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LAAC-64 Page 2 June 18, 2024 <br />Mr. Darrow stated that this project is consistent with the General Plan and the Community <br />Development Plan, and that the Planning Department provided a favorable recommendation. <br />Mr. Darrow read a letter from the Cultural Resources Commission at Chair Inaba's request, which in <br />short stated that the properties should be preserved in perpetuity. If that was not feasible, then <br />outreach with lineal descendants should take place, and more open space should be provided, with <br />preservation of the trails and archaeological features. <br />Committee Members commented with directed inquiries to Mr. Darrow, Ms. Strance, Ms. Wan, <br />Mr. Arai, Mr. Wheelock, and Mr. Yada. <br />Extensive discussion took place regarding density, zoning, traffic and traffic studies, the Land Use <br />Commission Order, the affordable housing requirements of Chapter 11, the time extension to <br />complete conditions, and the chance that these properties could be sold prior to the completion of all <br />conditions, and the possibility that this project, if not completed could trigger a reversion of the <br />property zoning to Ag-5, or a more appropriate zoning. <br />Mr. Escott provided information regarding archaeological sites in the area and features related to <br />ranching, a railroad, trails, heiaus, stonewalls and damage caused to some features from bulldozing. <br />Mr. Kalawe commented regarding the H6lua on the property. Mr. P6haku Stone, at Ms. Villegas' <br />request, provided cultural knowledge of the area. <br />Committee Members Cindy Evans, Heather Kimball, and Jenn Kagiwada stated that they were not in <br />support of this project. <br />Chair Holeka Inaba clarified that the Leeward Planning Commission forwarded an unfavorable <br />recommendation because no recommendation could be made within the required 90 days due to a <br />lack of quorum. Mr. Wheelock later stated he decided to proceed with the project anyway because he <br />thought "Kona wanted and needed more housing". <br />Committee Member Rebecca Villegas stated that this property has been on the Public Access, Open <br />Space, and Natural Resources Preservation list to be protected in perpetuity, and there are major <br />flooding issues with two major flood corridors that cover almost the entire property, where those <br />living makai of this property would be flooded out. Ms. Villegas further commented that this is the <br />opportunity to prevent these issues, and this community asked for an open space corridor, and this is <br />the perfect place for that with a greater value for the broader community to protect. <br />At the vote, Committee Member Michelle Galimba voted "kanalua" then "aye," and Chair Inaba <br />voted "kanalua" then "no." <br />LAAC Report No. 64 <br />