Hawaiʻi Island – The Hawaiʻi County Planning Department has announced that it is accepting public comments on two new variance applications that were submitted in July 2025. The Planning Director is slated to take action on both of these applications in late August and mid-September.
Maps and documents related to these applications are on file and open for public inspection during office hours (7:45 a.m. to 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.
Details of the applications are as follows:
- Alvarez & Alvarez Irrevocable Trust (PL-ZVAR-2025-089)
- Location: 75-6132 Aliʻi Dr., North Kona (TMK: 7-5-020:019), a 7,503 sq. ft. lot.
- Variance Requested: From Chapter 25 (Zoning), Section 25-5-36 (Minimum Yards) and Section 25-4-44 (Permitted Projections into Yards and Open Spaces). The application involves encroachments into the east (front), west (rear), and south (side) yard setbacks.
- Public Comment Deadline: August 31, 2025.
- Tentative Decision Date: September 15, 2025.
- Beverly June Moodie (PL-ZVAR-2025-091)
- Location: 1559 Kilikina St., South Hilo (TMK: 2-5-026:053), a 16,160 sq. ft. lot.
- Variance Requested: From Chapter 25 (Zoning), Section 25-5-7 (Minimum Yards) and Section 25-4-44 (Permitted Projections into Yards and Open Spaces). The application involves an encroachment into the west (front) yard setback.
- Public Comment Deadline: The deadline for written comments for this application has already passed on July 28, 2025.
- Tentative Decision Date: August 25, 2025.
*A variance is an exception to a set of rules, often used in zoning and other regulatory contexts. It allows a property owner to deviate from specific regulations, such as zoning codes or HOA rules, under certain conditions. Variances are typically granted when strict adherence to the rules would cause an undue hardship or practical difficulty for the property owner.