Council debates decades-long project amid zoning confusion

During a recent county council meeting, significant discussions centered around a proposed change in zoning for a long-standing development project in Kona. The council is considering Bill 169, which seeks to transition the zoning designation from an \"unplanned\" zone to a \"Residential Multi-family 5,000\" (RM 5) zone.

Council member Evans raised questions about the historical context of the unplanned zoning designation, which existed from 1967 until 1996, when it was reclassified to agricultural zoning. The current proposal aims to clarify the zoning status, as the project has been in development limbo since the original ordinance lapsed in 2012. The property was acquired by the current developers in 2015, who have since been working to navigate the complexities of the zoning process.

Deputy Director Darrow confirmed that the project has undergone multiple iterations, although he noted that he had only seen a few revisions. Council member Villages pointed out that he had documented at least three iterations over his five and a half years in office, highlighting the lengthy and evolving nature of the project.

The council also discussed the implications of the lapsed ordinance, with Vice Chair Strainova emphasizing that if Bill 169 does not pass, the property will remain in its current state without any new development approvals. The council members expressed concerns regarding the project's alignment with the Kona Community Development Plan (CDP), particularly in relation to transportation and environmental resources.

Deputy Darrow reassured the council that the planning department supports the project, citing previous assessments that indicated consistency with the CDP. However, he acknowledged the challenges posed by flood zones affecting the property, stating that while the developers cannot resolve existing flood issues, they are required to implement measures to manage runoff and mitigate potential impacts.

As the council continues to deliberate on the proposed zoning change, the outcome remains uncertain, with implications for the future of the project and the surrounding community.