Hilo Council supports rezoning to aid Kua O'Kala Charter School's land ownership transition

Hawaii County's Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee has taken a significant step towards enhancing educational stability in the region by forwarding Bill 40 with a favorable recommendation. This bill proposes a zoning change from agricultural 10 acres to agricultural 5 acres for a portion of land in Pana'e Waheila, specifically to facilitate the transition of Kua O'Kolau New Century Public Charter School from a lease to fee simple ownership.

The property, which encompasses approximately 12.043 acres, is currently home to the charter school that has been operating since its previous facilities were destroyed by lava flows in Puna. The nonprofit organization Ho'olu Lahui is spearheading this initiative, aiming to secure county rezoning approval swiftly to begin the subdivision process by early 2026. This change is crucial for meeting minimum lot size requirements, allowing the school to establish a more stable and permanent presence in the community.

The committee's discussions highlighted the importance of this rezoning for the school’s long-term operations, which include plans for additional office space and expanded educational opportunities. The existing special permit for the property will also need to be amended to reflect these changes.

The committee's recommendation is a pivotal move towards ensuring that Kua O'Kolau can continue to serve its students and the community effectively. As the process moves forward, the focus will remain on securing the necessary approvals to support the school’s ongoing mission and enhance educational resources in the area.