Hilo, Hawai’i – The Hawai’i County Council made significant decisions on April 2nd, passing two ordinances that will impact commercial bicycle tours and zoning regulations in South Hilo. Both bills passed their second and final reading with strong support from the council members.
Ordinance 25-35, amending Chapter 6, Article 2, Division 2, Section 6-12, of the
Hawai’i County Code 1983 (2016 edition, as amended), relating to Prohibited Highways for Commercial Bicycle Tours. The unanimous vote (8 ayes, 1 absent) signifies a clear commitment to regulating these tours for safety and to manage their impact on roadways. Council Chair Inaba and council members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali’i-Kleinfelder, Kimball, Onishi, and Villegas voted in favor of the measure. Council member Kierkiewicz was absent.
The second, Ordinance 25-36, deals with a zoning change in the Waiakea area of South Hilo. This ordinance amends Section 25-8-33 of the Hawai’i County Code, reclassifying a plot of land (Tax Map Key: 2-2-036:113) from Single-Family Residential (RS-10) to Neighborhood Commercial (CN-10). The rezoning, approved by a 7-0 vote with two absences, paves the way for potential commercial development in the previously residential area. Council members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali’i-Kleinfelder, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Inaba voted in favor. Council members Kierkiewicz and Villegas were absent.
These legislative actions reflect the Council’s ongoing efforts to balance the needs of the community with economic development and the increasing popularity of tourism activities in Hawai’i County. The specifics of the impact of these ordinances will be determined as they are implemented. Further details regarding the implications of these ordinances are expected to be released by the County in the coming weeks.