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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND <br /> PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE <br /> DATE: October 4, 2011 Re: Comm. No. 385/Res. No. 167-11 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i <br /> TIME: 3:30 p.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawai`i County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Public Works and Parks and Recreation, to which was referred <br /> Resolution No. 167-11, reports as follows: <br /> Resolution No. 167-11, transmitted via Communication No. 385, from Councilmember Angel <br /> Pilago, dated September 22, 2011, requests the Department of Public Works to establish <br /> minimum requirements for owners/builders of rural dwellings on agricultural parcels, through <br /> waiver or exemption from existing codes, which will allow the use substitute materials, <br /> procedures and alternatives, to the extent that a reasonable degree of health and safety is <br /> provided. <br /> There were five testifiers in support of this resolution. James Weatherford with Hawai`i <br /> Sustainable Community Alliance spoke on behalf of the resolution and informed Your <br /> Committee that the group's first concern when drafting the resolution was to address the <br /> importance of relieving the government of any liability if this resolution is passed and an <br /> ordinance is implemented. He assured everyone that the resolution and resulting ordinance <br /> would apply to owner/builders and on agricultural lots in rural areas only. He also stated there <br /> were many protections built in to ensure only one individual can develop only one lot at a time <br /> under this ordinance that include prohibitions on the sale, lease or renting of the structure. <br /> Council Member Ford supports the concept of alternative building materials and appreciates the <br /> need for affordable housing in the county. However she cautioned that minimum standards must <br /> be maintained for safety. Councilmember Ford also felt that the use of efficiency units with <br /> traditional materials could be an alternative means of affordable housing. <br /> Deputy Director Brandon Gonzalez shared his concerns with Your Committee and also <br /> cautioned members about maintaining standards for safety and legal reasons. He informed <br /> members that County ordinances can not be less restrictive than State laws and that our County <br /> Code must follow State Statutes. Brandon also expressed his concern with the "Be it resolved <br /> clause" in the resolution requesting the Department of Public Works to establish minimum <br /> requirements for a Sustainable Habitat Ordinance. <br /> Council Members Pilago, Hoffmann and Ford requested the "Be it resolved clause" be removed <br /> from the resolution. Council Member Hoffmann also expressed his concern with the definition <br /> of"rural areas" and asked if County Zoning laws will allow for this. <br /> PWPRC Rept. No.: 51 <br />