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 Hawai`i
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
PCPLUED-14 Page 2 August 4,2026
Committee Member Michelle M. Galimba recognized the historic challenges the Council has
faced in making meaningful changes to the General Plan. She highlighted the need to balance the
Council's legislative authority with the Planning Department's professional expertise.
Bill 176 was postponed to August 4, 2026.
Planning,Land Use, and Economic Development Meeting of August 4,2026.
Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow was present in Kona Chambers.
Mr. Inaba introduced an amendment to clarify that the Council can approve, amend, or reject the
planning director's recommendations in order for the General Plan review process to be closed.
The amendment requires the department to provide a report following completion of the General
Plan review process, summarizing the outcome of public workshops and commission
engagement. It also gives the planning director 60 days to review materials before sending them
to the Planning Commissions.
Bill No. 176 was amended with the contents of Communication No. 968.5,with eight"ayes,"
and Committee Member Dennis"Fresh" Onishi absent.
Ms. Kimball inquired about the Planning Department's position on the revised language.
Mr. Darrow raised concerns about the need to present a formal draft plan or recommendations at
the start of the process. He explained that the department relies on extensive consultations with
other agencies and that the draft is created with significant assistance from consultants,which he
said makes it difficult to produce a draft before public engagement begins.
Committee Member James E. Hustace expressed understanding of the department's position on
the timing but noted the importance of providing clarity to the public around the direction of the
General Plan. Mr. Inaba maintained that the bill provides necessary direction for the process, a
sentiment supported by Chair Kierkiewicz,who emphasized the importance of having a tangible
document for community review.
Your Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development is in accord with
the purpose and intent of Bill No. 176, as amended to Draft 2, and recommends its passage on
first reading.
kj
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
GALIMBA x POLICY COMMITTEE ON
HUSTACE x PLANNING, LAND USE,
INABA x AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
KAGIWADA X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X
KIERKIEWICZ X
KIMBALL x ASHLEY L. KIERKIEWICZ, CHAIR
ONISHI X PCPLUED REPORT NO.: 14
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: SEP 0 2 2026,