Kaua‘i County Council Planning Committee Meeting – May 7, 2025

The Planning Committee of the Kaua‘i County Council met on May 7, 2025, at 8:30 AM in the Council Chambers. The meeting focused on Bill 2951, which amends Chapter 8 of the Kaua‘i County Code relating to commercial use of parks facilities. After extensive discussion and two amendments, the committee voted 3-0 to recommend approval of the bill as amended. A subsequent public hearing on the FY2025-2026 operating budget, CIP budget, and real property tax rates was also held at 5:00 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of April 16, 2025 Planning Committee Meeting: Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On Amendment #1 (Kanashiro): No members of the public testified.
• On Amendment #2 (Cowden): Multiple community members, including market vendors, farmers, and residents, testified in strong support of the underlying bill and urged its passage without delay. Speakers such as Desiree Hiram, Kaylee Nakamura, Aaron Hoffman, Matthew Kievlin, Dylan Davis, Rosalie Kaohe, Missy Hedge, Billy DeCosta, Anthony Payton, Amy Arnett, and Billy Carter emphasized the economic importance of farmers and artisans markets, the need for local food security, and the hardship caused by the Princeville market closure. Some expressed concern that Cowden’s amendment would prevent the Princeville market from reopening. A few speakers noted that the bill’s protections (e.g., 300-foot neighbor notification, SMA requirements) are sufficient to prevent over-commercialization of parks.
• On Public Hearing (Budget & Tax Rates): Billy DeCosta opposed funding for personal council staff, calling it a waste of taxpayer dollars. Bridget Hammerquist supported the staff funding and raised concerns about the county’s shift from zoning-based to apparent-use property tax classification, arguing it creates confusion and inequities. A second speaker, Mr. Lebanon, questioned the “open zone” classification and its impact on agricultural land taxation.

Discussion Items

• Bill 2951 – Commercial Use of Parks Facilities: The committee considered two amendments to the bill.
  • Amendment #1 (Councilmember Kanashiro): A 13-page amendment incorporating housekeeping changes and adding a community notification requirement: applicants must notify property owners within 300 feet; if more than 50% object, the market cannot proceed under a Class 1 permit and must instead seek a use permit. The amendment also allowed neighbors to petition for revocation at any time if a majority objects. Councilmember Kanashiro presented the amendment, noting it addressed concerns about public input. After discussion, the amendment passed 3-0.
  • Amendment #2 (Councilmember Cowden): Proposed to remove state and county parks from the bill, allowing farmers and artisans markets only on private community use facilities. Cowden argued that parks rules are not yet in place, and that beach parks face special management area (SMA) challenges. Planning Director Kaina explained that the amendment would effectively prohibit the Princeville market because the Princeville park is zoned for uses allowed in county parks. Councilmember Cowden also expressed concern about enforcement and community input. The amendment failed 1-2 (Cowden aye, Kanashiro and Carvalho no).
• Main Motion as Amended: After the failure of Cowden’s amendment, the committee proceeded to vote on the main motion (Bill 2951 as amended by Kanashiro). Councilmember Cowden initially indicated she would vote no, but after further discussion and urging from Council Chair Raposo, she changed her vote to yes to allow the bill to move forward to the full council. The motion passed 3-0.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes: Approved.
• Bill 2951 (as amended by Kanashiro): Recommended for approval by the full County Council (3-0). The bill will appear on the May 14, 2025 full council agenda. If passed there, it will go to the mayor for signature.
• Public Hearing: Held on Bill 2949 (Operating Budget), Bill 2950 (CIP Budget), and Resolution 2025-21 (Real Property Tax Rates). No action taken; the hearing was adjourned. The council will continue deliberations on the budget and tax rates at a later date.
• Next Steps: Bill 2951 is scheduled for full council consideration on May 14, 2025. Councilmember Cowden indicated she would likely vote no at that time. The budget and tax rate hearings will be scheduled for further discussion.