: The discussion today has been with Corporation Counsel on when they WWI have a determination on the communication or the document. And I didn't hear date from them. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Corporation Counsel, is it safe to assume that any legal advice that you will be providing to this body will be received before our committee meeting. Can you'Please confirm for the record? MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: This' s a two-part conversation, Corporation Counsel and for Planning. MR—YOSHIMOTO: We will do our very best to provide additional input. It depends when we get the additional information. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Mr. Yoshimoto. Along with that, Chair, T would just be cognizant that was a multi-part answer from Corporation Counsel. And if we're trying to determine whether or not we can move the communication ahead as its own or as an amendment; or whatever Corporation Counsel's determination is in alignment with the Planning Department being available; and that being Merry Monarch week the day after Easter; arid;'Committees and Council in arranging our schedules appropriately. Then, I would just suggest that we make sure that we're picking the correct date. Thank you. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: April 7t', it is. MR. INABA: Council Member Kierkiewicz. My apologies. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: I apologize, Council Chair, go ahead. Page 24 PCPLUED-22 March 10,2026 MR. INABA: What exactly? I would like it restated on the record, because I don't think we need until April 7 h to get something from Corporation Counsel. I want something this week. And unless their scope of work is they're trying to research and it's greater than our understanding—we need this information sooner rather than later. So, what exactly are they going to be researching, or do we need to put in writing to them? CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: Council Chair, I'm struggling to get something complete and coherent from Corporation Counsel. Here's what I can offer. I am offering, like I mentioned earlier, the tool that showcases the nexus between 2026 and 2045,justifying that the 2026 version is an amendment, My understanding is that CorporationCounsel would like to review that to confirm it is, in fact, an amendment. So, that is one of their kuleana. I don't know what else is required of them at this point. The departmerifis going to be sending us the memo that former Corporation Counsel, Betsy Strance had about amendment procedures. But at this point?we don'tneed further Corporation Counsel guidance on it, as you are going to be resurrecting Bill 181. Is there other guidance that you;need from Corporation.Counsel? MR. INABA: No, I just would rather not be waiting till April 7 h to find out what their opinion is. So, I'm asking, if you get that document that is the sidestep between the two draft plans to them next week, for example, I'm hoping that we can get the written opinion from Corporation,Counsel at least by the 27 h of this month: Because we need to know as a Council. I don't want to be blind-sided when we walk into April 7t'not knowing what our plan of action is, going into that clay. So, Assistant Corporation Counsel, when can you guarantee to get us an opinion;by prior to the 7'? CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: I'll just interject here. Contingent upon my delivery of that tool. I can deliver that to you within one week. So, no later than March 17t'. Is the deadline of Friday, March 27t' sufficient amount of time for your office's legal review. MR. YOSHIMOTO: That sounds good. CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. Mk. INABA: Thank you, Chair Kierkiewicz. I yield. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: You're welcome. Any other questions or comments. Seeing none, all those in favor,please say "aye." Any opposed. Page 25 PCPLUED-22 March 10,2026 Vote on Motion The vote to postpone Bill 66, Draft 2, to our April 7 h to Postpone: meeting was carried by the following voice vote. (Approved) Ayes: Committee Members Hustace, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kimball, Villegas, and Chair Kierkiewicz 7. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Members Galimba , and Onishi —2. Excused: None. CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: We are adjourned at 11:27 a.m. thank you. ADJOURN- There being no further business, Chair Kierkiewicz adjourned the meeting MENT: at 11:27 a.m. Approved: Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Chair (Date) Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development AK/dt Page 26