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Home My WebLink About2025-12-09 KCDP Meeting Packet County of Hawai‘i KONA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE Aupuni Center • 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 • Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720 (808) 961-8288 • Fax (808) 961-8742 C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. Mayor John Pelletier Raymond Kirchner Vacant Vacant Charles Young, Chair Nancy Pisicchio, Vice Chair Charla Thompson David Huerta Roselyn Molina NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the following matters to be considered by the Kona Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee (AC) in accordance with the provisions of Sections 92-3.7 and 92-7, Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes (HRS). This meeting will be held in person at the location listed in this notice and by Interactive Conference Technology (ICT) through Zoom. DATE: Tuesday, December 9, 2025 TIME: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. LOCATION: West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, B2 Conference Room 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 ZOOM: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/Q-hyE4uqRwOu2uN-XfOV8A INTERACTIVE CONFERENCE TECHNOLOGY (ICT): A meeting held by ICT shall be automatically recessed for up to 30 minutes to restore communication when audiovisual communication cannot be maintained with all members participating in the meeting or with the in-person location identified in this notice. The meeting may reconvene when either audiovisual communication is restored, or audio-only communication is established after an unsuccessful attempt to restore audiovisual communication. If it is not possible to reconvene the meeting as provided in this subsection within 30 minutes after an interruption to communication, the meeting will be automatically terminated. PUBLIC TESTIMONY: The public may provide oral testimony at the meeting by joining Zoom or attending in-person at the physical location listed above. Although not required, to register in advance for oral testimony please contact staff at CDP@hawaiicounty.gov or (808) 961-8288. Pursuant to Section 92-3, HRS, interested persons who want to provide oral testimony may do so either at the time the committee takes public statements on the agenda, or at the time the specific agenda item is called. Please note that public testimony may be limited to three (3) minutes in length per agenda item. In addition, although not required, to ensure timely delivery of written testimony to committee members, it is requested that written testimony be submitted by 4:30 p.m. at least two business days prior to the meeting via email to CDP@hawaiicounty.gov. When submitting written testimony, please specify for which agenda item written testimony is being submitted. All written testimony will be a part of the public record. AGENDA I. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL II. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES – The Committee will consider approving the draft minutes from the November 12, 2025 meeting. III. PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS – Pursuant to Section 92-3, HRS, interested persons who want to provide oral testimony may do so now, or at the time the specific agenda item is called. Public testimony may be limited to three (3) minutes in length per agenda item. IV. BUSINESS 1. Overview of the Special Management Area (SMA) Permit Process – Planning Department staff will provide a general overview of the SMA permit process, followed by Committee discussion. 2. Kona Open Space Network (KOSN) Update – Vice Chair Pisicchio will provide a summary of the recent KOSN public meeting, with discussion to follow. 3. Keauhou Aquifer System Area Groundwater Adaptive Management Plan (AMP) – Chair Young will provide an update on recent efforts related to the AMP, followed by discussion and potential action. 4. Tree City USA Program Update – Committee Member Thompson will provide an update on the County’s Tree City USA designation and related efforts, with discussion and potential action to follow. 5. Report on Hawaiʻi County Council Bill 63, Relating to Dwellings – Committee Member Pelletier will provide an update on Hawaiʻi County Council Bill 63 (Draft 2), which proposes to allow residential dwellings within the Industrial-Commercial Mixed Use (MCX) district, followed by discussion and potential action. 6. Proposal to Invite the Planning Director to a Future Meeting – The Committee will discuss inviting the Planning Director to provide an update on the AC’s request for funding to support comprehensive review studies. Potential action to follow. 7. Kona CDP Action Committee 2026 Meeting Schedule – The Committee will review and consider adopting the proposed meeting schedule for 2026. Discussion and potential action. V. PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA – Public testimony may be limited to three (3) minutes per speaker. (Pursuant to SB 869) VI. THIRD-PARTY REPORTS; GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS – The Action Committee may receive and discuss information from third-party reports by any government official not included in a publicly noticed agenda. The Action Committee may only make decisions on matters originally raised by third-party reports from any government official at a later meeting, where the agenda for the meeting gives notice of decision-making on the matter. (Pursuant to SB 405) VII. NEW BUSINESS – The Committee will discuss potential agenda items for the next meeting. VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS • The Planning Department is currently seeking applicants for the Kona CDP Action Committee and requests assistance in spreading the word to interested community members. The application can be found on the Mayor’s office website at: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/boards-and-commissions/boards-and-commissions-application IX. ADJOURNMENT NOTICE: This agenda and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi Public Documents Repository: https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/Weblink/1/fol/9059/Row1.aspx. These documents may also be requested from the Planning Department by calling (808) 961-8288 or emailing CDP@hawaiicounty.gov. The recorded video of this meeting will be uploaded to the Planning Department’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@cohplanningdepartment The purpose of the public hearings is to afford all interested persons a reasonable opportunity to be heard on the above items. A person desiring to submit oral or written testimony shall indicate their name and whether the testimony is on their behalf or as a representative of an organization or individual. Written testimony can be submitted via email or hard copy. Hard copies should include an original and nine copies and be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. two business days prior to the meeting. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service, other reasonable modification, or language interpretation to access this meeting please contact the Planning Department at (808) 961-8288 or CDP@hawaiicounty.gov as soon as possible, but no later than five business days prior to the meeting date, to arrange for accommodations. If a response is received after the five-business days deadline, we will try to obtain the auxiliary aid/service or accommodation, but we cannot guarantee that the request will be fulfilled. “Other reasonable modification” refers to communication methods or devices for people with disabilities who are mentally and/or physically challenged. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy. If you are a lobbyist, you must register with the Hawai‘i County Clerk within five days of becoming a lobbyist. (Article 15, Section 2-91.3(b), Hawai‘i County Code). A lobbyist means, “any individual engaged for pay or other consideration who spends more than five hours in any month or $275 in any six-month period for the purpose of attempting to influence legislative or administrative action by communicating or urging others to communicate with public officials.” (Article 15, Section 2-91.3(a)(6), Hawai‘i County Code). Registration forms and expenditure report documents are available at the Office of the County Clerk-Council, 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720. KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE CHARLES YOUNG, Chair Meeting Packet QR Code: KONA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1 ACTION COMMITTEE 2 COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI 3 DRAFT MINUTES 4 November 12, 2025 5 Call to Order 6 Chair Charles Young called the meeting of the Kona Community Development Plan (CDP) Action 7 Committee (AC) to order at 12:02 p.m. This meeting was held in person at the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, 8 B2 Conference Room and online via the Zoom platform. 9 The full YouTube video of this meeting can be found here: 10 https://youtu.be/6HAK5bbt5Sc?si=DxeE_soUNeA-rpgO 11 Roll Call 12 Members Present (in person): Charles Young (Chair), Nancy Pisicchio (Vice Chair), John Pelletier, 13 Raymond (RJ) Kirchner, and Charla Thompson 14 Members Present (via Zoom): David Huerta 15 Members Absent: Roselyn Molina and Heather Korotie 16 Planning Department Staff Present (in person): Maryam Palma and Kawelo Kalili 17 Planning Department Staff Present (via Zoom): Janice Hata 18 There were approximately six members of the public in attendance (three in person and three via Zoom). 19 Approval of Minutes 20 Chair Young requested approval of the October 14, 2025 draft meeting minutes. Vice Chair Pisicchio 21 moved to approve the minutes, and Committee Member Pelletier seconded the motion. The Committee 22 voted unanimously to approve the October 14 meeting minutes. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 4:02] 23 Public Testimony on Agenda Items 24 Janice Palma Glennie provided testimony addressing several items: 25 • She requested that future minutes include more detailed summaries of public testimony to give 26 context for readers who may not watch the video. 27 • She reiterated her concern that allowing dwellings in MCX districts is premature due to inadequate 28 infrastructure and safety concerns, especially for families with children, and that such changes may 29 undermine the motivation to advance Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and Traditional 30 Neighborhood Development (TND) concepts embraced in the Kona CDP. 31 • She reported that she resubmitted her application to serve on the Kona CDP AC but had not 32 received any acknowledgment and urged the administration to respond promptly and respectfully 33 to volunteers so as not to discourage civic participation. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 5:25] 34 Business 35 1. Keauhou Aquifer System Area Groundwater Adaptive Management Plan (AMP) – Chair Young 36 will provide an update on recent efforts related to the Keauhou Aquifer System Area Groundwater 37 AMP, followed by Committee discussion and potential action. 38 This item was called to order at 12:12 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 10:41] 39 No members of the public provided testimony at this time. 40 Chair Young reported that the Keauhou Aquifer System Area Groundwater AMP was created by the 41 State Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) in response to longstanding community 42 KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of November 12, 2025 2 advocacy for designation of the Keauhou aquifer as a water management area. The AMP is intended 43 to address water management concerns short of formal designation, which ultimately will be a CWRM 44 decision rather than a County one. 45 From a County and CDP perspective, Chair Young emphasized the AC’s interest in how permitted well 46 water is allocated once CWRM approves withdrawals, given competing demands and community 47 priorities for water use in Kona. 48 The AMP called for several expert panels and summaries of their work had been shared with the AC 49 previously. The panels have been meeting separately and are scheduled to meet jointly in early 50 December to refine recommendations. After the panels have met together, there will be further 51 opportunities for public input, at which time Chair Young anticipates the AC may wish to take a position 52 or submit comments. 53 The discussion focused on: 54 • The need for stronger County-level planning tools, including an up-to-date Water Use and 55 Development Plan, to guide decisions and inform CWRM’s permitting rather than handling wells 56 one-by-one. 57 • Conservation and reuse measures the County could support (e.g., integrating water-efficiency 58 standards into community plans) 59 • Ongoing efforts to upgrade the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant to R-1 standards, 60 including recent amendments to the Capital Improvement Program and a modular approach to 61 improvements, with initial upgrades designed to meet settlement requirements and support 62 planned park development. 63 No formal action was taken. 64 This item concluded at 12:31 p.m. 65 2. Report on Hawaiʻi County Council Bill 63, Relating to Dwellings – Committee Member Pelletier 66 will provide an update on testimony submitted regarding Bill 63, which proposes to allow residential 67 dwellings within the Industrial-Commercial Mixed Use (MCX) district. 68 This item was called to order at 12:31 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 29:56] 69 Committee Member Pelletier summarized his testimony and the County Council’s recent consideration 70 of Bill 63, which would allow single-family, duplex, and multi-family dwellings in MCX zones, most of 71 which are in Kona. 72 Key points from his report: 73 • The Kona CDP AC’s written testimony, grounded in CDP policies and concerns about 74 infrastructure, livability, and mixed-use planning, was read into the record by Pelletier at the 75 Council meeting and prompted extensive Council discussion. 76 • The Planning Director addressed the AC’s concerns point-by-point, generally: 77 o Minimizing concerns about noise and air pollution for residents in industrial-commercial 78 areas; 79 o Supporting the inclusion of single-family dwellings to accommodate on-site caretakers 80 for businesses; 81 o Noting that short-term vacation rentals are currently not allowed in MCX; and 82 o Characterizing affordable housing requirements and needed infrastructure (e.g., 83 sidewalks, transit-supportive design) as outside the narrow scope of the bill, applying 84 mainly in rezoning situations rather than in already-zoned MCX areas. 85 KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of November 12, 2025 3 The Council then voted to defer Bill 63. It was not on the agenda for the subsequent Council meeting 86 and remains deferred. The Committee discussed requesting that any future amendments to Bill 63 be 87 shared with the AC in advance, so that the Committee can review and potentially update its testimony. 88 No formal action was taken. 89 This item concluded at 12:49 p.m. 90 3. Tree City USA Program Update – Committee Member Thompson will provide an update on the 91 County’s Tree City USA designation and efforts to reinstate the Arborist Advisory Committee. 92 Discussion and potential action. 93 This item was called to order at 12:49 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 47:55] 94 Committee Member Thompson reported on progress toward re-establishing Hawaiʻi County’s Tree City 95 USA designation: 96 • Arborist Advisory Committee: A major previous obstacle was the lack of an appointed 97 Arborist Advisory Committee. After visiting the Mayor’s office, Committee Member Thompson 98 learned that most positions had been selected, with only one vacancy remaining. She has 99 received a list of appointees and is working with Boards and Commissions staff to obtain contact 100 information and meeting schedules. The committee’s formation will allow Tree City USA 101 application requirements related to an advisory body to be met. 102 • Tree care ordinance and Arbor Day: Committee Member Thompson has identified the 103 relevant sections of the County Code governing public trees and exceptional trees for the 104 application. She has also collected documentation of the County’s Arbor Day observances. 105 • Expenditure requirement: The remaining major requirement is to demonstrate annual 106 expenditures of at least $2 per capita on community tree care (maintenance, planting, removal, 107 etc.). She plans to follow up directly with Parks and Recreation, Public Works, and 108 budget/finance staff to identify and document relevant expenditures, recognizing that tree work 109 is often performed by contractors and spread across multiple departments. Planning staff 110 offered to assist by re-contacting departmental finance staff and including Committee Member 111 Thompson in the communication. 112 • Community partners/Outdoor Circle: Thompson is in discussions with Kona Outdoor Circle 113 regarding their interest in supporting exceptional tree nominations, educational efforts, and 114 beautification projects, noting that there are already several trees ready for nomination. 115 No formal action was taken. 116 This item concluded at 1:11 p.m. 117 4. Report on County Boards and Commissions Meeting – Chair Young will provide an update on the 118 Mayor’s meeting with Boards and Commissions Chairs and Vice Chairs, held on October 18, 2025. 119 Discussion to follow. 120 This item was called to order at 1:11 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:10:08] 121 Chair Young reported on the October 18, 2025 meeting convened by the Mayor for all County board 122 and commission chairs and vice chairs. He had previously provided a written summary to the AC; 123 highlights from his report and discussion included: 124 • Sunshine Law & consistency: The administration recognizes the Sunshine Law as both 125 necessary and, at times, constraining. Different boards and commissions interpret and apply the 126 law differently while others prohibit discussion entirely if quorum is not met. The Mayor’s office 127 expressed interest in promoting more consistent practices and providing better training. 128 KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of November 12, 2025 4 • Support from Boards & Commissions staff: Micah Alameda (Boards and Commissions) invited 129 chairs and vice chairs to contact him directly with operational issues or questions, indicating a 130 willingness to “fast track” solutions where possible. 131 • Common challenges: Many boards and commissions are struggling with vacancies, meeting 132 quorum, and engaging the public. Participants at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to 133 service despite these challenges. 134 The AC discussion touched on the potential value of facilitation training for chairs and vice chairs to 135 help manage meetings, particularly around public testimony and time limits. Members also discussed 136 the importance of securing funding and staff capacity to support outreach and a comprehensive 137 review/update of the Kona CDP. Members noted that the AC has previously voted to undertake a 138 comprehensive review of the plan and should continue to advocate for resources in upcoming budgets. 139 140 There is a need for more effective public outreach and community venues, including possibly rotating 141 meetings into different communities and reconsidering meeting times to increase public participation, 142 while balancing staff travel from Hilo. 143 144 Public testimony from Janice Palma Glennie emphasized that the AC should feel and function 145 differently from some other boards, with a more welcoming, less formal environment to encourage 146 participation from residents who may not be familiar with planning or government processes. She 147 suggested that the physical space and a midday weekday meeting time may discourage attendance 148 and urged the AC to consider alternative formats, locations, and times. 149 Staff noted that other CDP Action Committees meet in the evenings and that it is logistically feasible 150 to explore similar options for Kona, though staff travel and scheduling must be considered. The AC 151 agreed to place meeting time/location and broader community outreach strategies on a future agenda. 152 No formal action was taken. 153 This item concluded at 1:24 p.m. 154 5. Election of Kona CDP Action Committee Chair and Vice Chair – The Committee will elect a Chair 155 and Vice Chair to serve for the 2026 calendar year. 156 This item was called to order at 1:24 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:22:55] 157 Vice Chair Pisicchio nominated Chair Young to continue as Chair. Chair Young declined, explaining 158 that, after many years of service, he believes it is important to support succession planning and develop 159 new leadership within the AC. 160 Chair Young nominated Vice Chair Pisicchio to serve as Chair. She declined, noting that, given her 161 long involvement in the CDP process, she prefers to remain actively engaged but not take on the chair 162 role again. Vice Chair Pisicchio then nominated Committee Member John Pelletier to serve as Chair 163 for 2026. Pelletier accepted the nomination, stating that he has appreciated serving on the AC for the 164 past two years and would welcome the opportunity to chair, particularly with the continued support of 165 an experienced vice chair. 166 Vice Chair Pisicchio made a motion to elect John Pelletier as Chair of the Kona CDP Action Committee 167 for the 2026 calendar year, effective January 2026. The motion was seconded by Committee Member 168 Kirchner and passed unanimously. 169 Chair Young stated that he plans to remain on the AC as a regular member to assist with continuity 170 and quorum, particularly for South Kona representation. 171 Later in the discussion, Committee Member David Huerta informed the AC of his intent to resign from 172 the committee by the end of December 2025. 173 KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of November 12, 2025 5 This item concluded at 1:36 p.m. 174 Public Testimony on Matters Not on the Agenda 175 No public testimony on matters not on the agenda was provided. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:35:33] 176 Third-Party Reports; Government Officials 177 No third-party reports or presentations from government officials were provided during this time. [SEE 178 YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:35:45] 179 Proposed New Business 180 The Committee identified several items for future agendas, including: 181 1. Continued updates on the Keauhou Aquifer System Area Groundwater AMP following the 182 December expert panel meeting and any subsequent CWRM actions 183 2. Continued monitoring and possible further testimony regarding Hawaiʻi County Council Bill 63 184 3. Ongoing updates on the Tree City USA application 185 4. Follow-up with the Planning Director regarding the AC’s prior letter requesting specific studies and 186 support for a comprehensive update of the Kona CDP, including potential funding and schedule. 187 5. Discussion of meeting times, locations, and community outreach strategies to improve public 188 participation (including possible evening meetings and community-based sessions). 189 6. A presentation from Planning staff on the Special Management Area (SMA) permitting process, 190 particularly in anticipation of future SMA applications for coastal projects in the Kona area, so that 191 the AC and public can better understand appropriate points for input and how CDP policies may 192 apply. 193 Announcements 194 1. Kona Open Space Network (KOSN) Update – Vice Chair Pisicchio reported that the KOSN project is 195 continuing to develop a draft “hubs and links” open space network plan for Kona. A public meeting is 196 scheduled for Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Makaʻeo Pavilion (Old Kona 197 Airport) to present updated maps and gather community feedback. Additional materials (e.g., brochure 198 or handout) are expected to be available prior to the meeting. 199 2. Board and Commission Vacancies – The County is currently seeking applicants for the Kona CDP 200 Action Committee and the Cultural Resources Commission and requests assistance in spreading the 201 word to interested community members. The application can be found on the Mayor’s office website 202 at: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/boards-and-commissions/boards-and-commissions-203 application 204 [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:52:33] 205 Adjournment 206 Chair Young adjourned this meeting at 1:55 p.m. 207 These minutes and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s Kona Community 208 Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi Public Documents Repository. These 209 documents may also be requested from the Planning Department by calling (808) 961-8288 or emailing 210 CDP@hawaiicounty.gov. 211 Understanding the Special Management Area (SMA) of Hawaiʻi County Alex J. Roy, M.Sc. County of Hawaiʻi Planning Department Senior SMA Planner alex.roy@hawaiicounty.gov Communication No. 2025-28 SMA: Shoreline HRS Ch. 205A-1: "Shoreline" means the upper reaches of the wash of the waves, other than storm and seismic waves, at high tide during the season of the year in which the highest wash of the waves occurs, usually evidenced by the edge of vegetation growth, or the upper limit of debris left by the wash of the waves. SMA: What is it, and where is it? The SMA is a geographic area along the coast where development needs to be managed to protect coastal resources. The SMA begins at the “shoreline” and extends mauka. The SMA does not include in-water work; the County’s jurisdiction ends at the “shoreline”. Typically, the SMA area extends approximately 300-feet inland of the shoreline, however, certain locations (e.g., Waipio Valley) the SMA area can be much larger. HRS Ch. 205A-21: “The legislature finds that, special controls on developments within an area along the shoreline are necessary to avoid permanent losses of valuable resources and the foreclosure of management options, and to ensure that adequate access, by dedication or other means, to public owned or used beaches, recreation areas, and natural reserves is provided. The legislature finds and declares that it is the state policy to preserve, protect, and where possible, to restore the natural resources of the coastal zone of Hawaii.” SMA: Purpose, Directives, and Guidelines HRS Ch. 205A-26: All development in the special management area shall be subject to reasonable terms and conditions set by the authority (County Planning Dept.) to ensure: •Adequate access to coastal resources. •Public recreational opportunities. •Wildlife preservation. •Minimize impacts of coastal development on resources, as well as protecting development from natural coastal hazards. No development can be approved if it will have significant adverse environmental or ecological effects. SMA: Additional Guidelines No development can be approved unless the development is consistent with: •The objectives, policies, and guidelines of Ch. 205A. •The County General Plan, community plan, and current zoning. The authority (County Planning Department) shall seek to minimize, where reasonable: •Dredging or filling. •Loss of beaches or recreation areas. •Restrictions on public access. •Viewplane impacts. •Projects that will adversely affect water quality, open water, fisheries, or habitats. SMA: Regulatory Framework SMA permitting is determined by one criterion, is it development or not. Pursuant to PC Rule 9 “Development” includes the following: •Placement of any solid material. •Grading, removing, dredging, mining, or extraction of any materials. •Change in the density or intensity of use of land (e.g., subdivision). •Change in the intensity of use of water (ecology or access). •Construction, reconstruction, or alteration of the size of any structure. However, there are several “exemptions” for certain uses or activities that determine a project is NOT considered “development”. Examples of more common exempt actions and activities: •Construction of a single-family residence that is NOT on a shoreline parcel, that is NOT greater than 7500 square feet, and that is NOT greater than $750,000 in valuation. •All SFR proposed on a shoreline parcel are always considered “development”. •Repair and Maintenance of roads and highways; utility lines and related appurtenances; existing structures. •Project relates to existing (or established) use or activity (e.g., resorts). •Demolition. •Using the land for agriculture (does not include buildings, etc.). •Structural and non-structural improvements to existing SFR. •Non-structural improvements to existing commercial structures. However, if the Planning Director determines that the proposed action may cause a cumulative or significant impact – they can call it “development”. Once a projects “development” status has been determined, there are three possible outcomes: •Determination of exemption through short form or assessment form (SFA or SAA). •Issuance of minor permit by the Department (SMM). •Issuance of major permit by the Planning Commissions (SMA). The short form (SFA) allows for Planning Dept. staff to issue SMA approval for minor projects (e.g., interior renovations to an existing SFR) that have a stated exemption. If the project is determined to be “development” (there is no associated exemption), a valuation estimate must be provided to determine permitting level (SMM or SMA). SMA: Regulatory Process For SFRs Shoreline Parcel: <$500,000 AND <7500 square feet – SMM Shoreline Parcel: >$500,000 OR >7500 square feet – SMA Non-Shoreline Parcel: <$750,000 AND <7500 square feet – SFA or SAA. Non-Shoreline Parcel: >$750,000 OR >7500 square feet – SMA For all other projects Project is considered “development” - No exemption available (e.g., clearing a lot with no existing or proposed structures) For Shoreline and Non-Shoreline Parcels: Project valuation <$500,000 – SMM Project valuation >$500,000 – SMA SMA: Approval Authority Projects that require SFA, SAA, or SMM are approved by the Planning Director under authority granted via HRS Ch. 205A. For all SMA Major (SMA Use Permit Applications) the authority to approve or deny the permit lies with either the Windward Planning Commission or the Leeward Planning Commission (PC). When an SMA Use Permit Application is submitted to the Planning Department it is assigned to a Planner for review and processing. Once the application is accepted the Planning Dept. has 90-days to bring it before the appropriate PC for a decision. At the meeting staff provides a “Directors Recommendation” to the PC. Once a project is approved by either the Planning Director or the PC, the SMA review is complete. SMA: After SMA is Issued Contested Case Request •A petition for a contested case may be submitted before or at the Planning Commission meeting. •Petitioners must show how they are impacted (hardship). •If granted, the hearing functions like a quasi-judicial process (evidence, testimony, findings). It may resolve either by mediation or through a hearings officer run contested case process. Commission Decision & Appeal •After the contested case, the Planning Commission issues a final decision. •Parties may appeal to Circuit Court under HRS Ch. 91 for judicial review of the record. Key Takeaway •SMA approval does not end public involvement—there remains a structured path to challenge or seek further review. Questions? V Of COUNTY OF HAWAVI STATE OF HAWAIJ 4F BILL No. 63 DRAFT 2) ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 25, ARTICLE 5, OF THE HAWAFI COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION,AS AMENDED), RELATING TO DWELLINGS. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAIJ: SECTION 1. Purpose. The purpose ofthis ordinance is to permit residential dwellings within the industrial-commercial mixed use (MCX) district. SECTION 2. Chapter 25, article 5, division 13, section 25-5-132, ofthe Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), is amended by adding paragraphs to be appropriately inserted in subsection(a) and to read as follows: Dwellings, double-family or duplex, provided that the maximum density is one thousand two hundred and fifth square feet of land area per rentable unit or dwelling unit." Dwellings, multiple-family, provided that the maximum density is one thousand two hundred and fifty square feet of land area per rentable unit or dwelling unit." Dwellings, single-family." SECTION 3. Chapter 25, article 5, division 13, section 25-5-138, of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), is amended to read as follows: Section 25-5-138. Other regulations. a) Plan approval shall be required for all new structures and additions to existing structures in the MCX district. b) AM dwelling within the MCX district shall have a minimum setback of two hundred feet from the property boundary adjoiningM MG (general industrial) district, which may be increased when required by the director. Communication No. 2025-29 1(b)] O Exceptions to the regulations for the MCX district regarding heights, building site areas,building site average widths and yards, may be approved by the commission within a planned unit development." SECTION 4. New material is underscored. In printing this ordinance,the underscoring need not be included. SECTION 5. Severability. If any provision of this ordinance, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid,the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are severable. SECTION 6. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval. NV UCED B COUNCIL MEMBER, COUNTY OF HAWAI`I Hawaii Date of Introduction: Date of 1 st Reading: Date of 2nd Reading: Effective Date: ffHMNCE Cantu 333.7 2 County of Hawai‘i PLANNING DEPARTMENT www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer planning@hawaiicounty.gov Jeffrey W. Darrow Director Michelle S. Ahn Deputy Director C.Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. Mayor William V. Brilhante, Jr. Managing Director East Hawai‘i Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 Phone (808) 961-8288 Fax (808) 961-8742 West Hawai‘i Office 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740 Phone (808) 323-4770 Fax (808) 327-3563 November 21, 2025 MEMORANDUM TO: Office of the Corporation Counsel Office of the Mayor Planning Department Staff County Council FROM: Jeffrey W. Darrow, Planning Director SUBJECT: Kona CDP Action Committee Tentative Meeting Schedule for 2026 The tentative 2026 meeting dates for the Kona Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee are listed below. Please be informed that the dates and venue of the meetings are subject to change. January 13, 2026 (Tuesday) – WHCC, B2 Conference Room February 10, 2026 (Tuesday) – WHCC, B2 Conference Room March 10, 2026 (Tuesday) – WHCC, B2 Conference Room April 14, 2026 (Tuesday) – WHCC, B2 Conference Room May 12, 2026 (Tuesday) – WHCC, B2 Conference Room June 9, 2026 (Tuesday) – WHCC, B2 Conference Room July 14, 2026 (Tuesday) – Kona Planning Conference Room August 11, 2026 (Tuesday) – WHCC, B2 Conference Room September 8, 2026 (Tuesday) – WHCC, B2 Conference Room October 13, 2026 (Tuesday) – WHCC, B2 Conference Room November 10, 2026 (Wednesday) – WHCC, B2 Conference Room December 8, 2026 (Tuesday) – WHCC, B2 Conference Room Communication No. 2025-30