COM 0766.061 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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November 29, 2006 Aloha Council Chair Higa and Members of the Council, My name is Marissa Furfaro, planning consultant working with SCD 108 on Kona Coffee Estates. Over the last 6 months we've heard public testimony at 7 County Council meetings. We've heard positive and negative testimony, questions, and concerns from the public. I wish clarify some misconceptions and present some highlights of this project. Kona Coffee Estates is a low-density development, about 1 unit/acre. As a comparison, Malulani Gardens is about 5 units/acre. 57 1-acre lots and 56 Multi-family housing units are proposed. Kona is in need of affordable housing and Mr. Carr will build 23 affordable units. 33 additional 'workforce' housing units will provide housing in close proximity to jobs and services, helping to reduce traffic congestion. We are not suggesting that this project will solve traffic problems, but we do believe it is an integral part of the solution. Although the validity of our traffic study has been questioned, I can assure you that the data has been revised each time the concept changed. Traffic projections have actually been reduced since removing the Salvation Army complex. This is possible as multi- family housing actually generates less trips per day then single-family homes or the previously proposed pre-school. Previous statements suggested that 500 to 1,000 car trips will be added per day. In actuality, 89 trips are generated during the AM peak hours, and 120 trips during the PM peak hours. A secondary route was requested and has since been provided for. Subdivisions in Kona should and must connect - even if that means providing access through a gated community. The future connection through Malulani Gardens was always known, whether or not residents believed it would ever be built. To clarify earlier doubts, SCD has preliminary DOT approval to connect to Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway at Keopu. When this revised plan was presented to Malulani Gardens residents at a meeting, it was clear that the residents did NOT want this road built. SCD agreed NOT to build this road at this time, unless required by the County; and is not proposing to use this road for construction vehicles. SCD is willing to continue to work with Malulani Gardens during design and construction to move this road. However, the Planning Department, Public Works, the Kanuha 'Ghana, and Brian Cook will need to concur with such a change to the County's roadway connectivity plan. Water is available and committed for 57 units. SCD will build extensive off-site improvements and provide source development in order to obtain the remaining 56 water units. Malulani Gardens' residents have said their private water system is "inadequate". Although not required, SCD will provide approximately 80 Malulani Gardens residents with a connection to the County water system. Comm. No. Ref. To: Rc6 Date