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<br /> Communication 87 <br /> <br /> Bi1126 <br /> <br /> Page 3 of 4 <br /> • The property and surrounding areas have been extensively altered with urban <br /> development and therefore it is not anticipated that endangered or threatened <br /> candidate species of flora or fauna are located within the property, nor has the <br /> property been identified as a significant botanical or biological habitat. It is also <br /> anticipated the proposed development will not haue any significant adverse impact <br /> upon archaeological, cultural, or historical resources. <br /> • Requisite of the Planning Director's favorable recommendation for the change of <br /> zone request, are nineteen (19) conditions contained in Bill No. 26 which outline <br /> specific requirements for the proposed project. <br /> At the February 6, 2007 Planning Committee meeting, there were no members from the public <br /> who presented testimony. Mr. Bob Williams, representing the umbrella organization of the <br /> veterans group who will build the center and Ms. Yukie Ohashi briefly updated the council with <br /> a description of the project. Mr. Williams noted that in 2004 the council approved a lease of <br /> state property and that all plans and necessary studies have been completed pro Bono. Mr. <br /> Williams stated they are now in the final stages of entitlement and have begun plans to organize <br /> a major capital funding program. Ms. Ohashi stated from a consultant's perspective, it was a <br /> pleasure working on a project with a 100% volunteer group. <br /> Council Member Jacobson stated he has followed this project for some years and fully supports <br /> the proposal. Council Member Naeole expressed thanks to Mr. Williams for the work they are <br /> doing to help the elderly and especially our veterans who fight for our freedom. <br /> Planning Director Chris Yuen also expressed support for the project noting that the project will <br /> move forward under a County lease. Council Member Stacy Higa stated that the applicant has <br /> done a good job and wanted to know if it turned out the project couldn't secure the necessary <br /> funding, what would happen to the zoning. Mr. Higa notes the property is currently under a <br /> County lease and expressed concern that someone else could come in, take over and then <br /> develop something entirely different from what is being proposed. <br /> Director Yuen stated the property was made available via an Executive order from the state <br /> specifically for use as a Veterans Center and therefore the applicant couldn't sublease it out <br /> someone else and switch the concept. Mr. Yuen said the Applicant is also bound by the Lease <br /> agreement with the county and as long as the timeframe of the zoning does not run out, the <br /> zoning remains and nothing can happen without state or county approval. <br /> Mr. Higa stated he does support the project and hopes the developers can make it happen. Mr. <br /> Williams stated that with regard to funding, they are following the right sources and felt <br /> confident the project will materialize, having looked to donors such as Weinberg others. <br /> Your Committee concurs with the Planning Commission and the Planning Director's favorable <br /> recommendation for approval of the Change of Zone request. <br /> PC Report No. 9 <br /> <br />