COM 0176.073 2006-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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May 15, 2007 Mr. Peter Hoffman Page 2 We recommend development or subdivision standards, without proven scientific basis, such as proposed by amendment to article 4, section 27-18 (c) (8) which may restrict construction (including grading, drainage, drainage basins, roadways, buildings, infrastructure and other improvements) to 20% of the total land area of any lot or proposed new subdivision in areas that have greater than 10% slope, be deleted from the amendment until proper analysis has been accomplished by licensed engineers. Bill 51 includes building standards above those required to meet NIFP regulations such as constructing homes and other buildings one foot above base flood elevations. We feel that the NIFP regulations have been generated based on significant research effort and vetted with considerable resources when compared to the effort and resources available to the our County. Changing or upgrading the NIFP regulations, unless warranted by a local condition as certified by engineers, will increase costs to homeowners (including affordable home buyers or renters) and businesses with no apparent reduction in flood insurance or other benefit. We encourage the County Council to expedite changes to Chapter 27 needed to comply with NIFP regulations. Other changes should be carefully considered with the proper time and resources, to vet all pertinent issues affected by the proposed changes. We respectfully submit our concerns to the Hawaii County Council for consideration when enacting legislation regarding the health and safety of the residents and businesses of the County of Hawaii. Please feel free to contact me (808) 284-4221 or 808.284.4221 @earthlink.net if you would like to discuss our concerns further. Aloha, _ Frederic Berg President