Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Subdivision topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee backs rezone to allow subdivision of Keholani Street property into two lots
Summary
Bill 73, to change a South Hilo parcel from 15,000-sq-ft single-family zoning to 10,000-sq-ft single-family zoning to permit subdivision into two lots, was forwarded with a favorable recommendation; applicants said the change is for estate-planning and no new development is planned.
The Committee of Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions on Aug. 5 forwarded Bill 73 to the full County Council with a favorable recommendation. Bill 73 would rezone a South Hilo parcel at 461 Keholani Street (Tax Map Key 2-4-01-153) from Single Family Residential (15,000 square feet) to Single Family Residential (10,000 square feet) to permit subdivision into two lots. Applicants are Douglas and Shelly Ueda; the parcel area is about 21,778 square feet.
Why it matters: The rezoning would allow the existing two single-family dwellings on the parcel to be split so each dwelling could occupy its own lot. Applicants told the committee the change is intended for estate planning and that there is no plan for new development.
Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow summarized the application and maps, noting the property is in the State Land Use Urban District and in the county general plan as low-density urban. Darrow said the Planning Department and Planning Commission recommended a favorable recommendation to the County Council; the Planning Commission action was recorded on July 3, 2025 with conditions.
Applicants Douglas and Shelly Ueda said they sought the subdivision to make it easier to sell one lot in the future to a local buyer and to simplify estate planning. Douglas Ueda said, "we like to split the property in 2 in case in the future we decide to sell 1, and we'd like to sell to local people so it becomes more affordable rather than an investor." There is no new construction proposed.
Council member Onishi, whose district contains the property, said he had received no public comments opposing the request and expressed support. Council member Inaba reminded the applicants of the five-year timeline for completing subdivision approval; the applicants confirmed they were aware and agreed.
The committee approved a motion by Councilmember Nava, seconded by Councilmember Onishi, to forward Bill 73 with a favorable recommendation. The clerk recorded six ayes; three members were excused. Committee members noted an amendment will be introduced at the next hearing to ensure the county does not revoke an existing Ohana permit upon rezoning until the subdivision has been completed.
