Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee - 2026-01-22
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee approved three land use amendments: Bill 119 allowing a second dwelling unit for the Lam family property in South Kohala (8-0), Bill 120 granting a five-year extension and ADU allowance for the Young property in Kalaoa (8-0), and Bill 121 providing a ten-year construction extension for Kona Country Club's 29-unit luxury residential project in Keahou (6-2). The Kona Country Club approval was contentious, with concerns raised about affordable housing credits invalidated due to prior corruption and the project's lack of benefit to local residents.
Key Decisions (3)
Second Dwelling Unit Amendment at 62-2039 Kauai Road, South Kohala
Bill 119 amends Ordinance 02-93 to delete condition D prohibiting a second dwelling unit on the Lam family's 5-acre RA-2 zoned property at 62-2039 Kauai Road, O'oli, South Kohala (TMK 62007002). The amendment allows construction of one additional single-family dwelling for the applicants' son Carl. Applicants: Clemson and Janet Lam.
Time Extension and ADU Allowance at Mahilani Drive/Mamalahoa Highway, Kalaoa
Bill 120 amends Ordinance 04-149 to grant a five-year time extension for final subdivision approval and delete condition H prohibiting second dwelling units on the Young property at the southwest corner of Mahilani Drive and Mamalahoa Highway, Kalaoa, North Kona (TMK 73011068). The 1.86-acre RS-20,000 zoned property will be subdivided into three lots. Applicants: Ernest and Elizabeth Young.
Ten-Year Construction Extension for Kona Country Club Residential Project
Bill 121 amends Ordinance 09-159 to grant a ten-year time extension for construction completion of 29 single-family luxury dwellings on 51.058 acres at Kona Country Club, Keahou, North Kona (TMK 78010101). The project is intended for vacation rental use. Applicant: Kona Country Club Incorporated. The applicant has invested over $7 million in infrastructure, archaeology compliance, and access road construction.
Zoning Changes (2)
62-2039 Kauai Road, O'oli, South Kohala (TMK 62007002)
Clemson and Janet Lam
Southwest corner Mahilani Drive and Mamalahoa Highway, Kalaoa (TMK 73011068)
Ernest and Elizabeth Young
Development Activity (3)
Lam Family Second Dwelling
One-bedroom accessory dwelling unit for family member on 5-acre RA-2 zoned parcel using catchment water system
Young Property Subdivision
Three-lot subdivision on 1.86 acres zoned RS-20,000 with existing dwelling and ohana unit; ADUs permitted on proposed lots for rental
Kona Country Club Residential Development
29 single-family luxury dwellings on 51.058 acres zoned RM-30,000 intended for vacation rental use; includes recreation center, pavilion, swimming pool, and barbecue area
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Families are seeking ADUs and second dwellings to keep adult children in expensive West Hawaii communities like Waimea where housing costs are prohibitive.
Infrastructure
Water infrastructure limitations along Kauaihi Road in South Kohala are constraining development despite general plan growth designations; the planned Ouli Wells project status is uncertain.
Housing Demand
County Bill 123 (Ordinance 24-70) adopted October 2024 allows up to three ADUs per lot in RS zoning districts, expanding housing opportunities.
Sentiment
Council members expressed concern about luxury vacation rental developments depleting resources and pricing out local residents, with explicit comparisons to Maui's housing crisis.
Infrastructure
Office of Housing audit revealed invalidated affordable housing credits due to federal prosecution and improper transfers, affecting developer obligations.