Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use and Economic Development - June 16, 2026

The Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use and Economic Development met on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 12:02 p.m. at the West Hawaii Civic Center, with a member in Hilo and remote participation. Chair Ashley Kirkowitz presided until transferring chairmanship to Vice Chair Michelle Galimba due to agenda items being introduced by Chair Kirkowitz. The committee considered three bills (Bill 125, Bill 126, and Bill 124) related to the Pahoa Village Design District and downtown Pahoa commercial zoning. Public testimony was heard on Bill 125 and Bill 126. The meeting concluded after acting on all agenda items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Amadio Markov (Main Street Pahoa, Pahoa Amazon Museum) testified in strong support of Bill 125, emphasizing the importance of the Pahoa Village Design District for community improvement. He noted ongoing struggles from the 2018 eruption and COVID-19.
• Amadio Markov also testified on Bill 126, expressing strong support for creating a downtown Pahoa Commercial District, stating it provides clarity, supports local business, and protects the town's character while allowing smart growth.
• Eileen O'Hara (representing herself and Malamo Puna) testified in support of the entire suite of bills (124–126), praising their flexibility and alignment with community values. She reserved the possibility of later amendments.

Discussion Items

• Bill 125 (Amends Chapter 25, Article 7, Division 4 – Pahoa Village Design District): Introduced by Councilmember Kirkowitz to clarify duties, procedures, and guidelines for the Pahoa Design Review Committee. Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow presented the amendments, which include clarifying purpose, boundaries, and the role of the Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee (CDPAC) in reviewing committee membership every two years and guidelines every ten years. The Windward Planning Commission voted on May 6, 2026, to send a favorable recommendation. The bill passed on first reading with 7 ayes (Councilmembers Kleinfelder and Viegas excused).
• Bill 126 (Creates Downtown Pahoa Commercial District – DPC): Introduced by Councilmember Kirkowitz to establish a voluntary opt-in special zoning district for properties along Pahoa Village Road. Planning Director Darrow detailed permitted uses, height limits (30 feet), minimum lot size (7,500 sq ft), no front/rear/side yard requirements, and no off-street parking requirement (except as required by plan approval). Councilmember Kirkowitz proposed an amendment (Communication 710.3) to make the district opt-in and define boundaries using language from Bill 124. The amendment passed with 8 in favor (Councilmember Viegas excused). The main motion to recommend passage on first reading also passed with 8 in favor (Viegas excused).
• Bill 124 (Rezoning to DPC district): Introduced to rezone specific parcels to the new DPC district. Councilmember Kirkowitz withdrew the bill because its mapping and opt-in provisions were incorporated into Bill 126 via the amendment.

Key Outcomes

• Bill 125: Passed with 7 ayes, 2 excused. Sent to full council with a favorable recommendation.
• Bill 126: Amendment (Communication 710.3) passed with 8 ayes, 1 excused. Main motion passed with 8 ayes, 1 excused. Sent to full council with a favorable recommendation including the opt-in provision.
• Bill 124: Withdrawn by the introducer.

The committee adjourned after completing the agenda.