HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-07-14 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, Chair Raymond Kirchner
Vacant Shane Palacat-Nelsen Charles Young Nancy Pisicchio, Vice Chair Charla Thompson Vacant 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, July 14, 2026
TIME: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION: West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, Building G (Community Meeting Hale) 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
ZOOM: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/v2QZv267SAOLYOBfYvlKIA
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. 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. 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. Please specify the agenda item for which written testimony is being submitted. All written
testimony will be a part of the public record and may be submitted by email or hard copy. Hard copy submissions should include one original and nine copies.
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AGENDA
I. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL
II. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: The AC will consider approving the draft minutes from the June 9, 2026 meeting.
III. PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS: Pursuant to Section 92-3, HRS, interested persons may provide oral testimony either at this time or when the applicable agenda item is called.
IV. THIRD-PARTY REPORTS; GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS: The AC may receive and
discuss information from third-party reports by any government official not included in a publicly noticed agenda. The AC may only make decisions on matters originally raised by third-party reports from any government official at a later meeting, where the agenda provides notice of decision-making on the matter.
V. BUSINESS
1. Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Update: Presentation by Franny Brewer regarding the status of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) in Kona, including an overview of Interim Rule 26-1 issued by the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, current detection and response efforts, and opportunities for community involvement
in CRB detection and removal. The AC may ask questions, discuss the presentation, and consider potential action, including providing recommendations or authorizing correspondence related to CRB response efforts.
2. Road Priorities: Discussion regarding transportation priorities identified in the Kona CDP, including the Kahului-Keauhou Parkway and Lako Street Extension. The AC
may consider potential action, including requesting that the Director of the Department of Public Works provide an update at a future meeting on the status, planned implementation, and anticipated timeline for these transportation projects.
3. Water Resources: Discussion regarding water resource planning and infrastructure considerations affecting the Kona CDP area. The AC may consider potential action,
including requesting that the Manager-Chief Engineer of the Department of Water Supply attend a future meeting to provide an overview of Kona’s water resources, current planning efforts, and available public information resources.
4. Kona CDP Refresher and Future Comprehensive Review Process: Discussion regarding a refresher on the Kona CDP, including its purpose, priorities, and role in
guiding AC work. The AC may also discuss and brainstorm preliminary considerations
for a future comprehensive review process.
5. Bill 147 Update: Update on recent Planning Commission hearings regarding Bill 147, relating to transient accommodations, followed by discussion and deliberation regarding the Kona CDP AC’s prior position on Bill 147. The AC may review related
testimony included in the meeting packet and may consider authorizing the Chair, or another designated Committee member, to provide oral testimony at the upcoming Leeward Planning Commission meeting to clarify the AC’s position and respond to prior testimony.
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6. Holomua Marine Initiative – Request for Presentation: Discussion regarding the Holomua Marine Initiative and whether the Kona CDP AC should request a future
informational presentation from the State of Hawaiʻi Division of Aquatic Resources
(DAR). The presentation would help Committee members better understand the initiative, its potential relationship to Kona CDP goals and priorities, and whether the Committee may wish to consider future recommendations or other appropriate action at a later meeting.
VI. PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA
VII. PROPOSED NEW BUSINESS: The AC will discuss potential agenda items for future meetings.
VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS
• The Planning Department is seeking applicants for the Kona CDP Action Committee. The application can be found on the Mayor’s office website at: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/boards-and-commissions
• The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 11, 2026
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
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.
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, 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.
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Meeting Packet QR Code: KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE JOHN PELLETIER, Chair
KONA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1
ACTION COMMITTEE 2
COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI 3
DRAFT MINUTES 4
June 9, 2026 5
Call to Order 6
Chair John Pelletier called the meeting of the Kona Community Development Plan (CDP) 7
Action Committee (AC) to order at 12:05 p.m. The meeting was held in person at the West 8
Hawaiʻi Civic Center – Building G and online via the Zoom platform. 9
The full YouTube video of this meeting can be found here: 10
https://youtu.be/1EVKjdax-UQ?si=ejDOgREESIzpT-BH 11
Roll Call 12
Members Present (in person): 13
• John Pelletier, Chair 14
• Nancy Pisicchio, Vice Chair 15
• Raymond “RJ” Kirchner 16
• Shane Palacat-Nelsen (arrived at approximately 12:11 p.m.) 17
• Charla Thompson 18
Members Present (via Zoom): Charles Young 19
Members Absent: Roselyn Molina 20
Planning Department Staff Present: 21
• Jeffrey Deason 22
• Maryam Palma 23
• Janice Hata 24
• Kawelo Kalili (via Zoom) 25
• Jessica Lahip (via Zoom) 26
Deputy Corporation Counsel Jean Campbell was present via Zoom. 27
There were approximately six members of the public in attendance (two in person and 28
four via Zoom). 29
Approval of Minutes 30
Chair Pelletier requested approval of the May 12, 2026 draft meeting minutes at 31
approximately 12:09 p.m. Vice Chair Pisicchio moved to approve the minutes, and 32
Committee Member Kirchner seconded the motion. There being no discussion or 33
KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Minutes of June 9, 2026
2
corrections, the Committee voted unanimously to approve the May 12, 2026 draft meeting 34
minutes. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 03:34] 35
Public Testimony on Agenda Items 36
Chair Pelletier called for public testimony on agenda items at approximately 12:09 p.m. 37
[SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 04:11] 38
Josephine Keliʻipio testified regarding Bill 66 and the Draft General Plan 2045. She stated 39
that she believed climate change should not be used as a guiding policy in General Plan 40
2045 and expressed concern that climate change could be used to explain recent 41
disasters without encouraging critical thinking about their causes. [SEE YOUTUBE 42
TIMESTAMP 04:35] 43
Janice Palma Glennie testified via Zoom regarding Bill 147. She stated that Bill 147 was 44
complicated and does not achieve what many residents want it to do and urged stronger 45
limits on short-term vacation rentals to support affordable and workforce housing. She 46
suggested limiting short-term vacation rentals to resort nodes, with an exception where 47
the homeowner lives on site, and stated that hosted use is not the same as an owner living 48
on site. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 06:26] 49
Chair Pelletier acknowledged written testimony from Lauray Walsh regarding Bill 147, 50
which was attached to the meeting packet. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 08:26] 51
Third-Party Reports; Government Officials 52
Pursuant to Hawaiʻi Senate Bill 405 (2025), signed into law as Act 72, the AC may receive 53
and discuss information from third-party reports by any government official not included 54
in the publicly noticed agenda, but may not make decisions on matters raised through 55
such reports until a later meeting with proper notice. Chair Pelletier called for third-party 56
reports from government officials. No third-party reports were presented. [SEE YOUTUBE 57
TIMESTAMP 08:41] 58
Business 59
1. Introduction to the Tree City USA Program: Presentation by Leʻa Kaʻahaʻaina of the 60
Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program regarding the Tree City USA 61
program, including an overview of the program’s purpose, eligibility requirements, 62
benefits, and opportunities for community participation. Discussion and potential 63
action to follow. 64
This item was called to order at approximately 12:14 p.m. Chair Pelletier asked whether 65
anyone wished to testify on this agenda item. No public testimony was provided. [SEE 66
YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 08:54] 67
Leʻa Kaʻahaʻaina introduced Kaulunani, the State of Hawaiʻi Urban and Community 68
Forestry Program housed within the Department of Land and Natural Resources, 69
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Division of Forestry and Wildlife. She stated that Kaulunani supports Hawaiʻi 70
communities in cultivating well-being and resilience through relationships with trees 71
and forests where people live, work, learn, and play. She described community forests 72
as including trees in parks, along streets, in yards and subdivisions, on school 73
campuses, and in other public spaces, and stated that trees support water and air 74
quality, climate resilience, equity, food security, human health, education, the 75
economy, and community safety. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 10:23] 76
Ms. Kaʻahaʻaina explained that Tree City USA is an annual national recognition 77
program administered by the Arbor Day Foundation to raise awareness of community 78
trees, set foundational standards, and celebrate community improvement. She 79
described the four standards for participation: a tree board or department with legal 80
authority and responsibility for public tree care decisions; a public tree care ordinance; 81
annual spending of at least $2 per capita on urban forestry; and an Arbor Day 82
observance with a proclamation. She stated that counties in Hawaiʻi are a strong fit for 83
the program because Hawaiʻi does not have incorporated cities in the same way as 84
many mainland states. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 13:50] 85
Ms. Kaʻahaʻaina reported that Hawaiʻi County was recognized as a Tree City USA 86
community for 2025. She thanked Committee Member Thompson for spearheading 87
the application and acknowledged support from the AC, Planning Department staff, 88
Kaulunani, the Outdoor Circle, County Council members, and the Mayor. She stated 89
that Hawaiʻi County met the Tree City standards through the Mayor’s Arborist Advisory 90
Committee, the County’s exceptional tree ordinance, Department of Parks and 91
Recreation tree-related expenditures, and County plant giveaways and Arbor Day 92
messaging supported by a mayoral proclamation. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 19:14] 93
Ms. Kaʻahaʻaina identified near-term opportunities for growth, including designating 94
who will prepare the annual Tree City application, supporting updates to the 95
exceptional tree law and related ordinances, considering expansion of the Arborist 96
Advisory Committee’s role, and increasing support from the Mayor and County 97
Council. She identified longer-term opportunities including broader tree care 98
ordinances, filling or refining a County arborist position, and pursuing a Tree City 99
Growth Award. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 24:53] 100
Committee Member Palacat-Nelsen asked how the Tree City program avoids 101
introducing invasive species or selects trees appropriate to local conditions. Ms. 102
Kaʻahaʻaina stated that Tree City USA does not prescribe a specific invasive-species 103
mechanism, but communities can use ordinances or expenditures to support native 104
species, remove invasive species, and tailor the program to local needs. [SEE 105
YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 31:20] 106
Chair Pelletier asked about the vacant County arborist position referenced in the 107
presentation. Ms. Kaʻahaʻaina stated that her understanding was that the position was 108
in the Department of Parks and Recreation, though she was not certain whether its 109
KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
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4
status had changed. Chair Pelletier stated that the AC could research the status and 110
potentially consider a future letter to the Mayor if a position exists and remains unfilled. 111
[SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 33:05] 112
Public questions via Zoom asked what “incorporated community” means and who 113
chooses which trees are planted. Ms. Kaʻahaʻaina explained that eligible communities 114
must have a governing structure able to adopt and enforce ordinances, laws, or 115
policies, and that tree selection would be guided by County plans, the tree care board, 116
and professional staff. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 33:59] 117
Committee Member Young asked about the $2 per capita expenditure standard, 118
County budgets, and tree maintenance contracting at Hoʻokena Beach Park facilities 119
managed through agreements with Parks and Recreation. Ms. Kaʻahaʻaina responded 120
that the $2 per capita amount is a minimum and that in other counties a professional 121
arborist or urban forestry staff position often manages tree care budgets, contracts, 122
and standards. Committee members and public participants also discussed volunteer 123
maintenance, liability, tree safety, tree trimming, and the need to protect trees while 124
maintaining public safety. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 35:58] 125
No formal action was taken. This item concluded at approximately 12:49 p.m. 126
2. Urban Forestry Presentation: Presentation by Jill Wagner, forester and tree advocate, 127
regarding urban forestry and tree stewardship efforts in cities around the world, 128
including strategies for improving county tree maintenance practices, appropriate 129
species selection, and long-term urban forestry management to support climate 130
resilience and watershed health. Discussion and potential action to follow. 131
This item was called to order at approximately 12:49 p.m. Before the presentation, 132
Committee Member Young suggested that the AC consider a future letter supporting 133
the filling of the County arborist position. Chair Pelletier stated that additional research 134
should be done first to determine the specific status of the position. No public 135
testimony was provided on this item before the presentation. [SEE YOUTUBE 136
TIMESTAMP 43:27] 137
Jill Wagner, forester, tree advocate, and chair of the Hawaiʻi County Arborist Advisory 138
Committee, gave a presentation on urban forestry and tree stewardship. She 139
acknowledged the Outdoor Circle’s history of beautification, tree planting, opposition 140
to billboards, and support for the exceptional tree law. She then described the global 141
movement to green cities and stated that urban trees are increasingly recognized as 142
important to quality of life, climate resilience, public health, and community well-being. 143
[SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 44:54] 144
Ms. Wagner described examples of communities with substantial tree canopies and 145
discussed the relationship between urban tree cover, heat, and public comfort. She 146
stated that shade beneath trees can be significantly cooler than direct sunlight, that 147
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tree planting is an important climate mitigation strategy, and that trees also contribute 148
to water and watershed health. She discussed research on forest ecology, tree 149
communication, roots, mycorrhizal networks, and the ways trees can affect human 150
stress and health. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 47:31] 151
Ms. Wagner presented photos of trees on Manawalea Street and Walua Trail that she 152
believed had been severely over-pruned or cut back. She stated that harsh pruning 153
can remove shade, prevent trees from retaining natural form, and lead to weak 154
regrowth that is more vulnerable to wind damage. She also showed examples from 155
other communities where root conflicts were addressed by building around trees 156
rather than removing them, and she encouraged thoughtful maintenance practices. 157
[SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 57:40] 158
Ms. Wagner suggested that the County could benefit from advisory support on species 159
selection, size at maturity, planting location, maintenance standards, and coordination 160
with County offices and community groups. She stated that community partnerships, 161
including with the Outdoor Circle and other organizations, could support tree planting 162
and maintenance. She also stated that not all trees in urban settings need to be native, 163
but species should be selected carefully for site suitability, safety, noninvasiveness, 164
and long-term function. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:00:01] 165
Vice Chair Pisicchio described seeing a large tree canopy over an urban street on 166
Oʻahu and stated that the Kona CDP’s goals for transit accommodation, multimodal 167
transportation, higher-density development, and urban core planning should include 168
green space and trees. She stated that new development should not be planned 169
without accounting for trees and green space, and she supported a County tree plan 170
that addresses species selection and proper maintenance training. [SEE YOUTUBE 171
TIMESTAMP 01:03:44] 172
Committee Member Palacat-Nelsen asked whether the data and examples presented 173
included traditional ecological knowledge. Ms. Wagner stated that she did not know 174
the specifics of how traditional ecological knowledge was incorporated into those 175
examples. Committee Member Palacat-Nelsen emphasized the importance of 176
including traditional ecological knowledge and a balanced process in any County tree 177
management plan. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:05:41] 178
Chair Pelletier asked whether the Arborist Advisory Committee would support taking 179
on expanded responsibilities related to urban tree care. Ms. Wagner stated that, as 180
chair of the Arborist Advisory Committee, she would support that direction and 181
believed the committee could help advise on tree care, maintenance, taxonomy, and 182
appropriate species selection. Vice Chair Pisicchio noted that Maui County’s arborist 183
committee has broader duties and suggested that the AC could work with Ms. Wagner 184
on a possible legislative package to expand Hawaiʻi County’s Arborist Advisory 185
Committee responsibilities. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:07:23] 186
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Public discussion included comments from Janice Palma Glennie regarding the 187
importance of shade along the Kona Open Space Network [SEE YOUTUBE 188
TIMESTAMP 01:11:22] 189
Committee Member Kirchner asked whether tree planting could be considered along 190
Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway to improve the appearance of the entry into Kona. Ms. 191
Wagner stated that such an effort could be valuable if species were selected 192
thoughtfully for drier conditions. Committee Member Palacat-Nelsen noted that some 193
community members have historically preferred open ocean view planes and the 194
natural lava landscape, and again emphasized that traditional ecological knowledge 195
should be part of planning decisions. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:14:27] 196
A Zoom participant asked about tree barriers and root conflicts with asphalt, roads, 197
plumbing, and urban development. Ms. Wagner responded that tree roots are 198
generally equivalent to the tree’s crown size and that urban forestry decisions should 199
match species, root behavior, canopy size, and available space to the planting site. 200
[SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:22:44] 201
No motion was made and no formal action was taken. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 202
01:24:50] 203
This item concluded at approximately 1:30 p.m. 204
3. Hawaiʻi County Council Bill 66 (Draft 2), Relating to the County of Hawaiʻi General 205
Plan 2045: The AC will discuss Bill 66 (Draft 2), including updates from the first and 206
second readings before the Hawaiʻi County Council and potential implications for the 207
Kona CDP. The AC may consider and take action, including the submission of 208
testimony to the County Council. 209
This item was called to order at approximately 1:31 p.m. Chair Pelletier asked whether 210
anyone wished to testify on Bill 66 and noted the earlier testimony provided by 211
Josephine Keliʻipio. No additional public testimony was provided on this item. [SEE 212
YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:25:02] 213
Chair Pelletier reported that Bill 66 had passed two readings before the County Council 214
and was with the Mayor for action. He stated that the Mayor’s deadline had not yet 215
passed and discussed the possibility that the Mayor might decline to sign the bill or 216
veto it. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:25:44] 217
Vice Chair Pisicchio reflected on the public testimony submitted to the Council and 218
stated that much of it appeared to reflect a lack of trust in government. She stated that 219
the “silent majority” may also reflect lack of trust because some residents do not 220
believe testifying will make a difference. She stated that the AC can serve as an 221
interface between residents, local government, and planning processes to show that 222
participation can achieve results. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:26:29] 223
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Committee members discussed possible future General Plan amendments after 224
adoption. Chair Pelletier and Vice Chair Pisicchio stated that future amendments would 225
likely follow the normal amendment process and would need to be introduced through 226
the County Council. Committee Member Thompson asked whether important 227
amendments could move more quickly, and Committee Member Palacat-Nelsen 228
stated that the process is part of democracy even when it is frustrating. [SEE 229
YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:28:01] 230
Janice Palma Glennie commented on the importance of CDP AC outreach and 231
suggested that, after the General Plan discussion settles, the AC could focus on a few 232
necessary changes and bring in additional community voices. [SEE YOUTUBE 233
TIMESTAMP 01:31:29] 234
No motion was made and no action was taken. This item concluded at approximately 235
1:39 p.m. 236
4. Hawaiʻi County Council Bill 147, Relating to Transient Accommodations: The AC 237
will discuss Bill 147, including potential implications for the Kona CDP. Potential action 238
to follow. 239
This item was called to order at approximately 1:39 p.m. Chair Pelletier asked whether 240
anyone wished to testify on Bill 147. No additional public testimony was provided 241
beyond earlier testimony and the written testimony already acknowledged. [SEE 242
YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:33:10] 243
Chair Pelletier reported that, since the AC’s prior meeting, the AC’s testimony on Bill 244
147 had been submitted to both the Windward and Leeward Planning Commissions. 245
He stated that the Windward Planning Commission had discussed the bill and deferred 246
action, with much of that meeting’s testimony focused on transient accommodations 247
on agricultural land. He also noted newspaper coverage of the AC’s testimony and 248
stated that the Leeward Planning Commission had lacked quorum at its last meeting 249
and might discuss Bill 147 at a later meeting, possibly June 30 if placed on the agenda. 250
[SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:33:42] 251
Committee Member Thompson asked about enforcement and whether hosted 252
vacation rentals that do not conform to neighborhood character could be addressed. 253
Committee Member Palacat-Nelsen stated that short-term rentals had changed the 254
culture of his traditional fishing village and made land unaffordable for many local 255
families. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:36:12] 256
Committee Member Young raised concerns about enforcement capacity, funding, and 257
monitoring of online advertisements. He stated that the County should be able to 258
compare online listings with permitted or registered vacation rentals and should not 259
rely solely on penalties to fund enforcement. Vice Chair Pisicchio stated that other 260
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jurisdictions require official registration numbers for online postings and fine platforms 261
that allow unregistered listings. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:39:21] 262
Committee Member Kirchner stated that County enforcement is a broader problem 263
across several areas. He stated that many short-term rentals are purchased by people 264
who do not live in the community, who then use the rental income to support 265
occasional personal use while increasing housing prices and rents. [SEE YOUTUBE 266
TIMESTAMP 01:45:46] 267
Committee members and public participants discussed reasons property owners may 268
choose short-term rentals over long-term rentals, including the ability to use the unit 269
for part of the year and concerns about difficult long-term tenants, eviction, and 270
damage. Chair Pelletier stated that encouraging long-term rentals is important for 271
teachers, workers, and the broader community, and that the AC could continue 272
examining disincentives to long-term rental housing. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 273
01:47:01] 274
No motion was made and no action was taken. This item concluded at approximately 275
2:00 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:54:24] 276
5. Holomua Marine Initiative Talk Story Update: AC Member Charles Young will 277
provide an update regarding recent community talk story sessions held across Hawaiʻi 278
Island and ongoing efforts related to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, 279
Division of Aquatic Resources Holomua Marine Initiative. Discussion may follow. For 280
more information, visit the following link: 281
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/holomua/hawai%ca%bbi-island-talk-story-events/ 282
This item was called to order at approximately 2:00 p.m. Chair Pelletier asked whether 283
anyone wished to testify on this agenda item. No public testimony was provided. [SEE 284
YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:54:32] 285
Committee Member Young stated that the Holomua Marine Initiative is primarily under 286
the jurisdiction of the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Division of 287
Aquatic Resources, but he emphasized that County decisions also affect the ocean. 288
He stated that land and ocean health are connected, and that the County and State 289
should work across jurisdictional silos because land use decisions, water use, 290
wastewater, golf course runoff, and other land-based activities affect nearshore 291
resources. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:55:11] 292
Committee Member Young summarized the Holomua process, including the formation 293
of a Navigation Team, or NAV team, intended to represent districts or regions around 294
the island and eventually make recommendations to the Division of Aquatic Resources 295
on management tools. He stated that the process stems from the 30x30 initiative 296
announced by Governor Ige in 2016, which has evolved into Holomua, and that 2030 297
is not necessarily a fixed deadline. He noted that nominations for the NAV team are 298
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open and encouraged AC members to follow the process, network with interested 299
community members, and provide feedback through the Holomua website. [SEE 300
YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:58:08] 301
Committee Member Palacat-Nelsen described the connection between the Kona CDP 302
and Holomua through traditional ecological knowledge, including the principle that 303
what happens on land also happens in the ocean. He discussed coral restoration work 304
in Kealakekua, impacts from land use and development, and the need for the County 305
to understand Holomua because future ocean management policies may affect County 306
zoning, development, transportation-oriented development, and housing decisions. 307
[SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:01:32] 308
Committee Member Palacat-Nelsen stated that Holomua is part of a broader 309
international movement to improve ocean management and that meetings across the 310
island have focused on the characteristics and responsibilities of NAV team members 311
and on how jurisdictional boundaries should be defined. He stated that he had 312
recommended using CDP districts as a model, with separate North and South Kona 313
representation, because existing districts can reflect place-based knowledge. [SEE 314
YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:04:18] 315
Public and committee discussion considered whether CDP districts could be an 316
appropriate model for Holomua representation. Committee Member Young stated that 317
a CDP-based model could make sense because land-use decisions in each district 318
may affect ocean resources, and because cross-jurisdictional communication could 319
help prevent impacts to the ocean from decisions made on land. He stated that the AC 320
could consider a future recommendation to the Division of Aquatic Resources, while 321
recognizing that the AC is not part of DAR. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:07:26] 322
Chair Pelletier stated that the Holomua matter could be placed on the next agenda, 323
including potential discussion of a recommendation to the Division of Aquatic 324
Resources. Committee Member Palacat-Nelsen offered to help draft language. No 325
motion was made and no action was taken. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:12:35] 326
This item concluded at approximately 2:19 p.m. 327
Public Testimony on Matters Not on the Agenda 328
Chair Pelletier called for public testimony on matters not on the agenda at approximately 329
2:19 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:13:52] 330
Janice Palma Glennie testified via Zoom regarding the Keauhou resort proposal. She 331
stated that the discussions about land, ocean, trees, and Holomua reinforced her concern 332
that the proposed development could have lasting impacts on the land and ocean. She 333
noted an upcoming Third Circuit Court hearing regarding the project. [SEE YOUTUBE 334
TIMESTAMP 02:14:17] 335
KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Minutes of June 9, 2026
10
Committee members also discussed future opportunities for public and AC input when 336
special management area applications are submitted and reviewed by the Leeward 337
Planning Commission. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:15:30] 338
Proposed New Business 339
This item was called to order at approximately 2:24 p.m. Committee Member Kirchner 340
requested that the next agenda include discussion of whether to invite the Director of the 341
Department of Water Supply to discuss water infrastructure capacity, any studies of that 342
capacity, and the Department’s understanding of the sustainable capacity of the aquifer. 343
He also requested discussion of whether to invite the Director of Public Works to discuss 344
the Lako Street extension, the Kahului-Keauhou Parkway, possible alternatives, and other 345
transportation-related uses. Committee members expressed support for considering 346
letters or invitations to the directors, while noting that the next agenda discussion would 347
be about whether to invite them, not the merits of the underlying water or roadway issues. 348
[SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:18:55] 349
Chair Pelletier stated that Bill 147 and the Holomua Marine Initiative would be placed on 350
the next agenda. Committee members also discussed placing the Keauhou resort matter 351
on the agenda if SMA applications are submitted before the agenda deadline. [SEE 352
YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:21:28] 353
Chair Pelletier stated that additional agenda items may be emailed to the Chair, Vice Chair, 354
and the CDP team at CDP@hawaiicounty.gov. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:24:26] 355
Announcements 356
Chair Pelletier announced upcoming Mālama ʻAimakapā Community Workdays at Kaloko-357
Honokōhau National Historical Park. Workdays were scheduled for Thursday, June 11, 358
Thursday, July 9, and Saturday, July 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE 359
TIMESTAMP 02:24:35] 360
Chair Pelletier announced that the Kona International Airport master plan update meeting 361
was scheduled for Monday, June 22, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Council 362
Chambers. He stated that airport representatives had expressed a desire to align the 363
master plan update with the Kona CDP. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:24:55] 364
The Planning Department is seeking applicants for the Kona CDP Action Committee. The 365
application can be found on the Mayor’s office website at: 366
https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/boards-and-commissions 367
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, 2026. 368
Adjournment 369
Chair Pelletier adjourned the meeting at approximately 2:31 p.m. 370
KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Minutes of June 9, 2026
11
These minutes and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s Kona 371
Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi Public 372
Documents Repository. These documents may also be requested from the Planning 373
Department by calling (808) 961-8288 or emailing CDP@hawaiicounty.gov. 374
HEATHER L. KIMBALL Phone: (808)961-8828
Council District 1 (North Hilo, Fax: ( 808)961-8912
Hamiikua, and portion of Waimea) Email:Heather.Kimball@hawaiicountv.gov
HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL
25 Aupuni Street, Ste. 1402
Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
DATE: June 29, 2026
TO: Leeward Planning Commission, Chair Dean Au
Windward Planning Commission, Chair Louis Daniele, III
and Members of the Leeward and Windward Planning Commissions
FROM: Heather L. Kimball, Council Member
Council District 1
SUBJECT: Unhosted Transient Vacation Rental in RM Zoning
Aloha Chair Au, Chair Daniele, and members of the Leeward and Windward Planning
Commissions,
Testimony regarding Bill 147 relating to Transient Accommodations from the Kona CDP Action
Committee seemed to indicate that this bill was changing existing County Code to allow for
unhosted transient vacation rentals or Short-Term Vacation Rentals (STVRs) in the Residential
Multi-Family Zoning District (RM). On the contrary, Bill 147 does not change the permitted use
of STVRs in RM.
Under the current County Code, STVRs are permitted in RM in Resort or Resort Nodes, and in
other areas when under a Condominium Property Regime (CPR) pursuant to Hawai`i Revised
Statutes, Chapter 514B.
However, since this issue was raised by the Kona CDP Action Committee, the Council may
benefit from the discussion for this issue by the Planning Commissions before the bill is returned
to Council for consideration. For the purposes of discussion only, the amendment to the bill
would be as follows:
Section 25-4- . Short-term vacation rentals; where permitted; nonconforming use
certificate.
a) An STVR is permitted in the following zoning districts:
1) [RM,] V, CG, CN, CV, and CDH;
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Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
I.COPY
Communication No. 2026-11
2) Any residential district[, other tha DM,] that is wholly situated within any of
the following:
A) A Resort or Resort Node area, as designated in the General Plan; or
B) An area designated as Open in the General Plan that is adjacent to an
area identified in subparagraph (A) and that is located along the
shoreline; and
3) A project district,where consistent with the uses allowed in the underlying
zoning district.
b) An STVR is not permitted in a multiple-family dwelling, unless the dwelling is
defined and governed as a condominium property regime under the Hawaii
Revised Statutes, chapter 514B.
c) In any district or area not identified in subsection (a), an STVR may operate with a
nonconforming use certificate issued pursuant to Ordinance No. 18-114 [7] or, in the
RM district, provided the STVR was in operation prior to the effective date of this
ordinance.
d) In the event that the director, pursuant to section 6- of this Code,cancels the TVR
registration of a TVR operating under a nonconforming use certificate, such
cancellation shall also cause and constitute revocation of the nonconforming use
certificate.
e) An STVR operating under a nonconforming use certificate may increase the
number of bedrooms available to rent; provided that the number of rooms available
to rent does not exceed five and that the owner registers the change with the
director.
This amendment would only allow new STVRs in RM districts that are in Resorts or Resort
Nodes, and grandfather in existing STVRs in RM districts. In addition to the language changes
above, Section 19 of Bill 147 would also need to be removed.
In conclusion, I am presenting this to the commissions exclusively for the purposes of discussion
based on the testimony received. Since the Council seriously considers the recommendations of
the Planning Commissions as part of our deliberations, I respectfully ask that you provide us
with your guidance on this issue with respect to Bill 147.
Mahalo.
HLK:dbk
cc: Director Jeffrey Darrow, Planning Department
DATE: July 14, 2026
TO: Leeward Planning Commission, Chair Dean Au and Members of the Leeward Planning
Commission
SUBJECT: Bill 147: Unhosted Transient Vacation Rentals
Aloha Chair Au and members of the Leeward Planning Commission,
We appreciate the discussion that followed the Kona Community Development Plan Action
Committee's May 14, 2026 testimony regarding Bill 147 and would like to clarify our
recommendations in light of Councilmember Heather Kimball's June 29, 2026 testimony.
As stated in our previous testimony, the Kona Community Development Plan’s Action
Committee recommends amending Bill 147 to exclude unhosted vacation rentals as an
allowable use in the Multiple-Family Residential (RM) districts. In response to Councilmember
Kimball's June 29 testimony, we understand that Bill 147 does not change the permitted use of
STVRs in RM. However, we suggest that the introduction of Bill 147 presents an opportunity to
correct a housing policy adopted in 2019 through Bill 108, which made STVRs a permitted use in
the RM district. With that in mind, the Action Committee supports the language
Councilmember Kimball provided that reads:
c) In any district or area not identified in subsection (a), an STVR may operate with a
nonconforming use certificate issued pursuant to Ordinance No. 18- 114 [.] or, in the RM
district, provided the STVR was in operation prior to the effective date of this ordinance.
In addition, the Action Committee also recommends amending Bill 147 to remove unhosted
vacation rentals as an allowable use in the Neighborhood Commercial (CN) districts. Please note
that STVRs are currently not permitted within Neighborhood Commercial (CN) districts under
HCC Section 25-4-16 (1) (A). We do not believe it is in the best interests of the County to further
expand STVRs into additional Districts, as is being recommended in Bill 147.
We suggest that consideration of STVRs as a permitted use within the CDH, Downtown Hilo
Commercial District, be deferred until the future South Hilo Community Development Plan is
adopted.
The language below offers our proposed amendments to Bill 147:
Section 25- 4- . Short-term vacation rentals; where permitted; nonconforming use certificate.
a) An STVR is permitted in the following zoning districts:
1) [ RM,] V, CG, [CN,] CV, [and CDH];
Communication No. 2026-12
2) Any residential district [, other than RM,] that is wholly situated within any of
the following:
A) A Resort or Resort Node area, as designated in the General Plan; or
B) An area designated as Open in the General Plan that is adjacent to an
area identified in subparagraph (A) and that is located along the
shoreline; and
3) A project district, where consistent with the uses allowed in the underlying
zoning district.
b) An STVR is not permitted in a multiple-family dwelling, unless the dwelling is defined
and governed as a condominium property regime under the Hawaii Revised Statutes,
chapter 514B.
c) In any district or area not identified in subsection (a), an STVR may operate with a
nonconforming use certificate issued pursuant to Ordinance No. 18- 114 [.] or, in the RM
district, provided the STVR was in operation prior to the effective date of this ordinance.
d) In the event that the director, pursuant to section 6- of this Code, cancels the TVR
registration of a TVR operating under a nonconforming use certificate, such cancellation
shall also cause and constitute revocation of the nonconforming use certificate.
e) An STVR operating under a nonconforming use certificate may increase the number of
bedrooms available to rent; provided that the number of rooms available to rent does
not exceed five and that the owner registers the change with the director.
Mahalo for your consideration.
Ke aloha nō,
John Pelletier, Chair
Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee