Commission OKs rezoning requests for proposed Waimea subdivisions

The Windward Planning Commission has approved rezoning requests for two planned 20-lot subdivisions in Honokaa.

On Thursday, developers presented a plan to turn a pair of vacant 7-acre parcels in Honokaa into two subdivisions called Lehua Villages. One of those villages would offer 20 finished lots at Hawaii County affordable housing rates.

Planning consultant Sidney Fuke said the planned subdivisions could be offered at a lower-than-normal price by being designated a Planned Unit Development, which allows more flexible use of the land.

The commission was favorable toward the proposal, although some members of the public raised some concerns during the meeting.

Resident Daniel Miller said the traffic generated by the subdivisions would overwhelm Lehua Street, the street they would be built on, as well as a nearby one-lane bridge, and he asked the commission to postpone its decision until necessary infrastructure improvements can be made.

“We moved here for the great ocean view,” said resident James Loewen. “So, height restrictions are very necessary so we can maintain that ocean view we paid for.”

Despite those concerns, the commission voted unanimously to approve the requests. The matter will next be discussed at a future meeting of the Hawaii County Council.