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Home My WebLink About2026-07-02 Windward Planning Commission Written Summary MinutesPage 1 of 8 Windward Planning Commission July 2, 2026, Written Summary Minutes WINDWARD PLANNING COMMISSION COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I WRITTEN SUMMARY MINUTES JULY 2, 2026 A video recording is made part of these minutes, which can be viewed on the YouTube County of Hawai‘i Planning Department channel at https://youtube.com/live/QoK7FH0kgHs Timestamps are provided for reference in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 92, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes. In the event the video recording becomes unavailable at the above-mentioned URL address, the public can contact the Planning Department for assistance. The Windward Planning Commission met in regular session on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 9:06 a.m., in the County of Hawai‘i, Council Chambers, located at 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawai‘i, with Chairman Louis Daniele III presiding. This meeting was streamed live on YouTube. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Louis Daniele III (Chairperson), Lauren Balog (from 9:19 a.m.), Thomas E. Fratinardo, JoNelle Fukushima, Paul Montz, and Chantel Perrin (Vice Chair). COMMISSIONER ABSENT AND EXCUSED: Kanoe Wilson. ALSO PRESENT: Diana Mellon-Lacey, Esq. (Counsel to the Commission), Jeffrey Darrow (Planning Director), and Planning Department staff. The meeting was called to order at 9:06 a.m. by Chairman Louis Daniele III with a quorum present. Approximately seventeen members of the public were in the audience. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:43] APPROVAL OF MINUTES [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 03:45] At 9:09 a.m., Chairman Daniele addressed the minutes of May 6, 2026 regular meeting, the May 14, 2026 Special Meeting and the June 5, 2026 regular meeting, including executive session minutes. No corrections were offered. Vice Chair Chantel Perrin moved to approve the minutes as circulated. Commissioner JoNelle Fukushima seconded the motion, and it was carried unanimously by voice vote. Page 2 of 8 Windward Planning Commission July 2, 2026, Written Summary Minutes STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 04:47] At 9:09 a.m., the Commission addressed this item with approximately ten members of the public present. One individual provided in-person testimony. Due to technical issues with Zoom, at 9:14 a.m. the Chairman called for a recess [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 09:47], and the hearing reconvened at 9:17 a.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 12:45] The Chairman resumed the meeting with approximately ten members of the public present and continued receiving testimony via Zoom. Two individuals provided testimony via Zoom on this agenda item. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 12:54] At 9:19 a.m., Commissioner Balog arrived at the meeting. The hearing on this item concluded at 9:26 a.m. NEW BUSINESS 1. APPLICANT: ZAK AI IKAWA SAITO (PL-REZ-2026-000101) [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 22:13] Application for a Change of Zone from a Single-Family Residential-15,000 square feet (RS-15) zoning district to a Single-Family Residential-10,000 square feet (RS- 10) zoning district for a 21,792-square-foot parcel of land. The subject property is located at 283 West Puainako Street, between Iwalani Street and Pohakulani Street, Waiākea, South Hilo, Hawai‘i, TMK: (3) 2-4-014:016. The Commission began consideration of this item at 9:27 a.m., with approximately nine members of the public present. Action: Vice Chair Perrin moved that a favorable recommendation be forwarded to the County Council on the applicant’s request for a Change of Zone from a single-family residential-15,000 square feet (RS-15) zoning district to a single-family residential-10,000 square feet (RS-10) in accordance with the recommendation of the Planning Director. Commissioner Fukushima seconded the motion. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 29:58] With no comments or discussion, a roll call vote was taken. The motion carried with six ayes (Perrin, Fukushima, Balog, Fratinardo, Montz, and Daniele) no noes, and one absent and excused (Wilson). [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 30:49] The hearing on this item concluded at 9:36 a.m. 2. APPLICANTS: KRUA AND BRETT KLINE (PL-SPP-2025-000112) [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 31:38] Application for a Special Permit to legitimize the establishment of food vendors, agricultural training classes, and sale of fresh produce on 1.06 acres of land in the State Land Use Agricultural District. The subject property is located on the mauka Page 3 of 8 Windward Planning Commission July 2, 2026, Written Summary Minutes side of 33rd Avenue, approximately 0.53 miles from its intersection with Maku‘u Drive, Hawaiian Paradise Park Subdivision, Kea‘au, Puna, Hawai‘i, TMK: (3) 1-5- 017:162. At 9:36 a.m., the Commission considered this item with approximately seven members of the public present. This item was deferred due to the Applicant’s failure to complete the second notice to surrounding property owners within the required time frame. The hearing on this item concluded at 9:38 a.m. 3. APPLICANT: PUNALEI MAKAI LIVING TRUST (PL-SMA-2026-000093/ AMEND PL-SMA-2023-000026) [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 33:40] Application to amend Special Management Area Use Permit No. PL-SMA-2023- 000026 to increase the size of the first-farm dwelling from two to four bedrooms, add a family room and bathroom, and enlarge the septic system to accommodate the additional bedrooms on a 9.513-acre shoreline parcel within the Special Management Area. The subject parcel is located at 36-2676 Old Māmalahoa Highway, approximately 1,000 feet south of Stevens Road/Hawaiʻi Belt Road intersection on the east (makai) side of the highway, Waipunalei Homesteads and portion of Kahoahuna Homesteads, North Hilo, Hawaiʻi, TMK: (3) 3-6-005:002. At 9:38 a.m., the Commission considered this item with approximately six members of the public present. Action: Vice Chair Perrin moved that the applicant’s request to amend Special Management Area Use Permit PL-SMA-2023-000026 to increase the size of the first farm dwelling from two to four bedrooms, add a family room and bathroom, and enlarge the septic system on the subject shoreline parcel be approved. Commissioner Fratinardo seconded the motion. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 44:46] With no comments or discussion, a roll call vote was taken. The motion carried with six ayes (Perrin, Fratinardo, Balog, Fukushima, Montz, and Daniele) no noes, and one absent and excused (Wilson). [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 45:58] The hearing on this item concluded at 9:51 a.m. 4. APPLICANT: MARIO ROVIRA (PL-SMA-2026-000092) [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 47:29] Application for a Special Management Area Use Permit to construct a single story, three-bedroom, two-bathroom single-family dwelling and accessory improvements on a 23,087-square foot shoreline parcel within the Special Management Area. The subject property is located on Paradise Ala Kai Road, approximately 500-feet northeast of the intersection of Paradise Ala Kai Drive and Kilika Street, Hawaiian Paradise Park Subdivision, Kea‘au, Puna, Hawaiʻi, TMK: (3) 1-5-059:052. Page 4 of 8 Windward Planning Commission July 2, 2026, Written Summary Minutes At 9:52 a.m., the Commission considered this item with approximately five members of the public present. Action: Vice Chair Perrin moved that the applicant’s request to construct a one (1) story, 1,803 square foot single-family residence and related improvements on the subject shoreline parcel within the Special Management Area be approved, in accordance with the recommendation of the Planning Director and the proposed conditions. Commissioner Fukushima seconded the motion. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 56:30] With no comments or discussion, a roll call vote was taken. The motion carried with six ayes (Perrin, Fukushima, Balog, Fratinardo, Montz, and Daniele) no noes, and one absent and excused (Wilson). [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 57:31] The hearing on this item concluded at 10:03 a.m. At 10:03 a.m. the Chairman called for a recess [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 58:18], and the hearing reconvened at 10:16 a.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:11:07] At 10:16 a.m. Chairman Daniele reconvened the meeting. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:11:07] OLD BUSINESS 5. APPLICANT: TEPPY MOUNTAIN LLC (PL-SPP-2024-000075) [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:11:21] Consideration and adoption of the Commission’s Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, Decision and Order to approve a Special Permit to allow an annual, multi-day festival event with overnight camping for up to 500 attendees and to legitimize the storage of commercial vehicles on a 14.7-acre portion of a larger 1,419.17-acre property in the State Land Use Agricultural District. The subject property is located at 27-476 Indian Tree Road, approximately 0.7 miles west (mauka) of its intersection with Hawaiʻi Belt Road, Alemai to Kawainui, Pāpa‘ikou, South Hilo, Hawaiʻi, TMK: (3) 2-7-007:001 (por.). At 10:16 a.m., the Commission considered this item with approximately four members of the public present. Action: Vice Chair Perrin moved that Commission adopt the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, Decision and Order to the subject case as written. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:13:24] Commissioner Fratinardo seconded the motion. Chairman Daniele opened the floor for Commission comments and discussion. Vice Chair Perrin requested that the Planning Department recap the Findings of Fact. Planning Department staff member Christian Kay explained that the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Decision and Order reflected the information received from the Hearings Officer, together with the Commission's actions and the additional conditions and amendments adopted at the previous hearing. For clarification, Vice Chair Perrin stated that the Commission had already approved the Special Permit and that the item before Page 5 of 8 Windward Planning Commission July 2, 2026, Written Summary Minutes the Commission was to adopt the Findings of Fact in support of the previously approved conditions and amendments. Mr. Kay confirmed that the Commission had already acted on the Special Permit and that the current action was to adopt the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Decision and Order. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:13:45] With no comments or discussion, a roll call vote was taken. The motion carried with six ayes (Perrin, Fratinardo, Balog, Fukushima, Montz, and Daniele) no noes, and one absent and excused (Wilson). [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:15:19] The hearing on this item concluded at 10:20 a.m. 6. INITIATOR: COUNTY COUNCIL (PL-CCI-2026-000016) [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:15:56] Bill 147, an ordinance amending Chapter 2 (Administration), Article 7 and Chapter 25 (Zoning), Article 1, Article 2, Article 4, Article 5 and Article 7 of the Hawaiʻi County Code (2016 Edition, as amended), relating to transient accommodations; repealing Sections 25-4-7 and 25-4-16 through 25-4-16.3, repealing existing provisions relating to bed and breakfast establishments and short-term vacation rentals; and establishing a new regulatory framework for transient vacation rentals, including bed and breakfast uses, with provisions relating to permitted uses, permitting, enforcement, and operational standards. At 10:21 a.m., the Commission considered this item with approximately two members of the public present. Planning Department Director Jeffrey Darrow and staff member Tracie-Lee Camero provided updated information to the Commission that included the Revised Recommendations to #7 and #8 of the department’s Recommendation Report. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:26:01] Councilmember Heather Kimball provided additional information and a PowerPoint presentation. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:28:14] Chairman Daniele opened the floor for questions from the Commissioners to the Planning Department staff and Councilmember Kimball. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:40:09] Action: Commissioner Fratinardo moved that the Commission forward a favorable recommendation of Bill 147 to the County Council inclusive of the recommended changes proposed by the Planning Director. Vice Chair Perrin seconded the motion. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:45:55] Chairman Daniele opened the floor for Commission comments and discussion. Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow requested confirmation that the motion included both the original recommendation and the revised recommendations. Commission Fratinardo confirmed that it did, and Vice Chair Perrin concurred and Chairman Daniele re-read the motion. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:46:37] Page 6 of 8 Windward Planning Commission July 2, 2026, Written Summary Minutes Chairman Daniele commented that, although it was complex, the graphics provided by Councilmember Kimball were very helpful. He noted that people learn in different ways and that the flow charts clearly illustrate the process, making it easier to understand the proposed amendments. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:47:51] Commissioner Fratinardo commented that the public does not have access to the same documents available to the Commission, the County Council, and the Planning Department. He expressed hope that members of the public would listen to the discussions during the meetings to understand what the Commission was considering and to obtain accurate information regarding its actions. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:48:38] Vice Chair Perrin commented that strengthening the proposed measure by addressing gaps and clarifying its provisions was not an easy process, particularly given that many members of the community rely on short-term rental income to help offset the cost of living. She emphasized the need to balance those considerations with the community's housing needs and the availability of housing for local residents. She expressed support for the proposed grandfather provision to allow legally operating short-term vacation rentals a reasonable opportunity to come into compliance during a grace period. Vice Chair Perrin also agreed with Commissioner Fratinardo regarding public accessibility to information and suggested creating a webpage with frequently asked questions to address common concerns and reduce confusion. She concluded by stating that Bill 147 was a positive step toward achieving a better balance between transient accommodations and housing for the local community. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:49:15] Commissioner Fukushima commented that, based on the testimony and recommendations she had reviewed, she believed there should be a distinction between locally owned short-term vacation rentals and those owned by nonresident investors with multiple properties. She suggested that locally owned operators with a single dwelling should not necessarily be subject to the same registration fees and penalties as owners with multiple investment properties. Commissioner Fukushima stated that her comments were intended to support local residents, help them remain in the community, and recognize the challenges associated with Hawaiʻi's housing affordability. She concluded by sharing that this reflected her manaʻo on the matter. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:51:20] With no comments or discussion, a roll call vote was taken. The motion carried with six ayes (Fratinardo, Perrin, Balog, Fukushima, Montz, and Daniele) no noes, and one absent and excused (Wilson). [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:53:06] The hearing on this item concluded at 11:58 a.m. At 11:59.m. the Chairman called for a lunch recess [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:53:34], and the hearing reconvened at 1:00 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 03:55:19] Page 7 of 8 Windward Planning Commission July 2, 2026, Written Summary Minutes NEW BUSINESS 7. INITIATOR: COUNTY COUNCIL (PL-CCI-2026-000017) [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 03:55:32] Bill 154, an ordinance amending Chapter 25 (Zoning), Articles 1, 5, and 7 of the Hawaiʻi County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), relating to commercial parking lots and garages by revising the definition of commercial parking lots and garages, removing such uses from permitted uses within the zoning code, and establishing nonconforming use provisions for existing commercial parking lots and garages. At 1:00 p.m., the Commission considered this item with one member of the public present. Planning Department Director Jeffrey Darrow and staff member Tracie-Lee Camero provided a presentation. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 03:56:49] County Council Chair Dr. Holeka Goro Inaba via Zoom provided additional information. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 04:02:47] Chairman Daniele opened the floor for questions from the Commissioners to the Planning Department staff and Council Chair Inaba. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 04:09:54] Action: Commissioner Fukushima moved to defer consideration of Bill 154 to the next scheduled meeting to allow the Commission additional time to conduct further research. Vice Chair Perrin seconded the motion. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 04:51:32] With no comments or discussion, a roll call vote was taken. The motion carried with six ayes (Fukushima, Perrin, Balog, Fratinardo, Montz, and Daniele) no noes, and one absent and excused (Wilson). [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 04:52:23] The hearing on this item concluded at 1:58 p.m. PLANNING DIRECTOR’S REPORT [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 04:52:59] Report on Special Management Area (SMA) determinations, minor permits action issued by the Planning Director for June 2026. AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 04:53:24] ANNOUNCEMENTS [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 04:53:33] ADJOURNMENT With no further business, Commissioner Fukushima moved, and Commissioner Fratinardo seconded, to adjourn the meeting. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 04:54:30] A voice vote was taken, and the motion carried with six ayes (Perrin, Fratinardo, Balog, Fukushima, Montz and Daniele), no noes, one absent and excused (Wilson). [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 04:54:43] Page 8 of 8 Windward Planning Commission July 2, 2026, Written Summary Minutes Chairman Daniele adjourned the meeting at 2:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Melissa Dacayanan-Salvador Secretary ATTEST: Louis Daniele III, Chairman Windward Planning Commission Melissa Dacayanan-Salvador (Aug 6, 2026 14:34:54 HST) Melis aDciyny --- Svld or (A(u g6,2o,A0 14:3 Louis Daniele III