REP PC 063 04/18/2006 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Communication 765 Bi11249 Page 2 of 3 4. The applicants are requesting the State Land Use Boundary Amendment and the Change of Zone so that they may develop affordable housing in North Kohala. HICDC has a waiting list of approximately 270 families in West Hawaii, and over 300 people attended an informational meeting about the proposed affordable housing project in November 2005. The applicant's Change of Zone application states that the homes will be marketed in the $180,000 - $200,000 price range. The 2005 median sales price for asingle-family home in North Kohala was $745,000. The Planning Department's recommendation states that there is "a severe shortage of affordable housing in North Kohala." 5. The approval of the reclassification from the State Land Use Agricultural District to the Urban District is consistent with Section 205-2, Chapter 205, Hawaii Revised Statutes; with the Land Use Commission Rules, Rule 13 of the Planning Commission Rules of Practice and Procedures; with the Hawaii County General Plan; and with the Hawaii State Plan based on the following: ¦ The housing element of the Hawaii State Plan supports "greater opportunities for Hawai`i's people to secure reasonably priced, safe, santitary, livable homes," and development of residential areas sensitive to community needs and surrounding land uses. The project is located in close proximity to Hawi town, in an area which is adequately served by basic services such as schools, police and fire protection, transportation systems, water, and other utilities. • The action also complements the Land Use and Housing elements of the General Plan by providing additional affordable housing opportunities and by increasing the housing options for residents of North Kohala. The project site is designated for Low Density Urban development by the LUPAG map. • The Urban classification is not expected to have a significant adverse impact on neighboring agriculture activities or on traditional, customary Hawaiian rights or resources. At the April 18, 2006 Committee on Planning meeting Mr. Keith Kato was present representing Hawaii Island Community Development Corporation. Council Member Bob Jacobson stated this project has great public interest and given the players involved will give his support to this project. Council Member Don Ikeda expressed concerns about availability of 30 units of water for a project requiring 70 units of water. Mr. Kato explained his organization is working with the Department of Water Supply and have an agreement that the Department can supply a certain amount of water now and that applicant will wait until the Department completes its well installation to obtain the remaining water units. Council Member James Arakaki confirmed that PC REPORT N0.63