HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-28 PCDC Testimony
From: Pepe`ekeo PCDC
To: Planning WPC Testimony
Subject: Written Testimony on Project Use permit (Project File: PL-USE-2026-000042)
Date: Thursday, May 28, 2026 8:59:59 AM
Attachments: PCDC Windward Planning Commision May 2026.pdf
Aloha, Pepe'ekeo Community Development Corporation also known as PCDC would like t6o submit
written testimony regarding a Outpatient Medical Clinic in Single-Family Residential District (Pepeʻekeo)
Applicant: Jessica Stevens (Project File: PL-USE-2026-000042)
Request: An application for a Use Permit to authorize the formal establishment of an
outpatient medical clinic within a neighborhood zoned for single-family residential use.
Property Specifications: The clinic is proposed to operate within the first floor of an
existing two-story residential dwelling positioned on a 5.74-acre parcel of land.
Location Details: Located at 28-1167 Old Māmalahoa Highway, approximately 230 feet
north of Pepeʻekeo Street in South Hilo. (Tax Map Key / TMK: (3) 2-8-007:084 portion).
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Aloha
Making the Difference Together
Aloha,
Wanda
Secretary
PCDC
May 28, 2026
Windward Planning Commission
County of Hawaiʻi Planning Department
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720
Subject: Testimony Regarding the Big Island Neuro Health Foundation’s
Proposed Outpatient Clinic in Pepeʻekeo
Dear Chair and Members of the Windward Planning Commission,
We are writing to submit our testimony regarding the application by the Big Island
Neuro Health Foundation for the approval of their proposed outpatient clinic in
Pepeʻekeo. After careful consideration of the project's potential impacts and
benefits, we are submitting this testimony with a position of neutrality.
There are compelling arguments on both sides of this issue, and our goal is to
highlight the balanced perspective that leads to a neutral stance.
On one hand, the need for expanded healthcare infrastructure on the Big
Island—particularly specialized neurological care—is undeniable. Our community
faces a well-documented shortage of medical specialists, and forcing patients to
travel to Oahu or long distances across the island for outpatient services creates
a significant burden on families and Kūpuna. From a public health standpoint, the
mission of the Big Island Neuro Health Foundation is highly commendable and
addresses a critical gap in our healthcare system.
On the other hand, the choice of Pepeʻekeo as the location raises valid rural
planning and infrastructure concerns that deserve rigorous scrutiny. A medical
clinic inherently increases localized traffic, which can impact the quiet, residential
character of a rural community. It is vital to ensure that the existing roadways,
pedestrian safety measures, and utility infrastructure can handle the daily influx
of staff and patients without compromising the quality of life for nearby residents.
Because both the community's need for medical services and the preservation of
Pepeʻekeo’s rural integrity are of equal importance, we cannot fully endorse or
oppose the project in its current form.
Should the Commission incline toward approval, we respectfully request that
strict conditions be placed on the project to mitigate community impacts. These
should include comprehensive traffic management plans, adequate on-site
parking to prevent overflow onto rural roads, and architectural designs that blend
seamlessly with the surrounding environment. Also, the Big Island Neuro Health
Foundation's current proposal reports proposed utilization of a non-invasive
procedure called TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), which would yield a
low patient ratio to service per day. If Big Island Neuro Health Foundation
deviates from this procedure/intervention proposal, we strongly suggest creating
a mechanism for them to return for re-permitting as the intention and delivery of
services will change and likely have an impact to the surrounding community and
neighbors.
Thank you for your time, dedication, and careful deliberation on this matter as
you balance the diverse needs of our Big Island community.
Sincerely,
Tracey Wise
President
Pepe’ekeo Community Development Corporation