Hawai’i Island, HI – The Hawai’i County Planning Department has announced the acceptance of several applications for review, spanning a variety of projects across the island. The applications, accepted in March 2025, cover a range of land use requests including special permits, zoning changes, and construction approvals. This public notice, issued in accordance with the Hawai’i County Code, allows for public awareness and scrutiny of these proposed developments.

Among the notable applications are:

• Nani Paniau Estate, LLC (PL-USE-2024-031): Seeking permission to operate a five-bedroom Bed & Breakfast within an existing dwelling in Puako Beach, Kohala Coast.
• Arts & Sciences Center (ASC) (PL-SPP-2024-080): Proposing an amendment to their existing Special Permit to expand their K-12 campus in Pahoa, Puna. The expansion includes constructing an elementary school, increasing enrollment from 400 to 950 students, and enlarging the permit area from 14.251 to 24.285 acres.
• Joseph E. Gaglione (PL-SLU-2025-013 & PL-REZ-2025-076): Requesting a State Land Use Boundary Amendment and Change of Zone in Waimea, South Kohala, to reclassify 6.063 acres from Agricultural to Rural and change the zoning from Agricultural-5 acre (A-5a) to Residential-Agricultural-2 acre (RA-2a).
• David Ebenal (PL-SMA-2025-076): Seeking approval for the construction of a two-story single-family residence and related improvements on Kona Bay Drive, Kailua-Kona, requiring a Special Management Area (SMA) assessment.

Furthermore, the announcement includes applications for:

• Amendments to existing Special Permits.
• Additional Farm Dwelling Agreements.
• Plan Approvals for various projects including retail space, telecommunication facilities, and government buildings.
• SMA Assessments for renovations and additions to existing residences and tree removal for archeological preservation.

Detailed maps and documentation related to these applications are available for public inspection during office hours (7:45 am to 4:30 pm) at the Hawai’i County Planning Department offices located at 101 Pauahi St, Ste 3, Hilo, and 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Bldg E, 2nd Floor, Kailua-Kona.

This announcement serves as a crucial step in transparency, ensuring that the community is informed and can potentially provide input on proposed developments that may shape the future of Hawai’i Island. Residents are encouraged to review the information and participate in the planning process as appropriate.