Committee backs creation of Downtown Pahoa Commercial District with voluntary opt-in

The Hawaii County Policy Committee voted June 16 to send Bill 126 to the full County Council with a favorable recommendation, endorsing a new Downtown Pahoa Commercial (DPC) zoning district intended to clarify permitted uses and spur locally led redevelopment in Pahoa.

Councilmember Ashley Kirkowitz, sponsor of the bill, said the measure is meant to "give Pahoa a chance" by providing property owners clearer options and tools after years of recovery work. "This isn't going to solve every single issue that Pahoa is facing, but it is a critical first step," she said.

Planning Director Jeff Darrow told the committee the bill would add the DPC to the county's special districts, create definitions for new uses (including co-working and cultural enterprise), and list 53 permitted land uses for the district. Key dimensional standards in the proposal include a 30-foot height limit, a minimum building site area of 7,500 square feet, an average site width of 50 feet, and no routine minimum yard setbacks except as required under plan approval. Darrow said the DPC would remove a general off-street parking requirement for parcels wholly inside the district, leaving parking to be addressed during plan approval.

The bill includes an opt-in mechanism: property owners would voluntarily elect the DPC designation in writing; on receipt the planning director would verify ownership and administratively apply the DPC zoning to the parcel without separate legislative action. The director also proposed requiring plan approval for most new structures and additions in the DPC, with limited exemptions for a single-family dwelling and accessory buildings.

Two public testifiers urged passage. Amadeo Markov, a Puna resident and community volunteer, said establishing a defined downtown "provides clarity and structure for both existing businesses and future investment" and would help protect Pahoa's character while supporting small businesses. Eileen O'Hara, representing Malamo Puna, told the committee she supports the bill suite (124–126) and said the measures build flexibility for property owners.

Committee members also approved an amendment (communication 7-10.3) offered by Kirkowitz to clarify the voluntary opt-in language and to specify the DPC area map. The amendment passed on a voice vote and was adopted before the committee recommended the amended Bill 126 to council. Vice Chair Michelle Galimba called the final recommendation vote; the committee recorded eight members in favor and one excused.

Kirkowitz addressed infrastructure concerns raised during testimony, saying she has been working with Public Works on potential sidewalks from Pahoa High School into downtown, with the Department of Water Supply on improving redundancy and resiliency for water service, and with the finance and research & development offices on potential revitalization funds and small-business support to help property owners renovate buildings.

The committee record shows the Windward Planning Commission previously voted to send a favorable recommendation to the council and the planning director transmitted a presentation supporting the proposal. The bill now goes to the full Hawaii County Council for first-reading action and further consideration.