Council approves Pahoa Village design updates, creates Downtown Pahoa commercial district

Hawaii County Council approved two measures aimed at guiding development in Pahoa: Bill 125, which clarifies duties and procedures for the Pahoa Village Design guidelines and the Design Review Committee, and Bill 126, which creates a Downtown Pahoa Commercial Special District with development standards and permitted uses.

“Projects like the Puna Kai Shopping Center demonstrate that thoughtful development and community character can coexist,” Council member Kirkowitz said during the floor presentation. Sponsors described the measures as the product of years of community engagement and a response to recovery and resilience planning after recent eruptions and other disruptions.

Council members noted the approvals were voluntary pathways for property owners and do not impose new taxes. Both bills passed on 2nd and final reading; the votes carried with eight ayes and one member excused.