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

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Communication 687 Bill 224 Page 8 of 12 At the May 16, 2006 meeting of the Committee on Planning public testimony in Hilo was received from Mr. Mark McGuffy representing the Hawaii Island Economic Development Boazd, in support of Bill 224. Public testimony presented in Kona from Ann Kirn (in support), Charles Padrido (in opposition and no occupancy until road completed), Lawrence Johnson (in opposition, noting if application approved, threat of public litigation), Janice Palma-Glennie (in opposition), and Curtis Tyler (in support). There were no testifiers at the Waimea Council office. Following a recess, Chair Pilago stated the record reflects that at the last Planning Committee meeting Bi11224 was postponed to a public hearing and not tabled. The Committee Chair noted that due to comments from Kona relating to public litigation, Corporation Counsel is being called. The Chair also noted that Council Member Gary Safarik is excused. Council Vice Chair Isbell stated three concerns: 1) Agreement between Board of Regents and Palamanui is non-binding and confirmation that the LTH campus is not intended to be built on Kealakehe property; 2) mauka road needs clarification; and 3) a signal at the intersection on Queen Ka'ahumanu would be a terrible mistake and should be an interchange of some type. Tom Yamamoto of the Lynch group clarified that the Lynch property is the former Huehue lands and their group has been looking at a project mauka of Mamalahoa Highway and on the makai side in the vicinity of the Palamanui project. Mr. Yamamoto said that it was during discussions of the mauka/makai road to Mamalahoa Highway that it was brought to their attention the Makalei road was not adequate. Mr. Yamamoto said the Lynch group feels the connection to Mamalahoa Highway could be made and has a tentative road alignment that may work. Mr. Giacometti said Road 4 passes through state property, adjoins to the Lynch Group lands and ends up at the intersection of the Makalei Golf Course. This alignment has been discussed with Lynch and the Planning Director and applicant agrees to build a portion of Road 4 located on applicant's property. Mr. Giacometti stated if Lynch develops their property, applicant would build their portion of the road as well as fifty percent of the road located on state lands. If Lynch does not develop and participate, applicant agrees to build one-third of the entire Road 4 with government funding covering the remaining 2/3rds. Mr. Giacometti stated a Traffic Impact Analysis Report (TIAR) was done with reviews, revisions and discussions with the State Highway division and Public Works. The DOT's response and recommentdation is that the best and least disruptive north south traffic arrangement for Queen Ka'ahumanu is not a fourth access at existing intersection, but to build a new three-way intersection at the Palamanui intersection a mile north. He understands that the Airports Division has a conceptual plan for a grade separation about''/z mile north but it's conceptual with no timetable. However Mr. Giacometti understands a new master plan may be available within a year. PC REPORT NO. 73