Hundreds of residents urge council to reject rezoning and commercial plan for Waimea parcel

Dozens of residents from Waimea told the Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions on Wednesday that Bills 198 and 199 — requests to change zoning and allow a commercial/residential subdivision on a parcel in South Kohala — should be denied.

The testimony focused on water availability, traffic and infrastructure, loss of agricultural land and precedent for future subdivision. Many speakers said the Leeward Planning Commission had given an unfavorable recommendation; residents offered written community reports and urged the council to uphold that recommendation.

Why it matters: Testifiers said approval would allow subdivision of prime agricultural lots into smaller parcels and open the door to commercial development they say Waimea cannot support. Several speakers framed the issue as one of long-term food security, local housing affordability and protection of cultural and community ties.

Residents and community representatives presented specific concerns and figures. “This project will possibly need 20 water meters,” said Ladonna Shively, a Waimea resident of 36 years. Multiple speakers described difficulty securing a single water meter for existing residents and said new development would worsen…