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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON PLANNING <br /> DATE: February 21, 2007 Re: Comm. No. 67.20Bi11 No. 345(Draft 2) <br /> (2004/2006) <br /> PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa <br /> 78-128 Ehukai Street <br /> Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 <br /> TIME: 10:00 a.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Planning, via Planning Committee Report No. 128 dated November 28, <br /> 2007, sent a favorable recommendation to the Council ofBi11345, Draft 2. While at the council <br /> level, Bill 345, Draft 2 was held over on January 4, 2007 and again on January 19, 2007, as the <br /> result of tie votes. At the meeting of the Council on February 7, 2007, the Council then voted to <br /> commit Bi11 345, Draft 2, back to the Committee on Planning. <br /> At the February 21, 2007 Planning Committee meeting, Planning Chair Pilago noted that Bill 345, <br /> Draft 2 added additional language to the definition to include "provided that if more than one <br /> dwelling on a lot is used for such a facility, the number of unrelated persons in each dwelling <br /> shall not exceed five (5), plus any program staff." Chair Pilago noted that there is a pending <br /> motion made by him and seconded by Council Member Jacobson, to approve Bill 345, Draft 2. <br /> Council Member Ikeda recalled that a representative from the Merriman foundation stated that <br /> the number 8 was a federal guideline, which after checking with the Office of Housing and <br /> community development, he found not true. Mr. Ikeda suggested that a public hearing be held to <br /> get input from the community but as it is written, he cannot support this. Council Member <br /> Jacobson stated he believed the reference to the number 8 was not a federal law, but rather, a <br /> drug and alcohol treatment standard. <br /> Council Member Ford stated as a result of her personal investigation and from testimony <br /> presented by DHS and DOH, any number between 6 and 8 is a good therapeutic number, in <br /> which the quality of life and control of the environment by staff is workable. She found that <br /> once you pass the number 8 in a single house, the therapeutic value drops dramatically. Ms. <br /> <br /> Ford moved to amend Bill 345 draft 2 with her amendment (communication 67.47) and Mr. <br /> <br /> Jacobson seconded the motion. <br /> <br /> During discussion, Ms. Ford explained her proposed amendment item by item and noted her <br /> proposed amendment attempts to ensure that everyone is included in this bill without creating <br /> problems to neighborhoods. Ms. Ford noted these populations should be integrated into all <br /> residential communities and not isolated and concentrated in one particular area. She also noted <br /> PC Report No. 18 <br /> <br />