REP PC 087 04/20/2004 2002-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Communication 438 Bill 199 Page 3 9. Requisite of the Planning Director's favorable recommendation for the Change Of Zone request is approximately twenty-six conditions contained in Bill No. 199 that outline specific infrastructure improvements and access route requirements for the project. Your Committee first considered this matter on February 3, 2004. At that time, Planning Director Chris Yuen and Greg Mooers, representative for Nani Kona Aina, LLC, provided this committee with background information about the origins and purpose of Bill No. 199. Mr. Yuen explained that his favorable recommendation for this application is based on the fact that the proposed project is consistent with the Urban designation for the area. He further added that this project could not single-handedly address the issue of traffic congestion in Kona. At this meeting, both verbal and written testimonies requesting a public hearing be held in Kona were received. Your committee voted to defer action on Bill No. 199 until after a public hearing was held in Kona. On March 8, 2004, at the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel, this Committee conducted a Planning Committee Public Hearing. At this hearing, members of the public presented testimony regarding the proposed project highlighting issues of traffic, infrastructure inadequacies and other developments in the area. Mr. Yuen and Greg Mooers also attended this hearing and provided background information about the proposed development as well as the General Plan. Mc Yuen reiterated his earlier statements about the appropriateness of the project in relation to the surrounding area. At today's meeting, your committee circulated written communications and received verbal testimony in relation to the Bill 199 and accompanying Bill 198. During discussion, Mr. Mooers, assisted by Mr. Fred Cowell, fielded questions in relation to the proposed development and related water and roadway improvements. Mr. Mooers suggested that the problem of traffic would not necessarily be intensified by the addition of 43 units. Mr. Fred Cowell explained the specifics of a planned water improvement project. Mr. Cowell and Mr. Mooers also exerted that this multi-million dollar water project is amuch-needed improvement for the area. They also informed members that the water project would be a cooperative effort dependent on the participation of landowners and regulating agencies like the Department of Water Supply. Mr. Mooers also requested that members of this Committee and the Council actively investigate others avenues, such as Mello-Roos and Tax Increment Financing, to fund needed infrastructure improvements for the Kona District. During discussion, several Committee members also expressed concern over the generation of traffic and the overall impact of this project on the region. Other members suggested that the project would fulfill a need for housing in the area and therefore would serve as a benefit to the public.