Hawaii County LAAC Meeting on Waikoloa Green Rezone – September 15, 2026

The Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions (LAAC) met on September 15, 2026, at 11:08 a.m. to consider Bill 186 (state land use reclassification from Agricultural to Urban) and Bill 187 (zoning map amendment for the Waikoloa Green LLC project, a proposed 400-unit multifamily housing complex on 14.868 acres in South Kohala). Following extensive public testimony, discussion of water availability, wildfire evacuation risks, and other infrastructure concerns, the committee amended the bills and postponed both to the next meeting on October 6, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Don Thomas (University of Hawaii groundwater researcher): Testified on Bill 186, stating that the conventional groundwater model is incomplete and that sustainable yields and aquifer boundaries need re-evaluation. He cited evidence of multiple deep aquifer layers and urged caution before approving new withdrawals.
• Alex Lancaster (founder, Hawaii Livestock Management): Expressed strong support for Waikoloa Green, describing it as a project that combines housing, agriculture, and local employment. He stated that the 400 multifamily homes are intended for local families and that water use for housing is a legitimate priority.
• Michelle Stefanik (Waikoloa Village resident): Opposed both bills, citing inadequate evacuation capacity and wildfire risk. She referenced the county’s 2008 South Kohala Community Development Plan calling for a second access road, the 2021 Mono Road fire evacuation delays, and the state housing agency’s recent withdrawal of an environmental exemption for a separate affordable housing project due to evacuation safety concerns. She requested a permanent second road be built before additional homes are occupied.
• Matt Chocker (Executive Director, Wildfire Safety Advocates): Opposed the bills, presenting new information that the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) withdrew its environmental exemption for a nearby 329-unit affordable housing project after wildfire safety concerns were raised. He argued that the same concerns apply to the larger Waikoloa Green project. He also raised personal concerns about school capacity and the lack of a student evacuation plan, noting that the current plan relies on staff vehicles for about 175 students.
• David Foster (Waikoloa resident, Wildfire Safety Advocates): Opposed approval, highlighting a map showing four major developments (including Waikoloa Green) that would double the village’s population. He argued that cumulative impacts on roads, schools, water, and emergency services are being treated as afterthoughts and that no cohesive community plan exists.
• Kalani Flores (Florist case ‘Ohana): Opposed the bills, citing insufficient community engagement and lack of updated data on water sustainability. He argued that an environmental assessment is required under HRS §343 due to a historic trail and a proposed solar energy facility on the property. He also noted that the county’s water use and development plan is outdated (last updated 2010) and that the sustainable yield for the Waimea aquifer has not been reassessed.

Discussion Items

• Applicant presentation (John Yoshimura and Danny Popkin, Waikoloa Green LLC): The applicant apologized for their abrupt departure at the previous meeting and reported a significant reduction in projected water demand—from 1.29 million gallons per day to 362,000 gallons per day—after re-evaluating their water use. They committed to EPA WaterSense standards and a water conservation plan. They also highlighted community benefits: approximately $10 million in fair share contributions, five acres donated for public facilities, a 111-acre conservation easement with the Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative, and over 200 acres for solar energy. They acknowledged that the project remains subject to condition B, which requires available water before certificates of occupancy are issued.
• Planning consultant John Pippen addressed public testimony, stating that no HRS §343 environmental assessment triggers apply to the project: the historic trail is not on the state or national register, the proposed solar facility is not fossil-fuel-based, and no state or county lands or funds are involved. He noted that the Department of Education had indicated no concerns about school capacity (letter expected).
• Dr. Jonathan Lee K. Shoyer (water expert, no affiliation with applicant) gave a presentation at the request of Councilmember Inaba. He covered water law history, the designation process under the state water code, sustainable yield calculations, and current pumping levels. He noted that existing pumping in the Waimea aquifer is at 89.68% of the 16 million gallons per day sustainable yield, and that authorized planned uses (including pending projects and DHHL needs) could push the system toward the 90% trigger for designation. He emphasized that climate change projections show a 33–55% reduction in recharge by 2100. He also explained the “Kauai Springs” case and the duties of county agencies to analyze public trust impacts when approving developments that affect water resources.
• Councilmember Hustace proposed an amendment (Communication 1025.11) requiring the applicant to prepare and implement a water conservation plan with a goal of at least 30% reduction in projected water use for residential portions, using EPA WaterSense as a benchmark. The amendment passed 8-1, with Councilmember Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder opposed.
• Councilmember Inaba offered a housekeeping amendment (Communication 1025.10) to correct an error from a previous meeting. It passed unanimously.
• Councilmember Kagiwada raised concerns about public trust duties and asked about alternative water sources. The applicant confirmed that brackish and recycled water from the adjacent Anaehoʻomalu aquifer could further reduce potable water demand.
• Councilmember Kierkiewicz suggested requesting a letter from the Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) to clarify total water commitments in the Waimea aquifer.
• Councilmember Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder expressed skepticism about the viability of planned agricultural uses and food hubs without adequate water, and noted the broader infrastructure deficits in Waikoloa (single road, fire risk, schools). He supported the postponement to gather more data.

Key Outcomes

• Amendment adopted (8-1): Bill 187 was amended to include a water conservation plan requirement (Communication 1025.11).
• Housekeeping amendment adopted (9-0): Bill 187 was amended to correct an error in a previous amendment (Communication 1025.10).
• Postponement (unanimous): Both Bill 186 and Bill 187 were postponed to the committee’s next meeting on October 6, 2026, to allow further research, including a request to CWRM for a water commitment status and additional information from the applicant.
• Next steps: The applicant agreed to provide more details on agricultural water use and alternative sources. Councilmembers requested a list of all pending developments in the area (as previously required by Councilmember Inaba) and a response from CWRM regarding the Waimea aquifer’s authorized planned use.