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Home My WebLink About2026-09-03 Windward Planning Commission Written Summary MinutesPage 1 of 8 Windward Planning Commission September 3, 2026, Written Summary Minutes WINDWARD PLANNING COMMISSION COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I WRITTEN SUMMARY MINUTES SEPTEMBER 3, 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/Kim_BFpc2VM 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, September 3, 2026, at 9:01 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 (Chairman), Thomas E. Fratinardo, JoNelle Fukushima (from 9:02 a.m.), Paul Montz, and Chantel Perrin (Vice Chair left 12:15 p.m.). COMMISSIONERS ABSENT AND EXCUSED: Lauren Balog, and Kanoe Wilson. ALSO PRESENT: Diana Mellon-Lacey, Esq. (Counsel to the Commission), Jeffrey Darrow (Planning Director), Jean Campbell, Esq. (Counsel to the Planning Department), 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 20 members of the public were in the audience. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 00:03] At 9:03 a.m. the Chairman Daniele called for a recess to allow the Commissioners to review additional materials provided at the start of the meeting. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:52]. The hearing reconvened at 9:18 a.m. with approximately 23 members of the public present. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 16:33] APPROVAL OF MINUTES [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 17:16] At 9:18 a.m., Chairman Daniele addressed the minutes of the August 6, 2026, regular meeting. No corrections were offered. Commissioner JoNelle Fukushima moved to approve the minutes as circulated. Vice Chair Chantel Perrin seconded the motion, and it was carried unanimously by voice vote. Page 2 of 8 Windward Planning Commission September 3, 2026, Written Summary Minutes STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 18:10] At 9:19 a.m., the Commission addressed this item with approximately 28 members of the public present. Four individuals provided in-person testimony, and seven individuals provided testimony via Zoom. Statements from the Public concluded at 9:59 a.m. NEW BUSINESS 1. APPLICANT: JP AUTOMOTIVE LLC (PL-REZ-2026-000103/AMEND REZ 09-000097) [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:01:45] Application to amend Change of Zone Ordinance No. 21-45 for a seven (7)-year time extension to Condition D (Complete Construction). Ordinance No. 21-45 rezoned approximately 22,300 square feet of land from a Single-Family Residential–10,000 square feet (RS-10) to Industrial-Commercial Mixed–20,000 square feet (MCX-20) zoning district. The property is located at 513 Kalanikoa Street, approximately 100 feet north of the intersection of Kalanikoa Street and Hualani Street, Waiākea Houselots 1st Series, Hilo, South Hilo, Hawaiʻi, TMK: 2-2- 035:034. The Commission began consideration of this item at 10:03 a.m., with approximately 28 members of the public present. Action: Commissioner Thomas Fratinardo moved that a favorable recommendation be forwarded to the County Council on the applicant’s request to amend Change of Zone Ordinance No. 21-45 for a seven (7) year time extension to Condition D (Complete Construction), in accordance with the recommendation of the Planning Director, subject to his conditions of approval, including the addition of a fair share condition. Vice Chair Perrin seconded the motion. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:09:08] With no comments or discussion, a roll call vote was taken. The motion carried with five ayes (Fratinardo, Perrin, Fukushima, Montz, and Daniele) no noes, and two absent and excused (Balog, and Wilson). [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:09:54] The hearing on this agenda item concluded at 10:12 a.m. 2. APPLICANTS: MARK SIDMORE AND CALEB RHODES (PL-SPP-2026-000140) [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:10:22] Application for a Special Permit to establish a three-bedroom bed and breakfast within an existing four-bedroom single-family dwelling. The request also includes approximately 2,400 square feet of the adjoining property, which will provide the required off-street guest parking. The total permit area encompasses approximately 11,400 square feet in the State Land Use Agricultural District. The Page 3 of 8 Windward Planning Commission September 3, 2026, Written Summary Minutes subject properties are located at 12-7208 and 12-7210 Kalapana-Kapoho Beach Road at its northeast intersection with Laʻau Loke Street, Kehena Beach Estates Subdivision, Puna, Hawaiʻi, TMKs: (3) 1-2-031:006 and :007 (por.). At 10:12 a.m., the Commission considered this item with approximately 25 members of the public present. Action: Vice Chair Perrin moved that the applicant’s request for a Special Permit to establish a three-bedroom bed and breakfast for a maximum of ten (10) guests with five off-street parking stalls on an adjacent parcel within the State Land Use Agricultural District be approved in accordance with the Planning Director’s recommendation and subject to his stated conditions. Commissioner Fukushima seconded the motion. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:43:41] Chairman Daniele opened the floor for Commission comments and discussion. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:44:20] Commissioner Fratinardo commented that the report did not provide a specific date as to when the septic system was updated. He stated that he contacted the Wastewater Division and was informed that the update was completed on May 15, 2026, and that the septic system was in compliance. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:44:24] With no comments or discussion, a roll call vote was taken. The motion carried with five ayes (Perrin, Fukushima, Fratinardo, Montz, and Daniele) no noes, and two absent and excused (Balog, and Wilson). [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:45:26] The hearing on this item concluded at 10:47 a.m. At 10:47 a.m., Chairman Daniele called for a recess. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:45:49]. The hearing reconvened at 11:07 a.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:05:26] At 11:07 a.m., the Commission considered the below items with approximately 20 members of the public present. Chairman Daniele stated that Items #3 and #4 would be heard together, with separate motions for each item. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:05:36] 3. APPLICANT: HILO BENIOFF MEDICAL CENTER (PL-USE-2026-000046) Application for a Use Permit to construct and operate an approximately 40,000- square foot medical clinic and accessory uses on an approximately 20-acre portion of a 108.8-acre parcel. The subject property is located on the west side of Volcano Highway (State Route 11), near its intersection with Keaʻau-Pāhoa Road and the Keaʻau-Pāhoa Bypass, Keaʻau, Puna, Hawaiʻi, TMK (3) 1-6-003:127 (por.). Action: Commissioner Fukushima moved that the applicant’s request to construct and operate a 40,000 square foot medical clinic and related improvements on a 20-acre portion of a 108.8-acre parcel in the County Agricultural zoned 20-acre minimum (A-20a), Page 4 of 8 Windward Planning Commission September 3, 2026, Written Summary Minutes be granted in accordance with the recommendation of the Planning Director and subject to his proposed conditions. Vice Chair Perrin seconded the motion. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:25:37] Chairman Daniele opened the floor for Commission comments and discussion. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:26:21] Commissioner Fratinardo asked a general question regarding the Commission’s statutory kuleana being limited to 15 acres and below, noting that the subject property is approximately 20 acres. Planning Department staff Tracie-Lee Camero responded that she believed the 15-acre threshold applied to the State Land Use Agricultural District, which would require applications involving 15 acres or more within the State Land Use Agricultural District to be considered by the State Land Use Commission. Daryn Arai, Land Use Planning Consultant for the Applicant, added that this was why the Special Permit application clearly identified the affected area as approximately 2.6 acres to accommodate the road, which is below the 15-acre threshold. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:26:27] With no comments or discussion, a roll call vote was taken. Prior to the roll call vote, Planning Department staff Tracie-Lee Camero requested clarification that the motion included the applicant’s requested amendment to Condition No. 4, removing the 180-day time frame. Chairman Daniele confirmed by nodding his head. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:26:34] The motion carried with five ayes (Fukushima, Perrin, Fratinardo, Montz, and Daniele) no noes, and two absent and excused (Balog, and Wilson). [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:27:53] 4. APPLICANT: HILO BENIOFF MEDICAL CENTER (PL-SPP-2026-000136) Application for a Special Permit to construct and use an access driveway on approximately 2.6-acre portion of a 1,247-acre parcel for use by the Hilo Benioff Medical Center on adjacent parcel 127 within the State Land Use Agricultural District. The subject property is located along Volcano Highway (State Route 11), north of Herbert Shipman Park, Keaʻau, Puna, Hawaiʻi, TMK (3) 1-6-003:007 (por.). Action: Commissioner Fukushima moved that the applicant’s request for a Special Permit to construct and use an access driveway and associated utility improvements on a 2,648 acre portion of an approximately 1,247-acre property within the State Land Use Agricultural District, located in Kea‘au, Puna, for the purpose of accessing the proposed Hilo Benioff Medical Clinic, be granted, in accordance with the recommendation of the Planning Director and subject to his stated conditions. Vice Chair Perrin seconded the motion. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:28:22] Chairman Daniele opened the floor for Commission comments and discussion. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:29:04] A clarification was made by Commissioner Fukushima as she initially stated 2,648 and with correction made as 2.648-acre portion. Page 5 of 8 Windward Planning Commission September 3, 2026, Written Summary Minutes Chairman Daniele commented that, as a resident of Ocean View, he travels to Hilo to receive medical care and noted that residents of Hawaiʻi Island often have to travel long distances for medical services. He acknowledged the Applicant’s involvement with Ka‘ū Hospital in Pāhala, noting that Ka‘ū is also an underserved area of the island. Chairman Daniele stated that he was impressed with the developments at Hilo Hospital and considered the project to be a valuable long-term asset to the community. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:29:33] Commissioner Paul Montz asked about the anticipated number of community members who would benefit from the proposed expansion and whether there was an expected outreach goal. Dan Brinkman, East Hawaiʻi Regional CEO of Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation, clarified whether the question referred to the number of doctors or providers. Commissioner Montz clarified that he was referring to the anticipated community outreach of the expansion. Mr. Brinkman stated that the facility would grow over time and is ideally situated to serve approximately 40,000 to 50,000 people in the southern portion of the island. He noted that accessible community-based healthcare would encourage greater use of services and that the facility’s location would serve as a hub for the surrounding area. He added that the project would provide both direct and indirect benefits to the community and have a positive economic impact by serving as an anchor facility for the area. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:30:28] Commissioner Fukushima, who stated that she lives near the hospital, commented that the project would provide relief by reducing the need for residents to travel long distances for healthcare. She also noted that the project could help alleviate parking and safety concerns in the area and stated that she believed it would significantly reduce the burden on the community. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:32:35] With no comments or discussion, a roll call vote was taken. The motion carried with five ayes (Fukushima, Perrin, Fratinardo, Montz, and Daniele) no noes, and two absent and excused (Balog, and Wilson). [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:33:09] The hearing on this item concluded at 11:35 a.m. At 11:35 a.m., the Commission considered the below items with approximately 12 members of the public present. Chairman Daniele stated that Items #5 and #6 would be heard together, with separate motions for each item. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:33:53] 5. APPLICANT: ROBERT GARRETT/TALON 1 PROPERTIES (PL-REZ-2026-000104/AMEND REZ 727) Request to amend Change of Zone Ordinance No. 92-122 for a five (5)-year time extension to Condition C (Final Plan Approval) and Condition D (Complete Construction). Ordinance No. 92-122 rezoned a 2.571-acre parcel of land from Resort-Hotel-750 square feet (V-.75) to Limited Industrial-20,000 square feet (ML- 20). The subject property is located at 525 Pi‘ilani Street on the north side of Pi‘ilani Street, approximately 335 feet east of its intersection with Manono Street, Hilo, South Hilo, Hawaiʻi, TMK: (3) 2-2-033:011. Page 6 of 8 Windward Planning Commission September 3, 2026, Written Summary Minutes Action: Commissioner Fratinardo moved that a favorable recommendation be forwarded to the County Council regarding the applicant’s request to amend Change of Zone Ordinance No. 92-122 to provide a five-year time extension to comply with Condition C (Final Plan Approval) and Condition D (Complete Construction), based on the Planning Director’s recommendation and subject to his proposed conditions. Vice Chair Perrin seconded the motion. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:51:23] With no comments or discussion, a roll call vote was taken. The motion carried with five ayes (Fratinardo, Perrin, Fukushima, Montz, and Daniele) no noes, and two absent and excused (Balog, and Wilson). [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:52:22] 6. APPLICANT: ROBERT GARRETT/TALON 1 PROPERTIES (PL-SMA-2025-000085) Application for a Special Management Area Use Permit to construct and operate a three (3)-story, approximately 98,500 square foot self-storage warehouse with associated parking, loading areas, and related development on a 2.571-acre parcel within the Special Management Area. The subject property is located at 525 Pi‘ilani Street on the north side of Pi‘ilani Street, approximately 335 feet east of its intersection with Manono Street, Hilo, South Hilo, Hawaiʻi, TMK: (3) 2-2-033:011. Action: Vice Chair Perrin moved that the applicant’s request for a Special Management Area Use Permit to construct a three-story, 98,500 square foot self-storage warehouse with associated parking and related improvements on a 2.57-acre parcel within the Special Management Area be granted, in accordance with the Planning Director’s recommendation and subject to his proposed conditions. Commissioner Fratinardo seconded the motion. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:52:52] With no comments or discussion, a roll call vote was taken. The motion carried with five ayes (Perrin, Fratinardo, Fukushima, Montz, and Daniele) no noes, and two absent and excused (Balog, and Wilson). [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:53:39] The hearing on this item concluded at 11:55 a.m. At 11:57 a.m., Chairman Daniele called for a lunch recess. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:55:25]. Chairman Daniele subsequently announced that the Commission would hear in person and Zoom testimony on the next agenda item before recessing for lunch. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:56:17]. 7. INITIATOR: COUNTY COUNCIL (PL-CCI-2026-000018) [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:56:29] Bill 170, an ordinance amending Chapter 25 (Zoning), Article 1, of the Hawaiʻi County Code (2016 Edition, as amended), relating to zoning for data processing facilities and data centers. The purpose of Bill No. 170 is to amend the definition of data processing facilities and add a new definition of data centers. Page 7 of 8 Windward Planning Commission September 3, 2026, Written Summary Minutes One individual provided in-person testimony; no testimony was provided via Zoom. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:57:33] At 12:03 p.m., Chairman Daniele called for a lunch recess. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 03:01:20]. For the record, Vice Chair Perrin left at 12:15 p.m. The hearing reconvened at 1:05 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 04:01:21]. At 1:05 p.m., Chairman Daniele restated Agenda Item #7, with no members of the public present. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 04:01:39] Planning Department staff member Tracie-Lee Camero provided a presentation and Councilmember Heather Kimball, the introducer, was also present in person. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 04:02:24] Chairman Daniele opened the floor for questions from the Commissioners to the Planning Department staff and Councilmember Kimball. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 04:18:02] At 2:04 p.m., Chairman Daniele called for a recess. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 05:03:02]. The hearing reconvened at 2:14 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 05:12:40]. Planning Department staff Maija Jackson expressed her appreciation to the Commission for allowing the time to confer with Deputy Corporation Counsel. She stated that a new agenda could be reposed and still meet Sunshine Law requirements, allowing this item to potentially be added to the October agenda. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 05:12:44] Action: Commissioner Fukushima moved that the matter be deferred for further deliberation at the October 1, 2026, meeting, to allow the Commissioner’s more time to consider additional recommendations and amendments to Bill 170. Commissioner Fratinardo seconded the motion. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 05:13:08] Chairman Daniele opened the floor for Commission comments and discussion. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 05:13:28] Commissioner Montz commented that his concern with returning to the 10,000-square- foot threshold was that the numerical limitation may not accurately reflect the potential impacts of data centers, as servers can be stacked vertically. He stated that, for greater comfort with the zoning provisions, he would like to see additional numerical metrics addressing factors such as water and power consumption. He noted that water consumption by data centers has reportedly improved significantly and questioned the methods used to achieve those reductions, including the use of chemicals and potential implications related to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Commissioner Montz requested that additional metrics addressing these factors be considered. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 05:13:37] Page 8 of 8 Windward Planning Commission September 3, 2026, Written Summary Minutes Councilmember Kimball asked Deputy Corporation Counsel and Planning Department staff member Maija Jackson whether the Commission could make recommendations regarding proposed amendments. She stated that she believed it would be preferable for the recommendations to come from the Commission to the County Council, which would allow her to use them in proposing amendments. Commissioner Montz responded that he hoped to bring additional information back for consideration at the next meeting. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 05:14:24] With no comments or discussion, a roll call vote was taken. The motion carried with four ayes (Fukushima, Fratinardo, Montz, and Daniele) no noes, and three absent and excused (Balog, Perrin, and Wilson). [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 05:15:17] PLANNING DIRECTOR’S REPORT [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 05:15:39] Report on Special Management Area (SMA) determinations, minor permits action issued by the Planning Director for August 2026. ANNOUNCEMENTS [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 05:16:06] Planning Department staff member Maija Jackson reported that, with the addition of Bill 170, seven items are tentatively scheduled for the Commission’s next meeting on October 1, 2026. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, Commissioner Fratinardo moved, and Commissioner Fukushima seconded, to adjourn the meeting. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 05:16:53] A voice vote was taken, and the motion carried with four ayes (Fratinardo, Fukushima, Montz, and Daniele), no noes, three absent and excused (Balog, Perrin, and Wilson). [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 05:17:09] Chairman Daniele adjourned the meeting at 2:19 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Melissa Dacayanan-Salvador Secretary ATTEST: Louis Daniele III, Chairman Windward Planning Commission Melissa Dacayanan-Salvador (Oct 1, 2026 17:54:48 HST) Melis aDciyny --- Svdo r( OtO1 r,2062r7 :54 8 Louis Daniele III