COM 0492.004 2010-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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July 18, 2011 Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd Director of County Planning Department 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, HI 96720 Re: Rezoning application for TMK(3) 2-2-48:10 - Panaewa Farm Lots Dear Director Leithead-Todd, My name is Trent Hata, and I reside at TMK (3) 2-2-48:98 located at the Panaewa Farm Lots. Sonomura Rentals recently posted signage for rezoning of parcel TMK (3) 2-2-48:10. Last year, my neighbors and I strongly opposed a previous rezoning application for the same parcel; therefore, it was very surprising to see the developer initiating another request so soon especially since the County Council overwhelmingly agreed to deny their previous application. In addition, although there is only one lot between my parcel and the parcel belonging to Sonomura Rentals, I have not received any official notice from Sonomura Rentals. I strongly oppose rezoning Panaewa Farm Lots to anything smaller than 3 acres. Keeping the Panaewa Farm Lots as it exists is consistent with the county and state goals of supporting diversified agriculture in the State of Hawaii. Panaewa is situated in an advantageous location for farming, a short distance from shipping points and does not contain rare or endangered species or archaeological sites. Panaewa Farm Lots is listed in the 2006 Hawaii agricultural statistics as a major agricultural area on the Big Island. In my opinion, Sonomura Rentals proposed rezoning is not consistent with the intention of HRS Chapter 165 of the Hawaii Right to Farm Act. The Hawaii Right to Farm Act was enacted to protect farming operations in agricultural districts when adjacent land is reclassified. Granting Sonomura Rentals rezoning application will make it difficult or impossible for myself and my neighbors to continue our farming and livestock operations. Urban development at such close proximity will increase our liability which can result from noise, flies and odors from livestock, pesticide sprays and increase agricultural theft. Additionally, Sonomura Rentals proposed project may also violate land use commission rules, more specifically, Act 183 which states that when considering an area for reclassification, land contiguous with existing urban areas shall be given more consideration that non-contiguous land, particularly when indicated for future urban use on state and county general plans. The proposed project is not contiguous to urban designated land. The parcel belonging to Sonomura Rentals along with all surrounding land is designated agricultural. Although the county general plan classifies TMK (3) 2-2-48:10 as low density urban, there are numerous references reiterating the counties responsibility to protect and support existing agricultural lands. Comm. No. sZ•LI Ref. To: Ref. Date JUL 3