REP PC 081 2022/10/18 (2020-2022)

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PORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PLANNING DATE: October 18, 2022 Re: Comm. No. 952/Bill No. 204 PLACE: Council Chambers Kailua-Kona, Hawaii TIME: 2:33 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Bill No. 204, reports as follows: Bill No. 204, submitted by Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, via Communication No. 952, dated August 12, 2022, amends Section 25-8-3 (North Kona Zone Map), Article 8, Chapter 25 (Zoning) of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), by changing the district classification from Agricultural—Five Acres (A-5a)to Family Agricultural—One Acre (FA-la) at Kailua-Kona, North Kona, Hawaii, covered by Tax Map Key: 7-5-017:043. The applicant is Siting Chen. The project area is approximately 14.968 acres. Bill No. 204 was introduced by Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz, by request. The Leeward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for this change of zone request, which would revise Conditions G, H, and I, clarifying required road construction and improvements; remove Conditions R through W, and replace them with conditions addressing listed or endangered species. The applicant proposes to subdivide the parcel into 11 one-acre lots, with the largest lot consisting of a 3.5-acre single-family dwelling, and planting an orchard and vegetable plots. The property is located on the south side of Hualdlai Road, approximately 0.6 miles east intersecting with Queen Ka`ahumanu Highway, Wai`aha 16, Puapua`anui 1., in North Kona. On September 6, 2022, Planning Consultant John Pipan and the applicant, Siting Chen, appeared before Your Committee in the Hilo Council Chambers to explain the project and provide background context. Mr. Pipan explained that the project would create the opportunity for several low impact farm lots for 11 families. He noted that each lot is one acre, enough for family agricultural activities. The requested zoning fits into the surrounding mixed residential and agricultural zoning classifications. The current request is what they came up with now, not too dense, not too spares. Compliant with the Kona CDP (Community Development Plan) and General Plan. Over $15,000 per lot in fair share; a new County road will be built and dedicated to the County, and create more property tax income for the County. Siting Chen, "Steve," was present before Your Committee and explained that moving here was his dream, and he thought Kona was the best place for himself. He wanted to listen to the community after previous rezone requests for this property were opposed, and he believed this was a good solution to which the neighbors are now excited. Committee Members Rebecca Villegas, Maile David, and Holeka Inaba brought up several concerns pertaining to surrounding traffic and the poor condition of Hualalai Street and whether the lots will be connected to sewer infrastructure or on-site septic. PC Report No.: 81