HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-26 PL-CCI-2025-000012 Testimony from Council Member Dennis (Fresh) OnishiFrom: Ishikuro, Kayla K.
To: WPCtestimony
Cc: Onishi, Dennis; Espejo, Darlene
Subject: Bill 63 written testimony - Windward Planning Commission hearing 9/4/2025
Date: Wednesday, August 27, 2025 11:08:39 AM
Attachments: image001.pnq
Bill 63 written testimony - Windward Planning Commission.pdf
Aloha,
Please see attached testimony for the Windward Planning Commission hearing on September
4, 2025. This is for item 10 on the agenda referenced below.
10. INITIATOR: COUNTY COUNCIL (PL-CCI-2025-000012)
The County Council has referred Bill 63, a bill for an ordinance to amend Chapter 25
(Zoning), Article 5 of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended),
relating to dwellings. The Zoning Code does not currently allow for dwellings to be
located within the industrial -commercial mixed use (MCX) zoning districts. The purpose
of this bill is to allow for dwellings to be established in the MCX zoning district.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you,
k &n La Ishil2i ro
Legislative Assistant to
Council Vice Chair, Dennis "Fresh" Onishi
District 3— Portions of Hilo, Portions of Kea'au
808-961-8571
Dennis "Fresh" Onishi
Council Vice Chair
District 3
DATE: August 27, 2025
TO:
HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Hawai`i County Windward Planning Commission
Louis Daniele III, Chair
Chantel Perrin, Vice Chair
FROM: Dennis "Fresh" Onishi, Council Vice Chair
Council District 3
Phone No.: (808) 961-8396
dennis.onishi@hawaiicounty.gov
SUBJECT: Bill 63 — An Ordinance amending Chapter 25, Article 5, of the Hawai`i County Code 1983 (2016
Edition, as amended), Relating to Dwellings.
Dear Chair Daniele, Vice Chair Perrin, and members of the Windward Planning Commission,
I am writing to express my strong support for Bill 63. The purpose of adding residential uses to industrial -
commercial mixed zoning is to create more housing opportunities for our residents in Hawai`i County.
The Department of Civil Defense has agreed to support Bill 63, with the following addition to establish a
setback of at least 200 feet in areas of residential zoning where adjacent zoning allows for activities such as
heavy industrial and the potential exposure of dangerous and toxic materials and fumes. The health and safety
of the residents and visitors of Hawai`i County are taken into consideration with regulated permits for this
setback that would be required in the planning and building process.
With the housing shortage in Hawai`i County, this would also provide opportunities for residents to live and
work in the same neighborhoods, allowing for a shorter commute time. This will also help clear up traffic
congestion on our roadways. In turn, it will provide residents with more time in the day at home with families.
Some may even be able to walk to work, which will help our residents save on gas costs and walking to work is
a great additional health benefit.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Council Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi
Hawaii County Is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer