REP PC 100 10/07/2008 2006-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Communication 1329 Bill 324 Page 2 of 4 Commission was not required. Mr. Hoffmann explained it was necessary to create an impact fee ordinance especially in light of the constitutionality regarding the fair share system currently being used, and that due to the complex nature of the proposed bill, further outreach from developer groups and the community was very critical. Finance Director Bill Takaba stated that the overall bill had some merit, however he felt that managing renewals, reimbursements and the use aspect of the fund should not fall under the jurisdiction of the Finance Department or Finance Director. Mr. Takaba expressed concern that having the Finance Department manage the funds and make decisions on behalf of the fund was heading in the wrong direction. Councilmember Jacobson stated he was glad a public hearing was being called because he believed the biggest impact will not fall upon developers but on those people seeking to build their homes on vacant lots that have already been rezoned. Mr. Jacobson stated although he is not opposed to the impact fee assessment, he would certainly like to hear from those people out there who will be impacted both positively and negatively. Councilmember Yagong stated that a public hearing was the right way to go but suggested that since this is an intense legislative change that will generate a lot of questions, he felt the public hearing should be more like a workshop where a presentation is made and dialog exchanged rather than simply listening to public testimony. Council Chair Hoffmann said his intent was that the public heazing would include a 15-minute or longer presentation to lay the groundwork for the legislation. A motion for two public hearings, one to be held in Hilo and one to be held in Kona was duly approved, and this matter was held over for public hearings. At the October 7, 2008 Committee on Planning meeting, public testimony was presented by the following persons: Tim Rees, Robert G. Williams, Raynard Torres, Paul Baillie, Donald Schenkeir, Mazia Schenkeir, Evelyn Thompson, Ruth Smith, Mary Begier and Randy Ruper. Council Chair Hoffmann presented a brief recap of the importance of approving the Impact Fee bill and explained that the contents of Communication No. 1329.15 contained amendments that were the result of the public hearing process and expressed his desire to request a postponement to allow members time to review these proposed amendments. A motion to amend Bi11324 with Communication No. 1329.15 was duly approved. Councilmember Yagong stated he was ready to vote on the bill now and would not support a postponement. A motion to postpone failed and discussion followed. Council Chair Hoffmann stated that the current fair shaze system is illegal and cannot continue because some other type of system that provides funding to address infrastructure must be put in place. Mr. Hoffmann disagreed with Mayor Kim that the impact fee is a regressive tax affecting middle income people, but rather, the impact fee represents an investment in infrastructure that can actually improve "quality of life," increase the value of property and provide a better system for the people of this island. PC Report No. 100