During a recent government meeting, the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) expressed strong support for Bill 58 of 2024, with amendments proposed in Committee Draft 1. Dawn Kimura, the Building Division Chief, highlighted the department's commitment to advancing the bill, which aims to enhance building codes. The committee unanimously agreed to report the bill for passage on second reading and schedule a public hearing.

The meeting also addressed concerns regarding the Waimanalo project, specifically the SMA permit application. A committee member emphasized the importance of community input, noting that residents felt their concerns had not been adequately addressed in previous discussions. The member urged city officials to hold a community meeting to clarify how local feedback would be incorporated into the project.

In response, Director Milley and a representative from the Department of Parks and Recreation assured the committee of their willingness to engage with the community. They committed to organizing meetings to address residents' concerns and ensure that the project reflects the unique needs of Waimanalo, which is distinct from other parks in Oahu and the mainland United States.

The committee ultimately expressed support for moving the permit application forward, recognizing the necessity of the proposed improvements while also acknowledging the importance of community involvement in the planning process.