Hilo, Hawaiʻi – The Hawaiʻi County Planning Department has announced that it is accepting public comments on a new variance application submitted in June 2025. The Planning Director is slated to make a decision on this application in late August.
The application, PL-ZVAR-2025-090, was submitted by James Hearon and concerns a property located at 159 W. Naauao St. in South Hilo (TMK: 2-5-014:019), which spans 0.6068 acres.
The variance is being sought from several sections of Chapter 25 (Zoning) of the Hawaiʻi County Code. Specifically, it requests relief from:
- Section 25-5-7 (Minimum Yards): This relates to the required setback distances from property lines.
- Section 25-4-44 (Permitted Projections into Yards and Open Space Requirements): This governs what structures or features are allowed to extend into setback areas.
- Section 25-4-44(c) (Fences and Accessory Structures): This section outlines regulations for fences and accessory structures.
The application details an “Encroachment into NE Side Yard Setback,” indicating a structure or feature that extends into the required side yard space on the northeast side of the property, which is currently not permitted under the existing zoning rules.
The deadline for submitting written public comments on this application is July 23, 2025. The tentative date for the Planning Director’s decision is August 22, 2025.
Maps and documents related to this application are on file and open for public inspection during office hours (7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) at the Hawaiʻi County Planning Department offices. In Hilo, the office is located at 101 Pauahi St, Ste 3. In Kailua-Kona, the office is at 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Bldg E, 2nd Floor.