How zone change applications are reviewed in Central Oahu

(a) All zone change applications relating to land in the Central Oahu SCP area will be reviewed by the department for consistency with the general plan, the Central Oahu SCP, and any applicable special area plan. (1) The director shall recommend either approval, approval with changes, or denial. The director’s written review of the application must become part of the zone change report that will be sent to the planning commission and the city council. (2) A project master plan must be part of an EA or EIS for any project involving 25 acres or more of land. The director shall review the project master plan for its consistency with the Central Oahu SCP. (3) Any development or phase of development already covered by a project master plan that has been fully reviewed under the provisions of this article does not require a new project master plan provided that the director determines the proposed zone change is generally consistent with the existing project master plan for the affected area. (4) If a final EIS has already been accepted for a development, including one accepted prior to March 30, 2021, then a subsequent project master plan is not required for the development. (b) Projects that involve a significant zone change are required to submit an EA to the department prior to an application for a zone change being accepted. Any development or phase of a development that has already been assessed under the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”), HRS Chapter 343 (Hawaii Environmental Policy Act, or “HEPA”), Chapter 25 , or the provisions of this article, and for which a FONSI has been filed or a required EIS has been accepted, is not subject to further EA or EIS requirements under this article unless otherwise required by NEPA or HEPA. (c) The department shall review the EA, and based on the review of the EA, the director shall determine whether an EIS will be required or whether a FONSI will be issued. (d) If an EIS is required, the EIS must be accepted by the director before a zone change application may be initiated. (e) Zone changes must be processed in accordance with this section; Section 5.4 of the Central Oahu SOP; Chapter 2, Article 24 , Part A; and Chapter 21 .