Windward Planning Commission - 2026-04-02
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Windward Planning Commission approved a special permit for a one-bedroom bed and breakfast at 11-1837 Naha St. in Hawaii's Eden Rock Estates (4-2 vote), with conditions requiring the applicant to resolve outstanding building violations before operation. Three bills (HB 124, 125, 126) establishing a Downtown Pahoa Commercial district and updating village design guidelines were deferred to May 6, 2026 to clarify that participation is voluntary for property owners.
Key Decisions (4)
B&B Special Permit at 11-1837 Naha St.
Melissa Martinez received approval to operate a one-bedroom bed and breakfast within a two-bedroom single family dwelling on approximately 1 acre in the state agricultural district at 11-1837 Naha St., Hawaii's Eden Rock Estates, Puna (TMK 31-1-078-046). The hosted operation will accommodate maximum 3 guests with an on-site operator. Applicant must resolve outstanding violations including unpermitted solar panels, septic certification, and deck permitting before commencing operations.
Bill 124 - Downtown Pahoa Commercial District Zoning
County Council bill to amend Chapter 25-8-26 zone map by changing zoning from Village Commercial 10,000 sq ft (CB-10) and Single Family Residential 10,000 sq ft (RS) to Downtown Commercial (DPC) for various properties in Pahoa village. Deferred to allow planning department and Council Member Kirkowitz to add language clarifying the opt-in voluntary nature of the district.
Bill 125 - Village Design District Amendments
County Council bill amending Chapter 25 Article 7 Division 4 relating to the Pahoa Village Design District, updating zoning code requirements. Deferred to May 6, 2026 for additional language clarification.
Bill 126 - Special Districts Code Amendments
County Council bill amending Chapter 25 Articles 1, 3, 5 and 7 establishing new zoning code requirements for permitted uses, building height limits, minimum site area, average width, and minimum yards for the Downtown Pahoa Commercial (DPC) district.
Zoning Changes (1)
Various properties in Pahoa Village
County Council (Council Member Ashley Kirkowitz, District 4)
Development Activity (1)
Martinez Bed and Breakfast
One-bedroom B&B within existing two-story dwelling on 1 acre, converting single bedroom to two bedrooms (one for host, one for guests), maximum 3 guests, serviced by water catchment and septic system
Market Signals (4)
Commercial Demand
Pahoa town is pursuing economic revitalization through flexible zoning that would allow expanded commercial uses, small-scale manufacturing, and community-based enterprise on an opt-in basis for approximately 80 property owners in the downtown area.
Housing Demand
Short-term rental bed and breakfast operations continue to seek permits in agricultural districts, with applicants citing supplemental income needs and property maintenance costs as primary motivations.
Infrastructure
Pahoa's infrastructure limitations were acknowledged as a constraint on development, with Council Member Kirkowitz noting the need for resilient building approaches that account for the existing built environment.
Sentiment
Strong community support exists for local food production, processing, and cooperative-based agriculture in Puna district, with testimony citing current zoning as blocking viable community-supported projects.