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<<~~i, i>I-1 January 4, 2005 <br /> Chair~s0 Pete Hoffman and Angel Pilago and members of the Hawaii County Council <br /> Planning Committee: <br /> We were unable to attend last night's special meeting to provide testimony relating to the <br /> proposed Hawaii County General Plan Drafts 1, 2 & 3 and we are concerned that some issues <br /> are not being addressed. <br /> It is critical that the approved General Plan enable the creation of new ordinances and codes <br /> <br /> which are clear, concisely written, and enforceable for consistent implementation. <br /> Attached is copy of our testimony submitted to the Planning Committee on November 19, <br /> 2004. It details our experience with County staff in trying to determine County approval of two <br /> 5000 square foot houses under construction adjacent to the Waipio Lookout. We pointed out <br /> in this testimony that there may be a need for the following: <br /> (1) An obvious need that improved standards in the form of ordinance and code <br /> need to be created. <br /> (2) Assurance that grading and construction activities not begin until permits are issued. <br /> Extensive grading and grubbing occurred for 2 months while permits were still under review. <br /> <br /> Apparently, building without approved permits is a common occurrence on our island. <br /> (3) An apparent lack of staffing to adequately review and inspect new construction projects in a <br /> <br /> timely manner. <br /> (4) An apparent lack of coordination and accountability in this situation between the Planning, <br /> Engineering, and Building Department staff. <br /> (5) Inadequate fines and penalties for a contractor initiating work activity without permit. In this <br /> case, the fine was $890 for houses being advertised for 1.8 and 1.6 million dollars. <br /> It is important that policies and laws be implemented in a fair, consistent, and enforceable <br /> manner. Please do not move forward with approval of any of the 3 drafts of the General Plan <br /> until these issues are thoroughly discussed and addressed. This may require additional staff <br /> resources and improved administrative processes to ensure quality implementation. <br /> In addition, it's important to provide the public with a concise summary document of the Plan <br /> and to state the intention for each region/district to create a it's own detailed plan to address <br /> <br /> the particular issues of each area. <br /> Joel Cohen and Phyllis Tarail <br /> Kukuihaele <br /> Comm. No. ~ • ~ <br /> Ref. To: Preseald <br /> Ref. Uate <br /> <br />