Laserfiche WebLink
PC -62 Page 2 July 31, 2012 <br />one three -acre lot has sold in the Hilo area versus 11 one -acre lots. She further explained that <br />many three -acre lots have been on the market for more than a year. <br />Ms. Mahuna believes that not many people can afford a three -acre lot which makes one -acre lots <br />much more affordable and stressed the need for more affordable lots in today's market. She <br />stated that there is a loss of interest in farming in the younger generations which makes the <br />three -acre lots less saleable. She further stated that this area is changing from agricultural use to <br />residential use and presented a map highlighting several other parcels that have already been <br />rezoned to smaller lot sizes, including several one -acre lots and some even downsized to <br />half -acre lots. She stated that the Council needs to be consistent in approving rezoning requests <br />and should approve this application. She clarified that this property is in close proximity to <br />many services in town and already has common water in place. <br />Planning Program Manager Mr. Daryn Arai stated that the Planning Department believes this <br />rezoning to be consistent with the General Plan and the past actions by the Council, and made a <br />favorable recommendation based on that information to the Windward Planning Commission. <br />He further stated that the Windward Planning Commission considered the entire record and <br />testimony and voted to send an unfavorable recommendation to the County Council and that the <br />Planning Department's decision does not outweigh the Windward Planning Commission's <br />decision. <br />Council Member Yagong clarified that the Department of Hawaiian Homes Land was already <br />zoned agricultural on one -acre lots and stated he believes this rezoning request is not spot zoning <br />and is not out of character for the area. He further stated that the Council has approved similar <br />zoning requests in the same area and should be consistent. <br />Council Member Onishi stated that similar zoning requests in the area did not have the <br />opposition from the community like this one does, and he is opposed to this rezoning request due <br />to the public's concern. <br />Mr. Arai stated that some of the previously approved rezoning requests were to separate existing <br />homes onto separate lots but this request would be for new additional homes. <br />The applicant, Mr. Sonomura, explained that the process of subdividing and developing the <br />property would take a long time and that it would be several years before the lots would be ready <br />to go on the market. <br />Council Member Blas stated that this property is surrounded by one -acre lots and he believes the <br />younger generation needs smaller, more affordable lots that this would provide. <br />Council Member Smart confirmed the low demand for three -acre lots. She further stated that <br />based on her experience in purchasing a home in the current economical environment that it is <br />cheaper to buy a lot with a home on it then to buy a lot and to build a home. She stated that there <br />is a need for affordable lots, but there is also a need for agricultural areas and even with poor soil <br />this area is still appropriate for agricultural uses. She is concerned about the increased density <br />this would create but recognizes that current availability of water, paved roads, and the proximity <br />to town services making that area very desirable. <br />