Public Meetings - Honolulu, Hawaii

This meeting of the Honolulu City Council's Zoning and Planning Committee covered four agenda items: a special management area permit for a Kailua residential project, a bill to expand the downtown Fort Street Mall Business Improvement District, a state land use boundary amendment for a proposed Haleiwa development, and an informational briefing on a new permitting software. The committee heard extensive public testimony, deliberated, and took action on three items, with the fourth being informational only. Public Comments & Testimony - Resolution 25-184 (Kaopuni LLC SMA permit): One remote testifier, Tara Rojas, opposed the project, expressing concern about the potential disturbance of iwi kūpuna (ancestral remains) and questioning the benefit to the community. She argued that development should not come at the expense of cultural desecration. - Bill 51 (Downtown Business Improvement District): Numerous testifiers spoke in support, including Victor Lim (Chair of the existing Fort Street Mall BID), Warren Wong (Carissa Group), Taylor Ogata (student intern), Mark Anthony Clemente (Carpenters Union), Andrew Poe (Downtown Arts Center), Christine Kamp (property owner), and Angela Melody Young (CARES). They emphasized the need for improved safety, cleanliness, and economic revitalization. One testifier, Chulan Super Qualk (Chinatown Business and Community Association), expressed concern that Chinatown was not included in the proposed district, fearing crime and resources would shift. Another testifier, Gerwin Hule, criticized the process and urged support for small businesses. - Bill 37 (Haleiwa state land use amendment): A large number of testifiers opposed the bill. Denise Antellini (North Shore Neighborhood Board) cited overwhelming community opposition, arguing the project does not meet the three criteria for boundary amendments and that the land is prime agricultural land. Raquel Achu (Wailoa Moku) opposed the amendment as premature and harmful to the rural lifestyle. Senator Kirk Favela raised environmental and traffic concerns. Barb Luke highlighted traffic and evacuation safety. Karen Gallagher noted the building height would be out of character. John Bilderbach and Rex Dubial Shanahan urged preservation of rural character. Several testifiers also submitted a petition with over 1,000 signatures. Supporters included members of the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters (Travis Morikami, Juan Parastel Jr., Fred Tamayo, Dion Kalaola, Mitchell Tainanis, Mark Anthony Clemente) who argued the project would provide workforce housing and jobs. Discussion Items - Resolution 25-184 (Kaopuni LLC SMA permit): Chair Kiaina introduced a proposed CD1 that added conditions regarding the lot size adjusted for erosion, a shoreline permit for fencing, and archaeological monitoring. The applicant's agent, Peter Vincent, presented the project. Councilmember Cordero asked about beach access and driveway encroachment. Chair Kiaina questioned the applicant about preparedness for discovering iwi kūpuna. The committee heard no in-person testimony, but one remote testifier. The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) supported the CD1. The committee voted to amend to CD1 and then report it out for adoption. - Bill 51 (Downtown Business Improvement District): Councilmember Dos Santos TAM explained the bill and a hand-carried CD1 with three amendments. Chris Fong (TradeWind Capital) presented the community effort to create the BID. Chair Kiaina asked about the budget and outreach to small property owners. Councilmember Cordero inquired about balance with city services and maintenance like painting curbs. Managing Director Mike Formby expressed administration support, noting Chinatown was excluded due to feedback from local businesses. The committee postponed the bill to the next meeting on August 21, 2025, to ensure proper notification for a public hearing on September 3, 2025. - Bill 37 (Haleiwa state land use amendment): Chair Kiaina provided extensive background on the process and the three criteria for boundary amendments. The applicant's agent, Jim Hayes, presented the concept plan for 150-156 rental apartments and commercial space. Councilmember Tupola asked detailed questions about the community growth boundary, rural character, affordability, and population limits. She noted she would vote yes on the boundary amendment but not on the project itself. Chair Kiaina clarified that the amendment does not approve the project and that agricultural use remains possible. The committee voted to report Bill 37 CD1 out for passage on third reading. - Informational Briefing – Honolulu Build (HNL Build) Permitting Software: Director Apuna presented the new online permitting system launching August 4, 2025. It replaces the 27-year-old POSSE system and will allow online submission for all permits, real-time tracking, and a single reference number. The committee discussed customer support, training resources, and the opportunity to clear stale permits. Councilmembers expressed appreciation for the effort. No action was taken. Key Outcomes - Resolution 25-184: Amended to CD1 and reported out of committee for adoption. (No vote tally recorded; hearing none, so ordered.) - Bill 51: Postponed to the next Zoning and Planning Committee meeting on August 21, 2025, to allow time for review of CD1 amendments and public hearing notification. - Bill 37 (CD1): Reported out of committee for passage on third reading. (No vote tally recorded; hearing none, so ordered.) - Honolulu Build: Informational only; no action taken.