Committee backs five-year extension and rezoning amendment for Young property in Kalaoa

The Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions voted to forward Bill 120 to the full council with a favorable recommendation after a presentation by the planning director and comments from the applicants.

Clerk reading identified Ernest and Elizabeth Young as applicants for Bill 120, which would amend Change of Zone Ordinance 21-40 for a 1.86-acre parcel at Kalaoa in North Kona to delete a prohibition on second dwellings and to add a five-year extension to secure final subdivision approval.

Planning Director Jeff Darrow described the parcel’s zoning, the proposed three-lot subdivision and site photos; the department recommended forwarding with conditions. “Following the passage of County Council Bill 123, which allows the development of up to 3 accessory dwelling units per lot in the RS Zone district, the applicants would like to remove the prohibition on constructing a second dwelling unit in order to build ADUs on the proposed lots and offer them for rent,” Darrow said.

Applicants Ernest Young and Elizabeth Young introduced themselves and explained that an existing 4-bedroom main dwelling and an ‘ohana unit are on the property; they said one existing unit could serve as a main dwelling or an ADU after subdivision. They also noted a Department of Transportation condition requiring removal of an existing driveway so access will come from Mahilani Drive.

Council members reviewed site plans and road safety at the corner lot and urged the applicants to work promptly with county departments to finalize outstanding items. With no further objections the committee voted to forward Bill 120 to the full council with a favorable recommendation; the clerk reported eight aye votes with one member excused. The measure will proceed to full council for the first of two readings on Feb. 4.