REP PC 004 12/19/2006 2006-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Communication 680 Bill 220 Page 3 of 7 • While the property is within the State Land Use Agricultural and County's Agricultural (A-la) zoned district, the property is not currently being used for active agricultural purposes. Although the proposed use will not have an adverse effect on the County's agricultural land inventory, it would create a separate, non-contiguous urban area with industriaUcommercialuws. • The proposed request would be contrary to the Land Resources Priority Guideline that encourages urban growth primarily to existing urban areas where adequate public facilities are available or can be provided. The State Land Use Boundary Amendment from Agricultural to the Urban District does not complement the State Land Use District Regulations, and is not supportive of the State of Hawaii Plan and the County General Plan. By letter dated February 27, 2006, applicant Timothy Lynn Gardner requested the application for change of zone be deferced to the July 2007 due to medical reasons and to also time to meet with members of the Pahoa community and address their concerns. At the July 6, 2006 Planning Committee meeting, no public testimony was received. Applicant Tim Gardner, curcently a resident of Maui and Brian Nishimura, Planning Consultant, were in attendance. Mr. Nishimura gave a brief description of the proposal and location of the storage facility. He noted the property is off the highway just before the turnoff into Pahoa town and near the county proposed fire, police and park facilities, estimated to accommodate 350 vehicles. Mr. Nishimura does not agree with the negative recommendations of the Commission and Planning Director as it is applicant's position that the county is responsible for the change in character of the area that makes it no longer agricultural in nature. Mr. Nishimura stated that although on paper land use reflects an agricultural designation, that fact is Urban uses already exist and the General Plan Urban Expansion allows for it. Council member Jacobson stated he could not support this application as Highway 130 is already operating over capacity and should not be made worse. The majority of Council Members felt that, although each had their own opinions and position regarding this application, it was important that they also hear what Council Member of this district, Gary Safarik, had to say regarding this application. Council Member Safarik was not present at this Planning Committee meeting. Mr. Nishimura noted that the State Department of Transportation is requiring the County to install a channelized intersection in conjunction with construction of the fire station and noted that the channelized intersection will have an affect upon Mr. Gardner's property. Mr. Nishimura noted that if additional improvements are going to be required of applicant, applicant would work with the county but noted it was ironic the county is able to build such facilities on (ands designated agriculture while others are not. PC Repoli No. 4