HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-29 Nimr Tamimi Opposition Testimony
From: Nimr Tamimi
To: Planning WPC Testimony
Subject: Bill 154 - Opposition
Date: Monday, June 29, 2026 4:19:47 PM
RE: Bill 154 – Commercial Parking Lots and Garages
Aloha Chair and Members of the Windward Planning Commission,
Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
I respectfully oppose Bill 154.
If the Commission recommends moving the bill forward, I respectfully request that the
Commercial Downtown Hilo (CDH) zoning district be exempted.
At first glance, this appears to be a bill about commercial parking lots. In Downtown Hilo,
however, it is really about flexibility. Shared parking is one of the tools that allows existing
buildings to adapt to changing community needs through new businesses, change of use,
adaptive reuse, upper-floor housing, infill development, and increased density.
For the past several years, County staff, elected officials, property owners, business owners,
design professionals, contractors, and community members have worked together to identify
and remove barriers that discourage these types of projects. We are currently working on code
and permitting improvements intended to make these projects more achievable. Bill 154
unintentionally moves in the opposite direction by creating another barrier.
Downtown Hilo functions differently than most commercial areas. Under the CDH zoning
district, developments generally rely on shared public parking and available commercial
parking rather than providing parking on every individual property. Many of our historic
buildings occupy most of their lots and simply cannot provide additional on-site parking.
Limiting future commercial parking options therefore limits the flexibility that makes
Downtown Hilo work.
For these reasons, I respectfully ask the Commission to recommend that Bill 154 not be
adopted. If it does move forward, I respectfully request that the CDH zoning district be
exempted.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Thank you
Nimr Tamimi, P.E., LEED AP │Principal/CEO
ENGINEERING PARTNERS
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