Meeting colors

OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Zoning & Planning Committee Meeting: May 21, 2026

City Council — Thursday, May 21, 2026

BodyHonolulu, Hawaii

SessionCity Council

DateThursday, May 21, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 1:01:00

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:14

Aloha and good morning, everyone.

0:15

It is Thursday, May 21st, 2026, and the time now is 10 30 a.m.

0:21

Will the committee on zoning and planning meeting, please come to order.

0:25

I would like to welcome the following committee members, Vice Chair Waters, Councilmember Cordero, Councilmember Okimoto, and Councilmember Tupola.

0:36

Although remote verbal testimony is being permitted, this is a regular in-person meeting and not a remote meeting by interactive conference technology under HRS section 92-3.7.

0:48

Therefore, the meeting will continue, notwithstanding loss of audio visual communication with remote testifiers or loss of the public broadcast of the meeting.

0:56

Members of the public will be allowed to provide verbal testimony on all items on the agenda when each item is taken up in two ways in person in the council chamber and remotely via video conference or phone.

1:08

Before testifying, each person shall state their name for the record.

1:12

Each speaker may not have anyone else read their statement and would be limited to a one-minute presentation per item.

1:18

All persons who register to testify in person will be called upon first.

1:22

Persons who did not register will be given an opportunity to offer testimony after the registered testifiers.

1:29

Once in-person testimony has concluded, I will proceed to the remote testifiers.

1:34

When I call your name or the last three digits of your phone number, please follow the prompts to unmute.

1:39

As both English and Hawaiian are official languages of the state of Hawaii, pursuant to Article 15, Section 4 of the Hawaii State Constitution and Section 113 of the Hawaii revised statutes.

1:49

Members of the public may testify in either language.

1:53

For verbal testimonies offered in Olelo, Hawaii, additional time as may be necessary will be allowed for the testifier to provide an English translation of their testimony.

2:02

Written testimonies, including the testifier's address, email address, and phone number will be available to the public as described on the posted agenda.

2:10

As a courtesy, please turn off or silence all cell phones for the duration of this meeting.

2:15

Thank you.

2:16

For your information, item number eight, resolution 26-128 on page 7 of the agenda have been canceled and will not be considered.

2:25

Moving to agenda item number one for action, resolution 26 90.

2:31

This resolution confirms the appointment of Micah Kim to serve in the zoning board of appeals for a term to expire on June 30th, 2030.

2:40

Mr.

2:40

Kim is a compliance and data manager Pacific Resource Partnership.

2:45

We have posted on the agenda a technical CD1 version of the resolution, which I submitted.

2:50

For your information, a summary of the amendments is listed on the agenda.

2:54

The zoning board of appeals hears and determines appeals from the actions of the director of the Department of Planning and Permitting, the administration of the zoning ordinances at subdivision or and subdivision ordinances.

3:26

Chair there, none.

3:30

Now moving to uh well, first of all I'm sorry.

3:33

Is there uh anyone else in the council chamber who would like to testify on this item?

3:38

Please come forward to the podium and begin by stating your name.

3:43

Aloha Chair Kiaina, good to see you again, Vice Chair Waters, committee members.

3:48

Uh Micah Kim is currently on vacation on the continent, so he sends his regards.

3:53

He would be here if uh not for that uh pre-planned vacation.

3:56

Uh PRP stands on his testimony in support of the nomination of uh Micah Kim.

4:02

Uh he's an attorney at law, uh barred in the state of Hawaii.

4:06

Um he's also got his MBA and is very familiar with the zoning laws of the city and county of Honolulu, and I think he'd make a welcome addition uh with his expertise and know-how.

4:15

So thank you very much for allowing me to testify.

4:17

Thank you.

4:18

Members, any questions?

4:19

Thank you so much.

4:21

Is there anyone else in the chamber who would like to testify?

4:25

Seeing none, proceeding on with remote testimony.

4:27

Clerks, do we have any remote testifiers?

4:29

Chair, there are none.

4:32

For the administration.

4:54

Uh, and in support of the nominee, correct?

4:56

Yes.

4:58

Thank you.

5:00

Does anyone have any questions for DPP?

5:02

Or have any discussion before I make my recommendation?

5:06

Seeing no further discussion, the chair recommends that resolution 26-90 be amended to the post at CD1.

5:13

Any discussion, any objections or reservations?

5:16

Hearing none, the resolution has been amended to a CD one.

5:19

The chair then recommends that resolution 26-90 CD1 be reported out for adoption.

5:24

Any discussion, any objections or reservations, hearing none so ordered.

5:31

Moving to agenda item number two for action, resolution 26-102.

5:36

This is another resolution involving the zoning board of appeals and confirms the reappointment of Ryan Toyomura to serve in the board for term to expire on June 30th, 2031.

5:47

Mr.

5:48

Toyamura is currently the board chair and is an attorney at Ashford and Risden, where his practice area includes litigation, appeals, land use, rural property, corporate law, government affairs, and energy infrastructure financing.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Historic Preservation█████████████████████████25%

Procedural████████████████████████24%

Arts And Culture█████████████████17%

Personnel Matters██████████████14%

Community Engagement█████████9%

Environmental Protection█████5%

Parks and Recreation████4%

Real Property Taxation██2%

Summary of Proceedings

Zoning & Planning Committee Meeting Summary

On Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., the Honolulu City Council Committee on Zoning and Planning convened in a regular in-person meeting chaired by Councilmember Kiaina. The committee considered nine agenda items, including several appointments and reappointments to city boards and commissions, a resolution to acquire the Queen Theater property, and amendments to city ordinances concerning subdivision, flood hazard areas, and park dedication.

Consent Calendar

The committee approved technical amendments (CD1 versions) for resolutions confirming appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals (Resolutions 26-90 and 26-102) and the Oahu Historic Preservation Commission (Resolutions 26-96 and 26-100), as well as a resolution directing the Department of Planning and Permitting to process an amendment to the subdivision ordinance (Resolution 26-105).

Public Comments & Testimony

Resolution 26-127 (Queen Theater acquisition): Multiple members of the public testified in strong support. Calvin Hara (Kaimuki resident) urged approval, calling the theater a "great opportunity" for a community gathering space for keiki to kupuna. Orin Schliemann (Kaimuki resident since 1967) described the acquisition as a "no-brainer" and a "wonderful opportunity to give a gift back to the community," noting the site's proximity to parking, restaurants, and Kaimuki Community Park. Becky Gardner (former neighbor) said the property was an "eyesore" and that the $4 million price tag should be weighed against opportunity costs. Remote testifiers Christine Otto Zah and Lori Yamata (on behalf of Invision Kaimuki) also expressed support, with Yamata describing the theater as a "blight" in need of repair and hoping the resolution would enable its restoration. The committee received 33 written testimonies in support.
Resolutions 26-90, 26-96, 26-100, 26-97, and 26-105: No public testimony was offered.
Bill 70 2025 (dog park dedication) and Bill 34 2026 (flood hazard area ordinance): No public testimony was offered.

Discussion Items

Resolution 26-90 (Zoning Board of Appeals – Micah Kim): A representative from Pacific Resource Partnership testified in support, noting Mr. Kim is an attorney barred in Hawaii with an MBA and familiarity with local zoning laws. The committee adopted a technical CD1 and unanimously reported it out.
Resolution 26-102 (Zoning Board of Appeals – Ryan Toyomura): The appointee was not logged on; the chair apologized for a delay due to a major accident on the windward side. The administration (Brian Gallagher, Deputy Director of DPP) supported the reappointment. The committee adopted a technical CD1 and reported it out.
Resolution 26-96 (Oahu Historic Preservation Commission – Richard Davis): Mr. Davis described his experience serving on the commission since its 2023 inception, noting the commission is beginning to understand the community's scope. The administration (Michael Catt, DPP) supported the reappointment. The committee adopted a technical CD1 and reported it out.
Resolution 26-100 (Oahu Historic Preservation Commission – Lani Ma'a Lapalio): Ms. Lapalio, a Native Hawaiian attorney and cultural consultant with over 30 years of experience, gave an extensive statement on the importance of cultural preservation and her commitment to honoring kupuna. Councilmember Tupola asked about coordination with the State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD), and Ms. Lapalio acknowledged SHPD is overwhelmed with limited resources. Chair Kiaina raised the issue of burial councils lacking quorum, which can impede projects, and asked Ms. Lapalio whether delegation to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) might be viable; she noted OHA lacks administrative rulemaking authority and would require state law changes. Chair Kiaina expressed interest in exploring the idea. Councilmember Cordero praised the appointment. The committee adopted a technical CD1 and reported it out.
Resolution 26-97 (Planning Commission – Hilary Alomar): Ms. Alomar, Director of Planning and Development at Kamehameha Schools with over 25 years of experience, stated she has served on the Planning Commission since December 2021 and is also on the board of Trees for Honolulu's Future. Councilmember Tupola asked about her background, and Ms. Alomar noted her time on the commission. Councilmember Cordero expressed support, citing her technical expertise. Chair Kiaina mentioned looking forward to housing development in Kaneohe. The committee adopted a technical CD1, further amended to specify Ms. Alomar's category as "land use planning policies and principles," and reported it out.
Resolution 26-105 (Subdivision ordinance rulemaking): The resolution directs the DPP director to process an amendment shifting responsibility for adopting subdivision rules from the Planning Commission to the director, as recommended by Council committee report 76 (2026). The administration supported the measure. The committee reported it out without amendment.
Resolution 26-127 (Queen Theater acquisition): Chair Waters, the introducer, deferred to public testimony before commenting. After testimony, Chair Waters strongly criticized the administration's opposition, stating the mayor had apologized two days prior for not listening to the council and community. He argued the property owner is open to voluntary condemnation (contrary to administration's written statement) and that the vision is to model after the Palace Theater in Hilo, where the city condemns and transfers to a nonprofit for renovation. Chair Waters noted 33 testimonies in support and said the community would raise private funds for restoration. Councilmember Tupola supported her colleague, noting the theater is one of many iconic Kaimuki properties that have deteriorated, and urged the administration to revise its departmental communication to reflect accurate facts. Councilmember Dos Santos Tamba asked about leasing policies for city-owned properties, noting the building has ground-floor retail with potential lease revenue of about $160,000 per year, and stated a concurrent policy (Bill 10) has not yet been referred. The committee reported the resolution out for adoption over administration opposition.
Bill 70 2025 CD1 (Dog park dedication): The bill amends the subdivision ordinance to allow land dedicated for dog parks to count toward park dedication requirements. Councilmember Tupola thanked the Departments of Parks and Recreation and DPP for detailed collaboration. The administration (Brian Gallagher) supported the bill, noting its nuances. The committee adopted a CD2 with a verbal amendment (deleting "or associate with") and reported it out for third reading.
Bill 34 2026 CD1 (Flood hazard area ordinance): The bill aligns city regulations with National Flood Insurance Program and Community Rating System requirements. The administration noted recent storms and the urgency of passage before updated flood maps take effect June 10th to maintain program eligibility. The committee adopted a CD2 with technical amendments and reported it out for third reading.

Key Outcomes

Resolutions 26-90, 26-102, 26-96, 26-100, 26-97, and 26-105 were each reported out for adoption after adopting technical or substantive amendments.
Resolution 26-127 (Queen Theater acquisition) was reported out for adoption despite administration opposition. The committee directed that the departmental communication be revised to accurately reflect the property owner's willingness to cooperate.
Bill 70 2025 CD1 was amended to CD2 and reported out for passage on third reading.
Bill 34 2026 CD1 was amended to CD2 and reported out for passage on third reading.
Resolution 26-128 was canceled and not considered.

Meeting Transcript

Aloha and good morning, everyone. It is Thursday, May 21st, 2026, and the time now is 10 30 a.m. Will the committee on zoning and planning meeting, please come to order. I would like to welcome the following committee members, Vice Chair Waters, Councilmember Cordero, Councilmember Okimoto, and Councilmember Tupola. Although remote verbal testimony is being permitted, this is a regular in-person meeting and not a remote meeting by interactive conference technology under HRS section 92-3.7. Therefore, the meeting will continue, notwithstanding loss of audio visual communication with remote testifiers or loss of the public broadcast of the meeting. Members of the public will be allowed to provide verbal testimony on all items on the agenda when each item is taken up in two ways in person in the council chamber and remotely via video conference or phone. Before testifying, each person shall state their name for the record. Each speaker may not have anyone else read their statement and would be limited to a one-minute presentation per item. All persons who register to testify in person will be called upon first. Persons who did not register will be given an opportunity to offer testimony after the registered testifiers. Once in-person testimony has concluded, I will proceed to the remote testifiers. When I call your name or the last three digits of your phone number, please follow the prompts to unmute. As both English and Hawaiian are official languages of the state of Hawaii, pursuant to Article 15, Section 4 of the Hawaii State Constitution and Section 113 of the Hawaii revised statutes. Members of the public may testify in either language. For verbal testimonies offered in Olelo, Hawaii, additional time as may be necessary will be allowed for the testifier to provide an English translation of their testimony. Written testimonies, including the testifier's address, email address, and phone number will be available to the public as described on the posted agenda. As a courtesy, please turn off or silence all cell phones for the duration of this meeting. Thank you. For your information, item number eight, resolution 26-128 on page 7 of the agenda have been canceled and will not be considered. Moving to agenda item number one for action, resolution 26 90. This resolution confirms the appointment of Micah Kim to serve in the zoning board of appeals for a term to expire on June 30th, 2030. Mr. Kim is a compliance and data manager Pacific Resource Partnership. We have posted on the agenda a technical CD1 version of the resolution, which I submitted. For your information, a summary of the amendments is listed on the agenda. The zoning board of appeals hears and determines appeals from the actions of the director of the Department of Planning and Permitting, the administration of the zoning ordinances at subdivision or and subdivision ordinances. Chair there, none. Now moving to uh well, first of all I'm sorry. Is there uh anyone else in the council chamber who would like to testify on this item? Please come forward to the podium and begin by stating your name. Aloha Chair Kiaina, good to see you again, Vice Chair Waters, committee members. Uh Micah Kim is currently on vacation on the continent, so he sends his regards. He would be here if uh not for that uh pre-planned vacation. Uh PRP stands on his testimony in support of the nomination of uh Micah Kim. Uh he's an attorney at law, uh barred in the state of Hawaii. Um he's also got his MBA and is very familiar with the zoning laws of the city and county of Honolulu, and I think he'd make a welcome addition uh with his expertise and know-how. So thank you very much for allowing me to testify. Thank you. Members, any questions? Thank you so much. Is there anyone else in the chamber who would like to testify? Seeing none, proceeding on with remote testimony. Clerks, do we have any remote testifiers? Chair, there are none. For the administration. Uh, and in support of the nominee, correct? Yes. Thank you. Does anyone have any questions for DPP?

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI

TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com