COM 0927.035 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Statement of Michael J. Riehm, A.I.A., Owner Riehm Owensby Planners Architects Wednesday, 19 July 2006 Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa In consideration of Resolution No. 381-06 (Draft 4) Relating to Postponing Action on Rezoning Applications In the Districts of North and South Kona until the North and South Kona Community Development Plan Is Adopted by Ordinance, Or Until January 1, 2007, Whichever Shall Occur First The Honorable Stacy Higa, Chair The Honorable Virginia Isbell, Vice-Chair Members of the Hawaii County Council 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Aloha Chair Higa, Vice-Chair Isbell and Members of the Hawaii County Council: I am Michael J. Riehm, a member of the Hawaii Leeward Planning Conference (HLPC), an organization committed to sound planning, wise use of our resources, and effective government process. If this resolution is being stimulated in part by such concerns, then we would ask the Council to consider both the stimuli and responses in a comprehensive manner. For example, at present, it is unclear how postponement of rezoning applications pending updating and implementing by ordinance, the CDP for North and South Kona, will address existing infrastructure concerns without discussion of both short-term (to meet current needs) and long-term (to meet needs stimulated by future growth), commitment to and funding of, identified infrastructure requirements. While Resolution 381-06 does not provide a mechanism for dealing with the causes of public frustration such as existing traffic congestion and insufficient road infrastructure; rezoning often does include mechanisms and the opportunity for providing roads, water systems, school and commercial sites, and other infrastructure. Such opportunities may be lost to the community if consideration of rezoning applications is delayed by this resolution. For example, one way to deal with congestion is to encourage commercial and shopping development in areas closer to existing residences to lessen commute time and distances, thereby eliminating some of the traffic on main roads, and such opportunity may come through rezoning. As the County and State continue to look at planning and land use, this resolution rather than providing much needed clarity and consistency, appears to support erosion of property rights through poor definition thereby increasing the level of uncertainty for land development, and effectively transferring rights to use of property from the property owner through the political process, to the general public. 1 of 2