HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP LAAC 046 2026-09-01 2024-2026 o
REPORT OF THE
LEGISLATIVE APPROVALS AND ACQUISITIONS COMMITTEE
DATE: September 1, 2026 Re: Comm.No. 1024Bill No. 185
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo,Hawai`i
TIME: 4:25 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Your Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions,to which was referred Bill No. 185,
reports as follows:
Bill No. 185,transmitted by Managing Director William V. Brilhante, Jr., via Communication
No. 1024, dated July 22, 2026, amends Section 25-8-11 (Lalamilo-Pu'ukapu District Zone Map),
Article 8, Chapter 25 (Zoning Code) of the Hawai`i County Code(2016 Edition, as amended),by
changing the district classification from Agricultural—40 acres (A40-A)to Family Agricultural— 1
Acre (FA-1A) at Pu'ukapu, Waimea, Hawai`i, covered by Tax Map Key: 6-4-018:030 (Applicants:
Jacqueline Visser, Hanale Visser, and Gilbert Visser) (Area: 2.397 acres).
The Leeward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for this requested
change of zone,which would allow the applicant to create a two-lot subdivision of one-acre each.
The property is located at 64-5091 White Road.
Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow,Planning Consultant John Pipan, and Applicant Jacqueline
Visser 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,with proposed amendments to Conditions B,
and D.
Mr. Pipan addressed the committee and noted that the approximate one-acre lots on the east side of
White Road are consistent with the new general land use designation of rural. He expressed
appreciation to the Planning Department for recommending a change in the fire hydrant condition
from"shall"to "may,"noting that installation is costly and the change would provide an
opportunity to share the financial burden with other property owners in the future.
Committee Member James E. Hustace inquired about the location of the nearest fire hydrant.
Mr. Pipan stated that it is located off the main highway. Mr. Hustace also inquired about the
Department of Public Works' (DPW) setback requirement and potential plans to widen White
Road. Mr. Darrow clarified that DPW is seeking the setback to accommodate future road widening,
although no timeline has been established. Mr. Pipan stated that the applicants agreed to the
setback. Mr. Hustace noted that other neighboring properties along White Road appeared to have
no concerns with the setback,particularly given the limited frontage of the subject parcel.
LAAC Report No.46
LAAC-46 Page 2 September 1,2026
Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder thanked Mr. Darrow for the fair share contribution
figures and questioned the difference in contributions between the two applications,noting that the
applications were for similar one- or two-lot developments. Mr. Darrow explained that the
difference was due to the applications being submitted at different times. He acknowledged the
disparity and stated that he would consult with staff regarding whether an adjustment could be
made. He further explained that fair share contributions are adjusted after three years based on the
house price index if a project remains incomplete.
Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder noted that the contributions should reflect current costs and inflation
rather than outdated pricing. He also commented in support of the 10-foot road easement,noting
that future development may require the roadway to be widened.
Your Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions is in accord with the purpose and
intent of Bill No. 185, 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 l
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X ✓ `— �/
KIERKIEWICZ x ATHER L. tIMBALL, CHAIR
KIMBALL X
ONISHI X LAAC REPORT NO.: 46
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: SEP .1 6 2026