REP PC 117 10/19/2004 2002-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Communication 560 Bill 248 Page 3 • Geometrician Associates, LLC., and Rana Productions, Ltd. conducted separate studies of the entire parcel in 2003. These studies concluded that no plant, avian or mammalian species were expected to be negatively impacted by the proposed development. Paul Rosendahl performed an Archeological Inventory survey of part of the site in 1991 in conjunction with a previous project application. The survey recommended two sites for further data collection. No other action was recommended. Haun & Associates in 2002 also conducted an Archeological Field Inspection of a portion of the site. No significant sites or features were encountered at that time. The applicant has agreed to preserve Puu Honu, a hill that is part of the Halai Hill Complex, that is located on the site. • Kumu Pono Associates conducted a cultural historical study in 2003. No known cultural practices on the property were cited in the study. • The request for a Project District will not result in a substantial adverse impact upon the surrounding area, community or region. 10. Requisite of the Director's favorable recommendation are approximately 50 conditions of approval that, in part, mandate square footage, setbacks and access routes. Your Committee first considered this matter on May 4, 2004. At that meeting, the applicant's representative, Stephen Yamashiro, and Planning Director Chris Yuen, provided this committee with the background and details of the proposed project. In summation, both explained that this was the first project of this size for Hilo in many years and that current housing demands warranted the construction of additional residential units. At this meeting, public testimony in relation to flooding, visual impact and traffic was received. Your Committee deferred action on Bill 248, in order to provide the applicant, Councilmember Tulang and members of the public time to meet and to form a shearrette. On September 21, 2004, Committee Chair Elarionoff forwarded Bill 248, Draft 2 for consideration by this Committee. Communication No. 560.12 transmits Bill 248, Draft 2, details Draft 2 amendments and reports that the proposed amendments were produced by efforts of Councilmember Tulang. On October 5, 2004 this Committee re-considered Bill 248, Draft 2. At this meeting, Your Committee amended Bill 248 to Draft 3 (Communication No. 560.23) and then deferred the item in order to allow for more public input about the project at a Public Hearing. This Committee held a Public Hearing for Bill 248, Draft 3 on October 18, 2004. At today's meeting, members of this Committee received public testimony regarding the project in relation to flooding, economic opportunities, housing necessities, a tentative golf course, deed restrictions and traffic and visual impacts. Mr. Yuen again provided information about the origins and purpose of Bill 248. Mr. Yamashiro responded to inquiries about project specifics. Mc Yuen reported that the department supported the project based on several factors. The need for additional housing in Hilo and the subject areas historic and current Urban Designation were expressed as two of these factors. He also shared that current zoning would already allow for a certain number of residential units and commercial structures to be built on the site.