REP PC 064 04/18/2006 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Communication 765 Bi11250 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 Change of Zone request from the Agricultural (A-20a) to the Single- Family Residential (RS-7.5) zoned district would result in an appropriate land use pattern that will further benefit the public based on the following: • A State Land Use Boundary Amendment (Bill 249) is being concurrently processed with this request. • The housing element of the Hawaii State Plan supports "greater opportunities for Hawai`i's people to secure reasonably priced, safe, sanitary, livable homes," and development of residential azeas sensitive to community needs and surrounding land uses. The project is located in close proximity to Hawi town, in an azea 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 proposed development is not expected to have a significant adverse impact on neighboring agriculture activities or on traditional, customary Hawaiian rights or resources. ¦ Requisite of the Planning Director's favorable recommendation for the Change of Zone request are sixteen conditions contained in Bill No. 250 that outline specific requirements for the proposed project, including fair share contributions to mitigate potential regional impacts of the development. Condition J of Bill No. 250 states that the fair share requirements listed "may be increased or reduced proportionally if the unit counts are adjusted." At the April 18, 2006 Committee on Planning meeting Mr. Keith Kato was present representing Hawaii Island Community Development Corporation (HICDC). PC REPORT NO. 64