Commissioners press DHHL on infrastructure costs, DLNR cooperation and mixed‑use opportunities

A commissioner asked whether the candidate parcels were DLNR properties and whether DLNR suggested them or the department identified them through internal research. Riley said it was a collaborative process: "DLNR recommended some properties, and we also did our own research." The presenter clarified that the parcels under review are state lands eligible for transfer under Act 14.

Several commissioners flagged infrastructure cost as a primary constraint. One commissioner noted, "the cost of infrastructure is the most expensive part of the project," and said many inventory parcels on the Big Island are remote and not conducive to development. Commissioners asked whether certain parcels could support mixed‑use or multi‑use development; Riley said those land‑use decisions are not within his research capacity and would be decided later in planning, but he noted the parcels could be suitable for residential and subsistence agriculture or mixed uses depending on later planning and collaboration with divisions such as planning and LMD.

Commissioner Aniakoa praised the West Kewailani find and described it as suitable for community‑oriented mixed uses, asking staff to confirm adjacent land use. Riley confirmed residential development borders the parcel on both sides and emphasized the importance of community outreach during due diligence.