HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP LAAC 045 2026-09-01 2024-2026 REPORT OF THE
LEGISLATIVE APPROVALS AND ACQUISITIONS COMMITTEE
DATE: September 1, 2026 Re: Comm.No. 1005Bill No. 181
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo,Hawai`i
TIME: 4:25 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Your Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions,to which was referred Bill No. 181,
reports as follows:
Bill No. 181,transmitted by Managing Director William V. Brilhante, Jr.,via Communication
No. 1005, dated July 23, 2026, amends Section 25-8-33 (City of Hilo District Zone Map), Article 8,
Chapter 25 (Zoning Code) of the Hawaii County Code (2016 Edition,as amended),by changing
the district classification from Single-Family Residential— 15,000 square feet(RS-15)to Single-
Family Residential— 10,000 square feet(RS-10) at Waiakea, South Hilo, Hawaii, covered by Tax
Map Key: 2-4-014:016 (Applicant: Zak Ai Ikawa Saito) (Area: 21,792 square feet).
The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for this requested
change of zone,which would allow the applicant to subdivide the property into two lots. The
property is located at 283 West Puainako Street.
Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow, Planning Consultant John Pipan, and Applicant Zak Ai Ikawa
Saito,were present in the Chambers.
Mr. Darrow provided a PowerPoint presentation on the recommendation of the Planning
Department for the applicant's change of zone request.
Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder inquired on the fair share contribution portion for
this rezone versus the other lots elsewhere. Mr. Darrow replied that it should be the same and will
be verified.
Committee Member Jenn Kagiwada shared that with the lots sizes in the area being closer to
10,000 square feet, it makes sense to add density there and offered her support.
Committee Member Rebecca Villegas noted that she valued the opinions of those who know of
properties on the East side;yet also realizes that the traffic at Puainako can be tricky. She added
that in-fill is necessary and seems to be assigned in alignment and therefore supports the request,
but noted the infrastructure is critical to ensure public safety.
LAAC Report No.45
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LAAC-45 Page 2 September 1,2026
Your Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions is in accord with the purpose and
intent of Bill No. 181, and recommends its passage on first reading.
dbk
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
GALIMBA X
HUSTACE x COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE
INABA x APPROVALS AND ACQUISITIONS
KAGIWADA X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X
KIERKIEWICZ MI BALL CHAIR
KI wIcz x ATHER L. K HA
KIMBALL X
ONISHI X LAAC REPORT NO.: 45
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: SEP 1 6 2O26