Hawai‘i County Council Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Meeting - September 1, 2026

The Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions (the committee) convened on September 1, 2026, at 4:25 p.m. (originally scheduled for 2:30 p.m.) in Hilo, with members participating via interactive conference technology from Kona and remote sites in Ocean View, Pāhoa, and Waimea. The meeting addressed five agenda items: one resolution authorizing land acquisition negotiations, two zone change bills for small residential subdivisions, and two linked bills for a large multifamily and agricultural development in Waikōloa. Public testimony focused on the Waikōloa Green project (Bills 186 and 187), raising concerns about wildfire evacuation, water availability, and community impacts.

Consent Calendar

• No consent calendar was used; each item was discussed individually.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Matt Chalker (Executive Director, Wildfire Safety Advocates): Testified on Bills 186 and 187. Expressed respect for the developers but opposed the project due to lack of firm commitments on wildfire safety infrastructure. Noted that an evacuation study shows only about one-third of residents could escape within the time a fire could spread across Waikōloa Village (referencing the Lahaina fire). Stated that the development would add 1900 residents to a community already lacking evacuation capacity. Urged deferral until second road and fire safety measures are in place.
• E. Kalani Flores (self and representing Flores’ ‘Ohana): Testified on Bills 186 and 187. Requested deferral until an inventory of groundwater pumping from the Waimea Aquifer, a report from Hawaii Water Service on daily pumpage, and an analysis of whether proposed development would exceed the aquifer’s sustainable yield (stated as 16 million gallons per day). Also argued that an environmental assessment is required under HRS Chapter 343 due to triggers such as state land use amendment, historic trail, and proposed solar facility. Called for a community meeting in Waikōloa.
• Bob Yankee (Waimea resident): Testified on Bills 186 and 187. Detailed evacuation difficulties, referencing the 2021 Māhukona fire evacuation where travel from school to Waikōloa Road took one hour (normally four minutes). Cited the recent evacuation study showing only 2,000 residents could evacuate in the first hour, while the village population is projected to grow from 7,000 to 13,000 with four projects. Stated that adding population without road capacity is irresponsible. Quoted the late Fire Chief Todd: “the fire department cannot stop a fire under red flag conditions; the only thing is to evacuate.”

Discussion Items

• Resolution 632-26 – Land Acquisition for Waiakahiʻula: Introduced by Councilmember Kierkiewicz. Authorizes the Finance Director to negotiate acquisition of parcels for ocean access and a burial/agricultural complex site, listed as 5th and 6th priorities in the 2025 PONC report. Councilmember Kierkiewicz noted urgency due to a property owner threatening development that could damage a burial site. Motion to forward with favorable recommendation passed unanimously (9 ayes).
• Bill 181 – Zone Change at Waiākea, South Hilo: Changes RS-15 to RS-10 for a 21,792 sq ft parcel at 283 West Puainako Street, to allow subdivision into two lots. Planning Director Jeff Darrow presented. Applicant’s representative stated the lots are for long-term rental and estate planning. Councilmember Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder questioned the fair share contribution difference between this and later bills; Director Darrow noted it was due to timing of annual updates. Councilmember Kagiwada supported as infill. Motion to forward with favorable recommendation passed unanimously (9 ayes).
• Bill 185 – Zone Change at Puʻukapu, Waimea: Changes A-40a to FA-1a for 2.397 acres at 64-5091 White Road, to create two one-acre lots for family members. Director Darrow presented. Conditions include water system improvements (fire hydrant) and 10-foot road widening setback. Councilmember Hustis asked about the closest fire hydrant and road widening. Councilmember Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder raised fair share contribution discrepancy (this application had older, lower figures). Director Darrow agreed to review. Motion to forward with favorable recommendation passed 7-0 (Councilmembers Onishi and Galimba absent).
• Bills 186 & 187 – Waikōloa Green Development:
  • Bill 186: State land use boundary amendment from Agricultural to Urban for 14.868 acres to allow multifamily residential.
  • Bill 187: Zone change from RA-1a and Open to RM-1.5, FA-1a, A-10a, and Open for 79.145 acres (with 14.868 acres for 400 multifamily units, plus 275 family agricultural lots and open space).
  • Applicant presentation: John Yoshimura (partner) and Danny Popkin described the project’s four pillars: housing (workforce/affordable), renewable energy (solar lease on 200 acres), food sustainability, and Hawaiian sense of place. Addressed fire safety: met with Wildfire Safety Advocates, hardened utility assets, expanded firebreaks, and noted a breakthrough on the second egress road. On water: cited will-serve letter from Hawaii Water Service (installed capacity 11.4 MGD, firm capacity 8.3 MGD, current demand 5-6 MGD). Team member Kanani Atan (former DWS) argued that the Waimea Aquifer sustainable yield (16 MGD) is preliminary and that the property straddles the larger Anaehoʻomalu Aquifer. Discussed using separate ag wells for irrigation.
  • Councilmember Hustis questioned water supply and community engagement; applicant noted plans for a community center and a 5-acre parcel for emergency shelter.
  • Councilmember Kagiwada pressed on water concerns, noting Environment Hawaii article. Applicant acknowledged uncertainty but said they followed process.
  • Councilmember Villegas expressed serious concerns about water (citing cultural and ecological impacts) and affordable housing credits, noting the county’s history of unfulfilled promises. Applicant stated intention to build affordable units within the 400 multifamily units (20% = 135 credits), but could also use credits. Councilmember Villegas also questioned long-term affordability.
  • Councilmember Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder questioned the shift from Open to developable, renewable energy specifics, and fair share contributions. Applicant said they are negotiating a 30 MW solar lease. On water, she noted complexity of sustainable yield calculations.
  • Councilmember Kierkiewicz supported the project’s integrated design but requested a third-party water expert (CWRM) appear at the next meeting.
  • Councilmember Hustis moved to amend Bill 187 with Communication 1025.2 (Firewise USA requirement). The amendment requires the development to achieve and maintain Firewise USA certification or an equivalent county-approved wildfire resilience plan, binding on successors. Corporation Counsel confirmed legality. Adopted 7-0.
  • Councilmember Hustis moved to amend Bill 187 with Communication 1025.3 (drainage/flood mitigation). Requires applicant to address findings of the South Kohala Flood Study, upstream/off-site runoff, and downstream impacts in drainage studies. Adopted 7-0.
  • Councilmember Inaba moved to amend Bill 187 with Communication 1025.5 (affordable housing phasing). Requires that for each 20% of market-rate units built, 20% of affordable housing credits must be earned; the last 20% of market-rate cannot proceed until all affordable credits are completed. Adopted 7-0.
  • Councilmember Inaba then requested postponement to allow discussion with Department of Education on school capacity and to bring in water expert Jonathan Scheuer (as suggested by Councilmember Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder). Motion to postpone both Bills 186 and 187 to September 15, 2026, passed 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 632-26: Forwarded to full Council with favorable recommendation (9-0).
• Bill 181: Forwarded to full Council with favorable recommendation (9-0).
• Bill 185: Forwarded to full Council with favorable recommendation (7-0, two absent).
• Bill 186: Initially tabled (6-1, two absent), then postponed to September 15, 2026, committee meeting (7-0).
• Bill 187: Amended with Firewise, drainage, and affordable housing phasing conditions; then postponed to September 15, 2026 (7-0). The committee will continue discussion on that date.