NOTABLE MEASURES PASSED AND ADOPTED AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING ON DECEMBER 11, 2024
BILLS & RESOLUTIONS
● Bill 51, CD2 – Amending the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu to allow for the adaptive reuse of existing commercial buildings.
“Bill 51 (2024) responds to two of my top priorities – our housing crisis and Downtown revitalization – in a responsible and sustainable way. It’s clear that we need innovative solutions to increase the availability of affordable and livable spaces. By enabling the adaptive reuse of existing commercial buildings, we can unlock a new source of housing, particularly in areas that are already well-served by infrastructure, public transportation, and other essential services.” – Councilmember and Co-Introducer Tyler Dos Santos-Tam
“The bill allows for converting unused commercial buildings into housing with safeguards to protect residents’ health and safety. After the COVID pandemic we had many unused commercial buildings. Converting some of those buildings into residential housing will provide more housing units for local families.” – Councilmember and Co-Introducer Matt Weyer
● Bill 64 (2023), FD1, CD2 – Land Use Ordinance amendment relating to use regulations.
“The City’s Land Use Ordinance (LUO) has been in place for over 30 years, and the time has come for a substantial update. The passage of Bill 64 (2023) is a pivotal step forward as it updates key provisions in LUO Article 5, including the Master Use Table, use development standards, and use definitions. Beginning in 2023, the Committee on Planning and the Economy, which I chair, began to methodically review all of the uses in Bill 64, through collaboration and discussion with community stakeholders, industry experts, and relevant City and State departments.
The resulting measure reflects the current realities of our community, our economy, and the way we envision the future of our island. These changes will help us streamline land use regulations, address emerging challenges, and provide clearer guidance for residents and stakeholders alike. Bill 64 gives us the tools to foster more sustainable development, improve zoning clarity, and enhance the livability of our communities. Mahalo to everyone who participated in the process, for all of your hard work on Bill 64!” – Vice Chair and Introducer Esther Kiaʻāina
● Bill 59 (2023) – Relating to incentives for film studio facilities.
“Bill 59 (2023) aims to provide real property tax incentives for the development of film studio facilities in Honolulu. This ordinance aligns with our long-term vision to diversify the local economy, reduce our reliance on tourism, and ensure that the people of Honolulu benefit from a thriving, multifaceted economy. For decades, Hawaiʻi has been home to some of the most iconic and successful film productions that were significant contributors to our economy, such as Magnum P.I., Hawaii 5-0, White Lotus, and Aquaman.
By incentivizing the creation of world-class film studios here in Honolulu, we are not only attracting major film productions, but we are also providing a platform for the next generation of local talent. This bill will not only attract global productions, but it will also support local businesses, strengthen our labor force, and increase economic resilience in the face of shifting global markets.” – Councilmember and Introducer Augie Tulba
● Bill 46, CD2 – Relating to real property taxation for Kamaʻāina Housing – Empty Homes Tax.
“We are all navigating a housing crisis that poses significant challenges for so many in our community. Finding solutions that everyone can agree on, which satisfy various wants, needs, and scenarios, is both complex and challenging. While Bill 46 represents an innovative approach to addressing the multifaceted issues affecting housing in Honolulu, postponing the vote allows the Council to engage with the Ernst & Young study, verify the tax's impact and potential education and implementation plan, and seek more community input. The Council is committed to exploring a variety of strategies to tackle the ongoing housing crisis. We look forward to continuing this important dialogue and discussing ways to help more residents and families remain in Hawai‘i.” – Council Chair and Introducer Tommy Waters
● Resolution 24-176, CD1 – Requesting the City Administration to take the steps necessary to acquire the Queen Theater Property.
“For decades now, the Queen Theater property at the top of Wai‘alae Avenue has stood as a vacant and rundown eyesore in the middle of a thriving residential neighborhood, supported by a resurging and vibrant restaurant scene. Residents have repeatedly expressed frustration over the unsafe conditions, the increasing risk to pedestrians, and the blight that has negatively impacted the central character of the neighborhood. I have been working with the building's owners for several years in hopes of finding a productive solution - the time is now to restore it to a state that would benefit the entire community.” – Council Chair and Introducer Tommy Waters
● Resolution 24-248, CD1 – Authorizing overt video monitoring in West Oʻahu.
● Resolution 24-275 – Urging the Hawaiʻi State Legislature to adopt legislation addressing criminal street gangs.
“Resolution 24-275 urges the Hawaiʻi State Legislature to take action on the growing threat posed by criminal street gangs in our community. The recent uptick in shootings and gun-related violence in Honolulu, particularly on the west side of Oʻahu, is alarming, and it is becoming increasingly clear that we need a stronger, more focused response to address the underlying issues of criminal street gang activity.
Hawaiʻi, unlike many other states, lacks specific legislation defining criminal street gangs and providing enhanced penalties for gang-related crimes. It is time for us to take the necessary steps to protect our families and our communities by adopting similar measures in our community.” – Councilmember and Introducer Andria Tupola
● Resolution 24-252, CD1 – Naming the campground at Waimanālo Beach Park in honor of George Keʻa Mahoe Jr.
● Resolution 24-274 – Urging the State and City Administrations to take action on the housing crisis and homelessness before the 2008 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California.
“Resolution 24-274 calls on both our State and City leadership to take urgent action on the ongoing housing crisis and homelessness facing our community, especially as we approach the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Historical precedent suggests that cities hosting the Games have often displaced vulnerable populations, including the homeless, in preparation for international visitors.
I am deeply concerned that displacing people from LA will have ripple effects in Hawai'i, given the frequent travel connections between the two regions. As many of these displaced individuals seek refuge in other states, Hawai'i is likely to bear the brunt of this crisis. Honolulu continues to face challenges in offering resources to existing vulnerable communities, and an influx of individuals from California will stretch our limited resources even further. Shelters, food services, healthcare, and mental health support systems will be strained, making it harder to provide adequate care for both the new arrivals and those who are already struggling here.
Resolution 24-274 is crucial because it urges both our State and City leadership to recognize the severity of the housing crisis and homelessness that continues to affect our communities.”
– Councilmember and Introducer Calvin Say
● Resolution 24-243, CD1 – Reconvening the Honolulu City Council’s Agricultural Development Task Force to foster the growth and enhancement of agricultural activities.
APPOINTMENTS – RESOLUTIONS
● Resolution 24-262 – Confirming the appointment of Trevor Abarzua to serve on the Board of Parks and Recreation.
● Resolution 24-261 – Relating to the appointment of Kehaulani Puʻu to serve on the Board of Water Supply.
● Resolution 24-257 – Confirming the reappointment of Rex Akutagawa to serve on the Rate Commission.
