REP PC 024 03/17/2009 2008-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Communication 149 Bill 34 Page 2 of 3 • The property has no severe geological or topographical problems which cannot be properly rectified or which would render the land unstable. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) designates the property as Zone "X", areas outside of the 500-year flood plain. Any improvements to the property must comply with Chapter 27 of the County Code relating to Flood Hazard Control. • While the project site is situated within the State Land Use Agricultural and County's Agricultural (A-20a) zoned district, it has not been used for active agricultural purposes for at least 80 years. The project site consists of two parcels containing eight abandoned warehouses which have historically been used for industrial purposes. Surrounding areas include Shipman Industrial Park. • There are no severe geological or topographical problems which cannot be properly rectified or which would render the land unusable. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency designates the properties as Zone "X", areas outside of the 500- year flood plain. The properties are located over three miles from the shoreline, at an elevation of about 300 feet above sea level and are fairly level with less than a 5% slope. All project generated runoff will be disposed of on-site, so as not to impact surrounding properties. • There is no evidence of any traditional and customary Native Hawaiians rights being practiced on the site, nor existence of any known valued cultural or native resources in the area. Thus, it is believed that the project would have no adverse impact relative to the cultural and historical resources of the area. At the March 17, 2009 Planning Committee meeting, there was no public testimony. Discussion regarding Bill 34 was combined with its sister-bill, Bill 35. Council Member Brenda Ford began the discussion by calling Warren Lee, Director of the Department of Public Works to the table for questioning. Ms. Ford stated that she did not like the way Railroad Avenue looked as it adjoined the subject property. She stated that the subject property constricts Railroad Avenue, and wanted the road to look even. Sidney Fuke, applicant's representative, asked to be allowed to provide history of the project to the Committee. Mr. Fuke informed the Committee that the project site was the location of the former Puna Sugar Mill. He stated that the project had support from the community and surrounding businesses. Mr. Fuke said that only W.H. Shipman, Ltd. expressed objections to the project. He informed the Committee that negotiations were completed with Shipman, thus alleviating the concerns raised by that company. Mr. Fuke also informed the Committee that the project site was recently awarded an Enterprise Zone designation. Mr. Fuke informed the Committee that the only portion of Railroad Avenue that would be utilized by the applicant would be that portion where it intersects with the project's Milo Street access point. Mr. Fuke informed Ms. Ford and other Committee members that although the PC Report 24