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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP LAAC 049 2026-10-06 2024-2026REPORT OF THE LEGISLATIVE APPROVALS AND ACQUISITIONS COMMITTEE DATE: October 20, 2026 PLACE: Council Chambers Kailua-Kona, Hawaii TIME: 12:00 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Comm. No. 1126/13ill No. 205 Your Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions, to which was referred Bill No. 205, reports as follows: Bill No. 205, transmitted by Managing Director William V. Brilhante, Jr., via Communication No. 1126, dated September 22, 2026, amends Ordinance No. 92-122, which amended section 25-114 (City of Hilo Zone Map), Article 3, Chapter 25 (Zoning Code) of the Hawaii County Code, by changing the district classification from Resort -Hotel, Safety (V-S-.75) to Limited Industrial (ML-20) at Waiakea, South Hilo, Hawaii, covered by Tax Map Keys: 2-2-033:011, 12, 19, and 20 (Applicants: Talon 1 Properties) (Area: 2.57 acres). The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for this requested change of zone amendment for a five-year time extension to Condition C (Final Plan Approval) and Condition D (Complete Construction), to allow for the development of a three-story self -storage warehouse. The property is located at 525 Pi`ilani Street. Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow, and Robert Garrett, member of applicant Talon 1 Properties, LLC, were present in the Chambers. Mr. Darrow provided an overview of the Planning Department's recommendations, explaining the history of the property's ownership, including previous development proposals that did not proceed. Committee Member Jenn Kagiwada questioned the compatibility of the proposed industrial zoning with the surrounding land uses and General Plan designations, noting that the property appeared inconsistent with nearby medium and high -density urban areas and recreational uses. Mr. Darrow explained that the property's industrial designation originated with a 1991 General Plan amendment and that the Planning Department continued to consider the designation appropriate in the 2045 General Plan. He cited the relatively low -impact nature of self -storage facilities and the planned skate park nearby as factors supporting the request. Ms. Kagiwada also raised concerns about stray cats in the vicinity wherein Mr. Garrett said he had observed wild pigs but had not encountered cats. Mr. Garrett emphasized that the applicant did not intend to harm wildlife and confirmed that the property would be fenced. Ms. Kagiwada also questioned the length of time that had elapsed since the original deadlines and confirmed that the requested five-year extension would begin upon approval. She expressed a willingness to move the matter forward while using the following weeks to seek additional community feedback. LAAC Report No. 49 LAAC-49 Page 2 October 20, 2026 Mr. Darrow stated that the current application had generated little opposition, unlike the previous water - bottling proposal, which received substantial testimony. He explained that public notification included property owners within 300 feet, along with the customary publication and website notices. Committee Member James E. Hustace questioned the proposed Mililani Street improvements, including the extent of the road extension and whether sidewalks would be required. Mr. Garrett confirmed that the extension would terminate at the northwest boundary of the property and stated that the applicant intended to work with the County to provide improvements that would complement the planned skate park and support safety and security in the area. Mr. Darrow explained that the Department of Public Works (DPW) had provided specific direction for improvements to Pi`ilani Street but had offered less specific guidance for Mililani Street. The Planning Department therefore included a condition requiring improvements to the unimproved portion of Mililani Street adjacent to the property, subject to DPW approval. He stated that the road is considered a paper road and that the improvements would support its future development. Although the condition did not identify sidewalks, Mr. Darrow agreed to review the DPW comments and provide clarification regarding the applicable roadway standards. Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder noted that self -storage facilities already exist in the surrounding industrial area and suggested considering features such as artwork or a shave ice storefront to create a more welcoming environment for the children and families expected to use the nearby recreational facility. Mr. Garrett explained that the applicant had designed an upgraded building intended to complement the surrounding area and expressed a willingness to consider suggestions that would improve the development's appearance and compatibility with the skate park. Committee Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz acknowledged the applicant's efforts to pursue productive use of the property but emphasized that the Council was considering a zoning amendment, not approval of a specific development project. She cautioned that approval of the Limited Industrial classification would allow the range of uses permitted under that zoning, rather than restricting the property to the proposed self -storage warehouse. She expressed support for moving the matter forward while emphasizing the importance of understanding the broader implications of the zoning change. Committee Chair Heather L. Kimball sought clarification regarding the relationship between the zoning amendment and the associated SMA (Special Management Area) use permit. Mr. Darrow explained that the current SMA application addresses the proposed self -storage development, but other commercial or industrial uses could require a separate SMA permit and public hearing before the Planning Commission but would not necessarily return to the County Council. Chair Kimball acknowledged that although the current SMA application is specific to the self -storage proposal, the zoning amendment would permit other uses allowed under the Limited Industrial classification to be considered in the future. Committee Member Rebecca Villegas asked whether a water -bottling facility could be proposed in the future if the zoning amendment were approved. Mr. Darrow confirmed that such a proposal could be submitted, subject to the applicable SMA review and approval requirements, although he LAAC Report No. 49 LAAC-49 Page 3 October 20, 2026 considered it unlikely given the substantial opposition to the previous proposal. Mr. Garrett clarified that Talon I Properties was not affiliated with Pi`ilani Partners, the former applicant, and explained that the current owners had acquired the property from the Suisan family. He stated that the applicant's experience in the self -storage business informed its decision to pursue the proposed development. Your Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 205, and forwards it to Council with a favorable 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. KIMBALL, C&AIR LAAC REPORT NO.: 49 ADOPTED: