HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP LAAC 050 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. 1127/13ill No. 206
Your Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions, to which was referred Bill No. 206,
reports as follows:
Bill No. 206, transmitted by Managing Director William V. Brilhante, Jr., via Communication
No. 1127, dated September 22, 2026, amends Ordinance No. 09-138, as amended, which reclassified
lands from Single -Family Residential — 10,000 square feet (RS-10) to Industrial -Commercial Mixed —
20,000 square feet (MCX-20) at Waiakea Houselots, Waiakea, South Hilo, Hawaii, covered by
Tax Map Key: 2-2-035:034 (Applicants: JP Automotive LLC) (Area: 22,300 square feet).
The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for this requested
change of zone amendment for a seven-year time extension to Condition D (Complete Construction),
to allow for the development of an automotive repair business. The property is located at
513 Kalanikoa Street and Hualani Street, Waiakea Houselots I" Series.
Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow and Planning Consultant Sidney Fuke were present in Chambers,
with applicant's representative, Jeffrey Pilor of JP Automotive LLC appearing via Zoom.
Mr. Darrow provided an overview of the Planning Department's recommendations explaining that
Condition D required construction of the proposed development to be completed within five years of
the effective date of the amended ordinance. The deadline expired on June 25, 2026, and the applicant
is requesting additional time to resolve financing contingencies, update construction plans, and
complete the project.
Committee Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi, whose district includes the property, welcomed the
opportunity for the project to move forward, noting that the property had been graded for some time
and remained undeveloped.
Mr. Pilor explained that his family has operated an automotive repair business in Hilo for more than
25 years and purchased the subject property approximately 10 years ago with the intention of
developing a permanent location for their business. Mr. Fuke described challenges in meeting the
original construction deadline, including the need to complete construction drawings and secure
financing, followed by delays associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated that the
construction drawings are complete, a building permit has been issued, and the applicant has received
an extension from the Building Department. However, financing cannot be finalized until the
requested time extension is approved. The applicant anticipates that construction could be completed
in approximately two to three years but is requesting seven years to provide sufficient time.
LAAC Report No. 50
LAAC-50 Page 2 October 20, 2026
Mr. Onishi also discussed the General Plan's historic intent for the Waiakea Houselots area, which
contemplated commercial uses along major streets and more residential uses on interior streets. He
expressed support for allowing long-time homeowners and their families additional opportunities to
sell property for business use as circumstances change.
Committee Member Matt Kdneali`i-Kleinfelder questioned the removal of a previous condition
specifically addressing backflow prevention for the water supply. Mr. Darrow explained that the
revised conditions consolidate requirements related to water and fire protection infrastructure,
including any applicable backflow prevention requirements. He noted that the proposed condition
requires compliance with the County Department of Water Supply and Fire Department requirements.
The discussion also addressed whether the applicant's existing water commitment remained current.
Mr. Darrow confirmed that the revised language was intended to avoid duplicating requirements
already addressed by the consolidated condition.
Your Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions is in accord With the purpose and intent
of Bill No. 206, 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 ACQUISITIO�N/S
HEATHER L. KIMBAL , CHAIR
LAAC REPORT NO.: 50
ADOPTED: