REP PC 041 11/08/2005 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Communication 493 Bill 162 Page 3 Mr. Dick requested that, "prior to any rezoning of land which results in increased density in the Waimea area along Mamalahoa Hwy, between Lakeland Subdivision and the Mana Road/Mamalahoa Highway intersection, a comprehensive analysis of existing flood control measures be undertaken by the County of Hawai`i." Mr. Alfred A. Lasiter testified in person at the November 8's meeting. Mr. Lasiter stated that the drainage culverts, which were intended to service this area, are 60 years old and have not been maintained by the County. Mr. Lasiter called for updated FEMA flood maps and refurbishment of the outdated drainage system in this area. Mr. Lasiter stated, "'fhe lnabas deserve their subdivision, but we have a problem. We need to get the federal experts in to share their studies and we need to work together to manage our water runoff better." Ms. Carol Kaplan testified in person at the November 8'~ meeting, via teleconferencing from the Waimea Council Office. Ms. Kaplan recounted her family's personal experience with dangerous and severe flooding in March 2004 to their home located on six acres of land south of Mamalahoa by Hohola Street. After the 2004 floods, the Kaplans implemented a drainage plan on their property to divert run-off from their residence, at their own considerable expense. Ms. Kaplan cautioned the County not to approve additional subdivisions in this area without installing appropriate water mitigation measures. She stated, "After existing conditions and appropriate drainage systems (and maintenance for them) arc in place at the County's expense, perhaps any further local development could have sound plans at the developers' cost to ensure proper drainage and could carry the relevant liability to ensure that our properties and families arc not damaged as a result of their building." Ms. Kaplan said that her property was not classified by the County as being in a flood zone, and therefore she and her family had no reason to suspect this kind oftlooding would happen. Ms. Elizabeth Pulhman and Ms. Bea Dickson also testified via videoconferencing from the Waimea Council Office. Ms. Pullman stated that she wonders how her house was permitted, when it sits nn a slab in a seasonal pond. Ms. Dickson is a I7-year Kamuela Highlands suhdivision resident and she stated that flooding has been a recurrent problem in this area. Ms. Dickson also mentioned her concerns about infected effluent running into farmlands from the ranchlands in the hills above town, about potholes caused by water erosion along the side of Mamalahoa Highway, and about the traffic impacts ofthe proposed subdivision on an already bad traffic situation in Waimea. Mr. Richard Richards testified via videoconferencing from Kona. Mr. Richards urged the Planning Committee to re-evaluate across the entire island which lands are appropriate to build on and which are nut. "As Council members, you cannot pass the buck;' he said. Finally, Ms. Eileen Dervisevic testified in person in Hilo. Ms. Dervisevic owns a small real estate business, and she pointed out that realtors assume the liability for poor planning decisions, since they arc charged with failing to disclose adverse conditions when they sell properties. She pointed out that effective water diversion strategies are employed in other locations, such as NC' REPORT' NO. 41