Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development - 2026-05-04
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development voted 5-4 to forward Bill 66 (General Plan 2045) to Council with a favorable recommendation, replacing the 2005 General Plan. The committee also voted 6-3 to refer Bill 154, which would prohibit paid commercial parking lots in most zoning districts, to the Planning Director and Planning Commissions for review.
Key Decisions (3)
General Plan 2045 Adoption (Bill 66, Draft 2)
The committee voted 5-4 to forward Bill 66, Draft 2 (General Plan 2045) to Council with a favorable recommendation. This comprehensive 20-year land use plan replaces the 2005 General Plan after an 11-year development process involving four administrations and approximately $1.7 million in costs. The plan includes climate change provisions, sustainability goals, and updated land use designations.
Commercial Parking Lot Prohibition Referral (Bill 154)
The committee voted 6-3 to refer Bill 154 to the Planning Director and Planning Commissions for review. The bill would remove commercial parking lots and garages as permitted uses in General Village Commercial, Industrial Commercial, Mixed Limited Industrial, General Industrial, and Downtown Hilo Commercial zoning districts, except for resort zoning. Existing paid parking operations would be grandfathered in.
General Plan 2026 Alternative Rejected
Communication 372.192 proposing a substitute General Plan 2026 (introduced by Council Member Kirkowitz) was effectively rejected when the committee voted to advance the 2045 plan instead. Planning Director Darrow characterized the 2026 version as a 'complete rewrite' rather than an amendment, noting it would require new public hearings under proper procedure.
Zoning Changes (2)
Countywide - Hawaii Island
Hawaii County Planning Department
General Village Commercial, Industrial Commercial, Mixed Limited Industrial, General Industrial, Downtown Hilo Commercial districts
Council Members Inaba and Villegas
Development Activity (2)
General Plan 2045
Comprehensive 20-year land use plan developed over 11 years through four administrations. Includes updated land use designations, climate change provisions, sustainability goals, and biocultural stewardship framework. Cost approximately $1.7 million to develop.
Hilo Redevelopment Plan
Future community development plan for the Hilo area that was not included in the General Plan 2045 process. Council Member Kagiwara noted funding has been allocated to begin work on this plan and community action group.
Market Signals (5)
Commercial Demand
Paid parking has become a contentious issue in Kailua-Kona's business improvement district, with testimony describing 'predatory pricing' and concerns about shopping center accountability for parking fees.
Infrastructure
Data centers are emerging as a significant concern for Hawaii Island, with multiple testifiers and council members discussing potential prohibitions or moratoriums due to water and energy consumption impacts.
Housing Demand
The Natural land use designation in the 2045 plan allows residential uses at one dwelling unit per acre on agricultural zoning, maintaining existing development rights while adding conservation overlay.
Sentiment
Strong community division exists between supporters of the comprehensive 2045 plan (emphasizing climate resilience and sustainability) and opponents favoring the simplified 2026 alternative (emphasizing property rights and reduced regulation).
Infrastructure
Water scarcity is a significant constraint, with testimony noting moratoriums on water meters in areas like Kukuihaele and concerns about resource allocation for potential data centers versus residential needs.