REP PC 066 04/18/2006 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Communication 690 Bill 227 Page 3 of 4 as the project site is located approximately 1,800 feet from the shoreline and will not be impacted by coastal hazard and beach erosion. • The proposed request will not have a significant adverse impact to traditional and customary Hawaiian Rights. No formal archaeological reconnaissance survey, oral history of kama`aina accounts of the area, historical survey, botanical and/or fauna study was submitted. The site having been formerly graded, an azchaeological inventory survey was not conducted. Applicant has not received a response to its request fora "no effect" letter from the State Historic Preservation Division. • Requisite of the Planning Director's favorable recommendation for the Change of Zone request, are twenty-nine (29) conditions contained in Bill No. 227. The conditions outline specific requirements for the proposed project, including fair share contributions, roadway improvements as well as conditions necessary to prevent circumstances that may be adverse to public health, safety and welfare and to fulfill the needs of the public. At the April 18, 2006 Planning Committee meeting Steven Lim, Esq. was present representing the principals of LAVA Kuakini, LLC, who were also present. In his presentation, Mr. Lim stated that even if traffic was a concern, affordable housing was of more importance and held precedence and wanted the Council to weigh in that affordable housing is more of a need than concerns about traffic. With respect to holding a public hearing in this matter, Mr. Lim stated that applicant prefers not to have one as they are trying to fast-track this matter. When asked how affordable housing would be maintained in the project Mr. Lim responded there is no specific ordinance that requires affordable housing to remain or continue. Committee Vice Chair Pete Hoffmann raised the issue that the number of school aged children the proposed development will draw into the area and that without adequate DOE space availability, this would be asking for trouble. Mr. Hoffmann stated that until applicant addressed educational issues, he has problems with the proposal and also expressed concern that there is only 50 units of water for a proposed 212 unit development. Mr. Lim responded he is comfortable that applicant will get the necessary water for the entire project. Council Chair Stacy Higa expressed his kanalua because of the 50% affordable and road problems in Kona. However, Mr. Higa said if things fall into place then this would be a good azea for workforce housing. Mr. Higa stated he understands the need for affordable housing and would favor the application, however, if it were anything less than 50% affordable, he'd prefer to wait until things caught up. Planning Director Chris Yuen stated that the Mayor as well as he, very much supports this project as no affordable housing will happen in Kona unless it is done through the private sector (since new applications for rezoning have to provide affordable housing.) Director Yuen stated one way of addressing or solving traffic and transportation problems is to have affordable housing near jobs so people won't have to commute long distances. He stated it is pretty hard getting jobs to the outer regions such as Hawaiian Ocean View Estates and a lot easier moving housing close to where the jobs are. Council Vice Chair Virginia Isbell expressed concerns regarding the water system that would supply the project and noted that the Kahalu'u system is unable to pump any more brackish water. Ms. Isbell said the Kahalu'u shaft has serious problems and she is not satisfied with the water and road situation, as she doesn't see the road being completed, just flattened and not built. She concluded that 120% of median translating to approximately $250,000 as noted by Director Yuen, doesn't say anything and is still quite REPORT NO. 66