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CLAUDIA WOODWARD-RICE <br /> P.O. Box 186 <br /> Honomu, HI 96728 <br /> (808) 963-6123 <br /> email: ricesofhi(~ttilobav.com <br /> February 6, 2003 <br /> Dc Fred Holschuh, Hawaii County Council <br /> 25 Aupuni Street <br /> Hilo, HI 96720 <br /> Re: General Plan proposed changes Medium Density Urban expansion in Honomu <br /> Dear Dr. Fred: <br /> Since the end of the sugar industry, the Hamakua coast has seen many rapid changes <br /> due to large amounts of real estate changing hands, and the development of many new <br /> diversified agricultural activities. <br /> Honomu is primarily an agricultural village, with a small number of storefronts and retail <br /> businesses that serve the community and tourists on the way to Akaka Falls. <br /> <br /> Akaka Falls Road is already burdened with the tourist traffic. This road, which has no <br /> sidewalks or shoulders marked for pedestrians, has a steady flow of foot traffic <br /> throughout the day. It is a special and important part of our community character that <br /> many of us walk to the store, to the Post Office, or to visit neighbors in town. <br /> The proposed change to future land use of 130+ acres bordering this road above the <br /> village raises serious questions. <br /> • With this zoning more than 400 homes could be built. Commercial use is also <br /> mentioned. With Akaka Falls Road at its' current capacity, what additional road <br /> would be built to handle the new traffic? <br /> • Does this doubling or quadrupling of the population of Honomu match the "vision" <br /> and strategic planning currently underway by Honomu residents? <br /> • How would a second commercial center affect established businesses? <br /> • Would Honomu become a divided village, with upscale development on one side of <br /> the road and "quaint" Honomu on the other? <br /> An assisted care development for seniors (as proposed) cannot possibly require such a <br /> large land base. Since so many questions remain unanswered, 1 ask you to reject this <br /> change to the General Plan so that any development must go through regularly required <br /> hearings and receive the benefit of community participation. <br /> Comm. No. <br /> File No. <br /> Ref. To: <br /> $et. Datc~,y,1 g ) <br /> 7( LOQ3 <br /> <br />