Residents push for eco-friendly housing amid forest preservation efforts

The Leeward Planning Commission has recommended the approval of Bill 166, which seeks to rezone a property in the Koloko Maka subdivision to allow for the subdivision of the land into four lots. This decision was made during a recent council meeting, where the applicants, Ryan Lees and co-owners Seth Roosevelt and Dr. Michael Hughes, presented their case for the rezoning.

The property, located at the intersection of Koloko Drive and Hau Street, is currently zoned for agricultural use, which limits the potential for residential development. The applicants emphasized their intention to use the subdivided lots as their primary residences, rather than as investment properties. They highlighted the challenges of the current housing market in Kona, where home prices range from $800,000 to $1 million, making homeownership unattainable for many local residents.

In their presentation, the applicants committed to preserving 80% of the land—approximately 17.5 acres—under a permanent forest management plan. This plan aims to protect the existing forest and native species while allowing for minimal environmental impact from the construction of their homes. The applicants also assured the council that they would actively manage the land to combat invasive species and maintain the health of the forest.

The council members expressed a mix of support and concern regarding the proposal. Some acknowledged the emotional nature of previous discussions surrounding similar zoning requests and emphasized the need for professionalism in deliberations. The applicants were clear in their stance that they are not developers seeking profit but rather local residents aiming to establish roots in their community.

If the council does not approve the rezoning request, the property will remain under its current agricultural zoning, which could lead to further clearing of the forest as the owners might seek to justify agricultural activities to build homes. The council is expected to make a decision on Bill 166 in the coming weeks, with implications for local housing availability and environmental conservation at stake.