Hawaii County Bill 29 Aims to Simplify Special Zoning District Establishment

In a recent meeting of the Hawaii County Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development, significant discussions centered around Bill 29, which aims to amend the Zoning Code to streamline the establishment of special zoning districts. This change is particularly relevant for revitalizing older areas like Pahoa Village, where the current requirement for detailed "meets and bounds" surveys has posed challenges.

The bill seeks to grant the Planning Director the authority to use alternative methods for defining district boundaries, such as general geographic references like roads and landmarks, rather than relying solely on costly and time-consuming surveys. This flexibility is expected to facilitate the creation of special zoning districts, which can encompass numerous properties, making the traditional surveying method impractical.

During the meeting, it was noted that while the existing code mentions "meets and bounds" as a method for establishing districts, it does not explicitly mandate it. However, the Planning Department has consistently required these surveys to avoid complications in zoning applications. The Planning Director expressed support for Bill 29 and proposed a friendly amendment to clarify that while "meets and bounds" descriptions are still necessary, the Director could opt for alternative methods when appropriate.

The committee's discussions highlighted the importance of adapting zoning regulations to meet the unique needs of different areas within Hawaii County. By allowing for more flexible boundary definitions, the county aims to enhance its planning processes and support community development efforts more effectively.

As the bill moves forward, it reflects a broader commitment to addressing local challenges and fostering growth in Hawaii County's diverse neighborhoods. The committee's favorable recommendation signals a step towards more efficient land use planning that could benefit residents and businesses alike.