HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PCPLUED 014 2026-08-04 2024-2026
REPORT OF THE POLICY
COMMITTEE ON PLANNING,
LAND USE, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
DATE: August 4, 2026 Re: Comm. No. 968/Bill No. 176
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i
TIME: 1:33 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai‘i County Council
Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720
Your Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Development, to which was referred
Bill No. 176, reports as follows:
Bill No. 176, transmitted by Council Members Holeka Goro Inaba and Ashley L. Kierkiewicz
via Communication No. 968, dated July 8, 2026, amends Chapter 16, Article 1, of the Hawaiʻi
County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), relating to the General Plan.
The bill establishes amendment procedures for the General Plan, including a comprehensive
review every ten years and interim amendments; describes powers and duties of the planning
director and planning commissions.
Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development Meeting of July 22, 2026.
Planning Director Jeffery Darrow and Corporation Counsel Renee Schoen were present in the
Kona Chambers to respond to questions.
Mr. Inaba explained that the bill intends to resolve past conflicts during the General Plan
comprehensive review by ensuring that the amendment process is both structured and
transparent.
Mr. Darrow expressed general support for the collaborative effort to formalize these procedures
but raised specific technical concerns. He requested an extension of the planning director’s
review timeline from 30 to 60 days to better accommodate the administrative workload and
advocated retaining the requirement to notify property owners of changes that affect their land
designations, even when changes are not strictly zoning-related.
Committee Member Heather L. Kimball asked about the legal status of the General Plan and
questioned whether it should remain an ordinance or whether other legal options might offer
greater flexibility. Ms. Schoen shared that the Charter required the General Plan to be adopted by
ordinance. Ms. Kimball raised concerns regarding the process for substantive amendments,
questioning at what point such changes should be remanded to the planning commissions for
additional review.
Committee Member Jenn Kagiwada supported the bill’s underlying approach, particularly the
mandate that the planning department provide a draft as a starting point for public engagement.
PCPLUED Report No. 14