REP PC 073 05/16/2006 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Communication 687 Bill 224 Page 4 of 12 Requisite of the Planning Director's favorable recommendation for the Change of Zone request are forty- six (46) conditions contained in Bill No. 224 that outline specific requirements for the proposed development. These relate to access, infrastructure, road construction, a University Inn and Conference Center, compliance with Conditions of approval of [he State Land Use Commission Decision and Order dated May 19, 2005 (Docket No. A03-744) and Water Agreement dated June 15, 1999, among others. At the March 21, 2006 meeting of the Committee on Planning a presentation was given by applicant Guido Giacometti outlining road infrastructure and summarizing the proposal involving the University campus and applicant's understanding with the University of Hawaii Board of Regents. Planning Director Yuen explained that recommendation for approval is based upon forty-six (46) imposed conditions and the several roads applicant proposes to construct. Mr. Giacometti stated the main access road would connect to Makalei Drive and that Makalei residents were previously notified that this would be the case. Director Yuen stated that if a northerly access road is built with public funds then applicant will contribute to construction costs. Director Yuen said applicant will provide various pipeline and other facilities for the North Kona water system that will connect to wells in the area and that connection to several intermediate reservoirs and lines will reduce demand for water by the airport and NELHA. Applicant stated the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University states that Hiluhilu would provide space within its development project that would allow the University to move its Kealakekua campus facility to applicant's site or a site adjacent to applicant's property. Applicant noted that the programs, recommendations and requirements proposed by Planning Commission are conditions the applicant is willing to accept. Chancellor Rockne Freitas explained that the Board of Regents of UH signed off on anon-binding MOU that expires next month and he has been working diligently to extend the agreement. Applicant would assist the University with infrastructure needs and provide adequate space within its development to facilitate relocation of the Kealakekua campus. He indicated there is a great need for a university in west Hawaii as the Kealakekua facility is antiquated and cramped. The Chancellor that that if the project at this site did not proceed, the university's emphasis would probably shift to other sites. However, because the Hiluhilu site was approved by the Board of Regents, this location is the primary focus of the university's attention. Mr. Giacometti stated the MOU between applicant and the University is anon-binding agreement that provides for lease of space to the University. The lease could be extended for longer lease periods with the university having to build some of its own infrastructure, but that applicant would be happy to house the university as long as it needed the space. Chancellor Freitas stated the proposed facilities to be leased from applicants can accommodate about 600 students initially, but that could easily grow to 1,500 between the first and five-year period and that growth may still occur while the university is located on applicant's property. Testimony was received from several members of the public ranging from opposition to the proposal due to inadequate infrastructure to support of the proposal with conditions and those who support the project in its entirety. Members of the public who gave testimony were: Dave Holzman - Do not use university as justification for project unless it's guaranteed that the Governor supports it and the Board of Regents pass the budget for construction of facilities on state property. PC REPORT NO. 73