Hilo, Hawaiʻi — The Hawaiʻi County Council approved the first reading of five bills during its December 18, 2024, meeting. These measures address land use, zoning amendments, and budget adjustments across the county.
Overview of the Bills
Bill 207
This bill proposes an amendment to the State Land Use Boundaries Maps, reclassifying a parcel in Puʻukapu, Waimea (South Kohala), from Agricultural to Rural District. The affected property is identified as TMK: 6-4-017:001.
- Vote: Ayes – 8, Noes – 0, Absent – 1
Bill 208 (Draft 2)
This measure seeks to amend the Lālāmilo-Puʻukapu Zone Map, changing the zoning of a 1.997-acre property from Agricultural – 40 Acres (A-40a) to Residential-Agricultural – 0.5 Acres (RA-.5a). The applicant, Kelvin P. Jarneski, intends to subdivide the property into three lots.
- Vote: Ayes – 8, Noes – 0, Absent – 1
Bill 224
This bill would amend the City of Hilo Zone Map, changing a 3.25-acre property from Agricultural – 3 Acres (A-3a) to Single Family Residential – 15,000 Square Feet (RS-15). The applicant, Andrew Matsuura, plans to subdivide the land into six residential lots and one private roadway.
- Vote: Ayes – 8, Noes – 0, Absent – 1
Bill 225
The bill proposes amendments to Ordinance No. 14-54, granting a 10-year extension to the establishment of commercial use and modifications to road improvement conditions for a 1-acre property in Keonepoko Homestead, Puna. The property is currently zoned Village Commercial – 20,000 Square Feet (CV-20).
- Vote: Ayes – 8, Noes – 0, Absent – 1
Bill 226
This measure amends the County’s operating budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. It includes an additional $15,579 in federal grant revenue for the National Instant Criminal Background Check Act Record Improvement Program, bringing the total appropriation to $561,339.
- Vote: Ayes – 7, Noes – 0, Absent – 2
Next Steps
These bills will proceed to further readings and discussions before final approval. Community members are encouraged to follow updates and participate in public hearings to share their input on these legislative measures.
For additional details, visit the Hawaiʻi County Council’s website.
