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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP LAAC 047 2026-10-06 2024-2026REPORT OF THE LEGISLATIVE APPROVALS AND ACQUISITIONS COMMITTEE DATE: October 6, 2026 PLACE: Council Chambers Hilo, Hawaii TIME: 12:36 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Comm. No. 1025/13ill No. 186 Your Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions, to which was referred Bill No. 186, reports as follows: Bill No. 186, transmitted by Managing Director William V. Brilhante, Jr., via Communication No. 1025, dated July 21, 2026, amends the State Land Use Boundaries Map by changing the District Classification from Agricultural to Urban at Waikoloa, South Kohala, Hawaii, covered by a portion of Tax Map Key: 6-8-002:016. The Leeward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for this amendment to the State Land Use Boundaries Map for the requested change of zone, which would allow the applicant to develop a 400-unit multiple -family housing complex with a clubhouse and related improvements. The property is located at the southeast side of Pua Melia Street, approximately 810 feet south of its intersection with Waikoloa Road. Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Meeting of September 1, 2026 Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow, Planning Consultant John Pipan, and applicant Waikoloa Green LLC Principals Jon Yoshimura and Daniel Popkin were present in the Chambers. Mr. Darrow provided an overview of the Planning Department's recommendations. Mr. Yoshimura and Mr. Popkin provided an overview of the proposed development explaining a four- year planning process that intended to address workforce, affordable, and market -rate housing, community gathering space, food security, renewable energy, and a Hawaiian sense of place. They also discussed working with the community, Hawaiian Electric, the State Department of Transportation, and wildfire -safety advocates on infrastructure hardening, firebreaks, and emergency access. The applicant said the project would be phased over an extended period and would not unreasonably strain the aquifer. Bill 186 was postponed to September 15, 2026. Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Meeting of September 15, 2026 Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow, Planning Consultant John Pipan, and applicant Waikoloa Green LLC, were present in the Chambers. Bill 186 was postponed to October 6, 2026. LAAC Report No. 47 LAAC-47 Page 2 October 6, 2026 Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Meeting of October 6, 2026 Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow, Planning Consultant John Pipan, and applicant Waikoloa Green LLC, were present. Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked about the approximate 14.9-acre boundary amendment and whether the State Land Use Commission, rather than the County, should have jurisdiction. Mr. Darrow explained that parcels of 15 acres or less fell within the County's jurisdiction and discussed the need for the area to remain below that threshold. Your Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions is not in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 186, and forwards it to Council with a negative recommendation. dbk AYES NOES ABS EX GALIMBA X HUSTACE X INABA X KAGIWADA X KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X KIERKIEWICZ X KIMBALL X ONISHI X VILLEGAS X Respectfully submitted, COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE APPROVALS AND ACQUISITIONS HEATHER L. KDM ,ALL, CHAIR LAAC REPORT NO.: 47 ADOPTED: