Community Leaders Oppose Hawaii Bill 60 Over Religious Freedom Concerns

On June 17, 2025, the Hawaii County Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development convened to discuss Bill 60, a proposed zoning ordinance that has sparked significant opposition from local faith communities. The meeting featured testimonies from several residents, including Jonathan Roche, who articulated concerns regarding the bill's implications for religious freedom.

Roche, representing the Interfaith Communities in Action, expressed strong opposition to Bill 60, arguing that it infringes on the rights of religious organizations by imposing operational standards on houses of worship. He highlighted that the bill could criminalize traditional religious practices, such as Easter sunrise services and midnight masses, by setting restrictive hours of operation. Roche called for the council to withdraw the bill and engage in discussions with faith communities to revise its content, emphasizing that the proposed regulations represent an overreach of governmental authority.

Evette Campos, a representative from the Church of the Holy Apostles, echoed Roche's sentiments, questioning the rationale behind excluding churches, temples, and synagogues from the bill. She expressed confusion over the lack of clarity regarding the bill's intentions and the absence of a comprehensive explanation for its provisions. Campos, who also serves on the diocese council, underscored the collective concern among local religious leaders about the potential consequences of the bill.

Claudia Rohrer, another testifier, critiqued the bill for attempting to create a uniform category of land use that inadequately addresses the unique needs of different faith communities. She pointed out that the bill appears to be a response to a federal civil rights action against the county, raising questions about its motivations and implications for local governance.

The testimonies reflect a broader unease within the community regarding the balance between land use regulation and the protection of religious freedoms. As the committee considers the feedback from residents, the future of Bill 60 remains uncertain, with calls for further dialogue and revision likely to shape the next steps in this contentious issue. The outcome of this discussion could have lasting implications for how faith communities operate within Hawaii County, highlighting the need for careful consideration of both regulatory frameworks and the rights of religious organizations.