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Communication 1551 <br />Bi11391 <br />Page 3 of 4 <br />Councilmember Jacobson stated he was in support of applicant's proposal for student housing <br />but that if the fair share and affordable housing conditions are going to be relaxed, he could not <br />see the project moving ahead because the project would appear more like afor-profit than <br />affordable student housing. Mr. Fuke explained that the applicant's intent and suggestion is that <br />only if the project turns out to be for student housing, then applicant would want relief from the <br />requirements of fair share and affordable housing. If applicant elects to do anything other than a <br />student housing project then naturally applicant agrees that the fair share and affordable housing <br />conditions would apply. Mr. Jacobson noted that although applicant is proposing a student <br />housing project, once the change of zone is approved the type of project can change into various <br />other types of development. <br />Councilmember Yagong noted that the proposal to amend that Mr. Fuke is proposing should not <br />be discussed. Mr. Yagong stated he certainly supports the idea of student housing especially <br />since some of the drawbacks for bringing students to Hilo is the availability of housing and <br />affordability and therefore we definitely need housing. However, if the project is truly going to <br />be a student housing then he supports the project and inquired what kind of relationship or <br />partnership the applicant has with the University of Hawaii. Mr. Fuke noted that there is no <br />legal arrangement with the University of Hawaii at Hilo that the property to be set aside <br />exclusively for student housing but he was optimistic that should the change of zone be <br />approved, the developer (Place Properties) could then look at the numbers and if the numbers <br />pencil out, proceed with the student housing. <br />Council Chair Hoffmann noted that there was no mention that the proposed project site is located <br />within a University District and therefore entitled to other allowances for developments that <br />occur within the University District. Mr. Hoffmann felt that a proposal such as this student <br />housing project would give some teeth to the University District Ordinance previously approved <br />by the Council. Councilmember Yoshimoto stated his support for the proposed change of zone <br />application because it fulfills a need in the community. <br />Your Committee concurs with the Planning Commission and the Planning Director's favorable <br />recommendation for approval of the Change of Zone request. <br />PC Report No. 102 <br />