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<br /> Communication 953 <br /> <br /> Bill 305 <br /> <br /> Page 6 of S <br /> Mr. Thomas Hirano testified that he owns property in Waiakea Houselots within a block of the <br /> proposed project. He spoke in favor of Bill No. 305 and stated that if changes to the community <br /> are well planned, the proposed project is a good location for a mixture of homes that addresses <br /> the lack of affordable housing. <br /> Mc Les Aburagen testified that he lived at Laukapu for almost thirty years and in his view, all <br /> objections to the proposed project can be resolved. He saw nothing wrong with the project and <br /> feels that applicant should get his change of zone. <br /> Mr. Lawrence Valverde testified in favor of the proposal. Mr. Valverde owns property directly in <br /> back of Mr. Mochida and is the lowest lot that has always had a water runoff problem. Mr. <br /> Valverde believes the project benefits the community by providing out of town students a place to <br /> rent when attending college. He said the community needs to step forward and give our children <br /> opportunities to purchase a home. <br /> Mr. Art Taniguchi testified in favor of project. He said he's seen many changes in the <br /> community over the years and believes if this project fits parameters of General Plan, meets all <br /> requirements and has the support of the Planning Director, it should be allowed to proceed. Mr. <br /> Taniguchi said he believes commercial type entities have enhanced the area and considers this <br /> proposal a step forwazd into the future. <br /> Mr. Lloyd Nekoba reiterated his continued opposition to the proposed project and distributed to <br /> Committee members photos of the area depicting the narrow roadways and flooding. Mr. <br /> Nekoba also noted that with a $400,000 price tag per unit, it is not "affordable." <br /> Council Member Ikeda noted that the people from the neighborhood who signed the Petition previously <br /> submitted to the committee, all live in the area and will be directly affected by this proposal. Because of <br /> that, Mr. Ikeda is supportive of the Petitioners' position especially since additional time was given to <br /> allow applicant to meet with these residents to resolve their concerns. Since that was not accomplished, <br /> he supports the petition owners in opposition to the project. <br /> Council Member Jacobson stated that residents have certain priority in matters such as this as it impacts <br /> them directly. Therefore, he would not support the change of zone. <br /> Planning Consultant Sidney Fuke provided an overview of the project and submitted proposed renderings <br /> of the project with an explanation of what transpired since the last meeting. Mr. Fuke stated this is a <br /> Townhouse-type project and, if approved, applicant's intent is to sell units at a price of between $250,000 <br /> and $400,000. However, if applicant proceeds with current zoning which allows for `ohana dwellings, <br /> this project would not provide rental units. <br /> Committee Chair Pilago noted that the reason for postponement of this matter was to broker a <br /> compromise between the applicant and residents and that is what the committee was looking forwazd to. <br /> Committee Chair Pilago asked Mr. Fuke to explain who initiated these contacts, who was contacted and <br /> the outcome of any such compromise. <br /> Mr. Fuke explained that some of the property owners he spoke to were here today and testified in favor of <br /> the project. Mr. Fuke stated that a compromise was primarily discussed with Mc Nekoba and conducted <br /> PC Report No. 119 <br /> <br />