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Home My WebLink About2026-08-06 Windward Planning Commission Written Summary MinutesPage 1 of 7 Windward Planning Commission August 6, 2026, Written Summary Minutes WINDWARD PLANNING COMMISSION COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I WRITTEN SUMMARY MINUTES AUGUST 6, 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/NFdZMCX0puc 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, August 6, 2026, at 9:11 a.m., in the Hawaiʻi County Office of Aging, Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Training Room, located at 1055 Kino‘ole Street, Suite #101, Hilo, Hawai‘i, with Chairman Louis Daniele III presiding. This meeting was streamed live on YouTube. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Louis Daniele III (Chairperson), Thomas E. Fratinardo, JoNelle Fukushima, and Chantel Perrin (Vice Chair). COMMISSIONERS ABSENT AND EXCUSED: Lauren Balog, Paul Montz, and 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 9:11 a.m. by Chairman Louis Daniele III with a quorum present. Approximately nine members of the public were in the audience. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:04] APPROVAL OF MINUTES [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 03:17] At 9:13 a.m., Chairman Daniele addressed the minutes of the July 2, 2026, regular meeting. No corrections were offered. Vice Chair Chantel Perrin moved to approve the minutes as circulated. Commissioner Thomas Fratinardo seconded the motion, and it was carried unanimously by voice vote. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 04:03] At 9:14 a.m., the Commission addressed this item with approximately nine members of the public present. Three individuals provided in-person testimony, and no testimony was provided via Zoom. Page 2 of 7 Windward Planning Commission August 6, 2026, Written Summary Minutes Statements from the Public concluded at 9:26 a.m. OLD BUSINESS 1. INITIATOR: COUNTY COUNCIL (PL-CCI-2026-000017) [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 15:53] 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. The Commission began consideration of this item at 9:26 a.m., with approximately nine members of the public present. Planning Department Director Jeffrey Darrow and staff member Tracie-Lee Camero provided a brief update to the Commission from the previous meeting, with Council Chair Holeka Goro Inaba participating via Zoom. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 16:52] Chairman Daniele opened the floor for questions from the Commissioners to the Planning Department staff and Council Chair Inaba. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 17:42] Action: Commissioner Fratinardo moved that the Commission forward an unfavorable recommendation of Bill 154 to the County Council, stating that the bill is vague and based on a hypothesis without supporting study. He stated that the bill does not compare the effects of County parking lots with micro parking lots on traffic within Kailua-Kona and that the issue of fairness needs to be addressed. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 44:41] A second was not received; therefore, the motion failed. Commissioner Fukushima moved that the Commission forward a favorable recommendation of Bill 154 to the County Council, excluding the Planning Department’s proposed amendment to retain “commercial parking lots and garages” as a permitted use within the Downtown Hilo Commercial District (CDH). [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 46:37] Vice Chair Perrin seconded the motion. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 47:06] Chairman Daniele opened the floor for Commission comments and discussion. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 47:26] Vice Chair Perrin concurred with Commissioner Fratinardo, stating that there was a lack of evidence to support the bill and that community support for the motion was lacking. She stated that the Commission owed it to the community and to itself to ensure that its decision to support the bill was based on facts rather than hypothesis. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 47:35] Page 3 of 7 Windward Planning Commission August 6, 2026, Written Summary Minutes Commissioner Fratinardo stated that there were two sides to the matter and noted that there were individuals who supported the Planning Director’s recommendations. He stated that there needed to be a starting point for further discussion and questioned whether a study was necessary or whether Kailua-Kona and Hilo should be addressed through separate bills. He stated that the recommendations were good but that there needed to be a nexus for moving forward, beginning with studies for both sides of the island. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 48:35] Vice Chair Perrin then asked whether the County could allow a business that is required to provide a certain number of parking stalls for its patrons to provide additional stalls beyond that requirement and make the additional stalls available to the public or for paid parking. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 49:48] Planning Director Darrow explained that when a business is required to provide a certain number of parking stalls as part of the plan approval process, the Code does not currently prohibit the business from charging for those parking spaces. He noted that there had been discussion about potentially changing the Code to prohibit charging for required parking while allowing businesses to charge for additional parking, but that proposal had not been finalized in the bill. He explained that Bill 154 would change the definition of “commercial parking lot and garage” by revising existing language and removing the provision that the parking lot or garage not be accessory to another use on the same property. He stated that the proposed definition would include privately owned buildings or parking areas providing temporary paid parking, whether the parking was standalone or accessory to another use. He noted that the bill would remove commercial parking lots and garages as an allowed option in certain zoning districts. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 50:45] Planning Director Darrow continued by explaining that, unlike other areas where plan approval typically requires a specified number of parking stalls, Downtown Hilo has no commercial parking requirement. He noted that, because there is no required parking, options need to be available for people to park. He stated that this was the reason the Planning Department proposed removing the provision from the bill to allow commercial parking options in Downtown Hilo. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 53:41] Vice Chair Perrin asked whether there were plans for County parking in the areas discussed. Planning Director Darrow stated that the Department of Public Works and the Mayor’s Office would be the appropriate agencies to contact regarding County parking plans. He noted that he had participated in discussions regarding potential parking areas in Kailua-Kona near existing parking areas and other locations being considered as alternatives. He also noted that the mayor had discussed a potential parking area on Kuakini Street near the Kamehameha Hotel and mentioned that there were also areas being considered in Downtown Hilo. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 54:20] Commissioner Fukushima asked whether there had been discussion regarding the roundabout, parking, and its potential impact on Downtown Hilo. Planning Director Darrow stated that he was not aware of any discussion specifically regarding the impact on parking. He explained that the roundabout was a Department of Transportation project Page 4 of 7 Windward Planning Commission August 6, 2026, Written Summary Minutes intended to improve traffic movement in the area. He noted that projects of this type generally undergo an environmental assessment and believed that one had been completed for the project. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 56:44] Chairman Daniele noted that the Coconut Grove complex in Kailua-Kona previously offered free parking and now has paid parking. He asked whether businesses in the complex validate parking for patrons who park there. Council Chair Inaba stated that it depends on the business, noting that Huggo’s offers two-hour validation. He explained that, where a business does not have an agreement with the property owner, patrons must decide whether to pay for parking or patronize the business. Chairman Daniele then asked whether parking was required for the businesses when the complex was originally developed. Planning Director Darrow responded that it may have been. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 57:41] Commissioner Fratinardo asked at what point Kailua-Kona would be considered metropolitan rather than a village. Planning Director Darrow was unable to provide an answer. Commissioner Fratinardo noted that Honolulu has a dedicated Parking Division and suggested that Hawaiʻi County consider establishing a Parking Division. Council Chair Inaba acknowledged the suggestion but stated that there likely would not be support from the current County Council or administration for creating another County agency and that the County is facing financial challenges in maintaining its existing departments. Commissioner Fratinardo then commented on the traffic pressures and impacts of automobiles on Hawaiʻi Island. He suggested considering ways to address the impacts of increasing automobile use, with the goal of reducing vehicle trips. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 59:21] Commissioner Fukushima commented that Kailua-Kona has limited land and parking, and that paid parking has reduced the availability of free parking for kamaʻāina. She expressed concern about the impact on local residents and businesses. She noted that Hilo faces similar parking and space limitations and stated that the issue is not simply a lack of parking, but how existing parking is used by residents, commuters, and others. She stated that the communities should determine their parking needs, consider who benefits and who is affected, and make responsible decisions based on the information available. She expressed support for the direction of the bill and its effort to protect local residents. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:01:12] Commissioner Fratinardo asked whether regulating prices at commercial parking lots was an issue for the Land Use Commission or the State Legislature. Planning Director Darrow explained that the County’s powers are provided under Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 46, but that there is currently no State law authorizing the County to regulate prices at paid parking facilities. He stated that creating such authority would require State legislation and could be a long-term option to help regulate parking prices and maintain a balance for paid parking facilities. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:04:07] Page 5 of 7 Windward Planning Commission August 6, 2026, Written Summary Minutes Chairman Daniele questioned whether revenue generated from paid parking remains in Hawaiʻi County or goes to Mainland owners. He commented that the economic impact of where the parking revenue is spent should also be considered, particularly if the profits are going to Mainland owners rather than being circulated locally. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:06:02] Prior to the roll call vote, Planning Department staff restated that the motion was to forward a favorable recommendation on Bill 154, specifically excluding Recommendation No. 1 of the Planning Director’s report. Commissioner Fukushima reiterated her motion to forward a favorable recommendation on Bill 154 without the proposed amendment to retain “commercial parking lots and garages” as a permitted use in the Downtown Hilo Commercial District. She further recommended that the County develop a Downtown Hilo public parking and access plan, including an assessment of Bayfront parking. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:07:39] A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried with four ayes (Fukushima, Perrin, Fratinardo, Daniele) no noes, and three absent and excused (Balog, Montz, and Wilson). [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:08:42]: The hearing on this item concluded at 10:19 a.m. At 10:19 a.m. the Chairman called for a recess [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:09:35], and the hearing reconvened at 10:35 a.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:25:29] NEW BUSINESS 2. APPLICANTS: KRUA AND BRETT KLINE (PL-SPP-2025-000112) [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:25:36] 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 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 10:35 a.m., the Commission considered this item with approximately five members of the public present. Action: Commissioner Fratinardo moved that the applicant’s request for a Special Permit to legitimize the establishment of food vendors, agricultural training classes, and sale of produce on 1.06 acres of land in the State Land Use Agricultural District be approved in accordance with the recommendation of the Planning Director and proposed conditions. Vice Chair Perrin seconded the motion. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:45:55] With no comments or discussion, a roll call vote was taken. The motion carried with four ayes (Fratinardo, Perrin, Fukushima, and Daniele) no noes, and three absent and excused (Balog, Montz, and Wilson). [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:46:43] The hearing on this item concluded at 10:57 a.m. Page 6 of 7 Windward Planning Commission August 6, 2026, Written Summary Minutes 3. APPLICANT: RYUTA ICHIKAWA (PL-SPP-2026-000127) [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:47:50] Application for a Special Permit to operate a two-bedroom bed and breakfast with integrated farm education on an 8.96-acre property situated within the State Land Use Agriculture district. The subject parcel is located at 18-4017 N. Pszyk Road, approximately 500 feet north of its intersection with Volcano Road, Portion of Ōlaʻa Reservation Lots, Puna, Hawaiʻi, TMK: (3) 1-8-005:179. At 10:58 a.m., the Commission considered this item with one member of the public present. Action: Vice Chair Perrin moved that the applicant’s request for a Special Permit to operate a two-bedroom bed and breakfast on an 8.96-acre property situated within the State Land Use Agricultural District be approved in accordance with the recommendation of the Planning Director and the proposed conditions. Commissioner Fratinardo seconded the motion. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:56:28] With no comments or discussion, prior to a roll call vote being taken Planning Department staff member Maija Jackson asked whether the motion also included the farm education component in addition to the two-bedroom bed and breakfast. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:57:06] Vice Chair Perrin restated the motion, moving that the applicant’s request for a Special Permit to operate a two-bedroom bed and breakfast on an 8.96-acre property situated within the State Land Use Agricultural be approved in accordance with the recommendation of the Planning Director to include farm education component and proposed conditions. Commissioner Fratinardo second. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:57:37] The motion carried with four ayes (Perrin, Fratinardo, Fukushima, and Daniele) no noes, and three absent and excused (Balog, Montz, and Wilson). [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:58:33] The hearing on this item concluded at 11:09 a.m. PLANNING DIRECTOR’S REPORT [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:59:24] Report on Special Management Area (SMA) determinations, minor permits action issued by the Planning Director for July 2026. ANNOUNCEMENTS [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:59:52] Planning staff member Maija Jackson reported that seven items were tentatively scheduled for the Commission’s next meeting on September 3, 2026. She provided an update on the Petition for Standing for the Special Permit Amendment Application for 130 Holdings, stating that the parties’ mediation was unsuccessful and that arrangements were being made to retain a hearings officer to conduct the contested case hearing. Page 7 of 7 Windward Planning Commission August 6, 2026, Written Summary Minutes ADJOURNMENT With no further business, Commissioner Fratinardo moved, and Vice Chair Perrin seconded, to adjourn the meeting. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:00:53] A voice vote was taken, and the motion carried with four ayes (Fratinardo, Perrin, Fukushima, and Daniele), no noes, three absent and excused (Balog, Montz, and Wilson). [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:01:04] Chairman Daniele adjourned the meeting at 11:11 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Melissa Dacayanan-Salvador Secretary ATTEST: Louis Daniele III, Chairman Windward Planning Commission Melissa Dacayanan-Salvador (Sep 4, 2026 14:03:09 HST) Melis aDciyny --- Svyd or (p(4 ,,2p02(o 6v1 : Louis Daniele III