Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0398.000 2014-2016 MTYOik,. '" ''�!'i,� Walter K.M.Lau 7•: \‘'ig Managing Director William P.Kenoi •: wt. Mayor Randall M.Kurohara •e. 414'o•'ir►'� Deputy Managing Director County of Hawaii Office of the Mayor 25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo,Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy.,Bldg.C • Kailua-Kona,Hawaii 96740 (808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440 July 17, 2015 N � `: Dru Kanuha, Council Chair and Members of the County Council County of Hawai`i s► `7) 25 Aupuni Street _i y' Hilo, HI 96720v�c N — Dear Chairman Kanuha and Council Members: SUBJECT: Initiator: Planning Director (GPA 14-002) Amendment to Map 14 of the LUPAG Map of the County of Hawaii General Plan As required by Chapter 7, Sec. 6-7.5 (a), Hawai`i County Charter, transmitted herewith for the County Council's consideration and action are the Windward and Leeward Planning Commissions' letters and enclosures regarding the above-referenced requests. Sincer- _ 11111k Mr111011111W WILLIAM P. KENOI Mayor Enclosures cc: Planning Department Comm. No. 3 a $ _ Ref. To: PG, Ref. Date iii 21 Z015 County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. 1Y Oi , *, -.T County of Hawaii WINDWARD PLANNING COMMISSION Aupuni Center • 101 Pauahi Street,Suite 3 • Hilo,Hawai`i 96720 Phone(808)961-8288 • Fax(808)961-8742 JUL 17 2015 Dru Kanuha, Council Chair and Members of the County Council County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, HI 96720 Dear Chairman Kanuha and Council Members: Initiator: Planning Director (GPA 14-002) Amendment to Map 14 of the LUPAG Map of the County of Hawaii General Plan The Windward Planning Commission, at its duly held public hearing on July 2, 2015, considered the above-referenced matter. An amendment to Map 14 of the Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG)Map of the County of Hawai`i General Plan(adopted by Ordinance No. 05-025, amended by Ordinance Nos. 06-153 and 14-087)by changing the land use designation for portions of Kea`au Village and immediately surrounding area. The Commission voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the County Council on the request. Draft bill is attached for your favorable consideration. We are also enclosing copies of the staff Background,Planning Director's Recommendation, and the transcript of the hearing for your information. \(\i„S'ncerely, laMyleMiyasato, C airman Windward Planning Commission LP DinitiatedGP A 14-002 Enclosures cc: Planning Department- Kona Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer County of Hawaii LEEWARD PLANNING COMMISSION Aupuni Center • 101 Pauahi Street,Suite 3 • Hilo,Hawaii 96720 Phone(808)961-8288 • Fax(808)961-8742 JUL 17 2015 Dru Kanuha, Council Chair and Members of the County Council County of Hawai`i 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, HI 96720 Dear Chairman Kanuha and Council Members: Initiator: Planning Director(GPA 14-002) Amendment to Map 14 of the LUPAG Map of the County of Hawaii General Plan The Leeward Planning Commission, at its duly held public hearing on July 16, 2015, considered the above-referenced matter. An amendment to Map 14 of the Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG)Map of the County of Hawai`i General Plan(adopted by Ordinance No. 05-025, amended by Ordinance Nos. 06-153 and 14-087)by changing the land use designation for portions of Kea'au Village and immediately surrounding area. The Commission voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the County Council on the request. Draft bill is attached for your favorable consideration. We are also enclosing copies of the staff Background, Planning Director's Recommendation, and the transcript of the hearing for your information will be transmitted under separate cover. Sincerely, 1 Brandi K. Beaudet, Chairman Leeward Planning Commission LPDinitiatedGPA14-0021pc Enclosures Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer BPDInit-KeaauLUPAG-GPAmend.dsa-6/25/15 COUNTY OF HAWAII PLANNING DEPARTMENT BACKGROUND AND RECOMMENDATION INITIATOR: PLANNING DIRECTOR AMENDMENT TO MAP 14 OF THE LAND USE PATTERN ALLOCATION GUIDE (LUPAG) MAP OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII GENERAL PLAN (2005 EDITION,AS AMENDED) The Planning Director is initiating an amendment to Map 14 of the Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide(LUPAG) Map of the County of Hawai`i General Plan(adopted by Ordinance No. 05-025, amended by Ordinance Nos. 06-153 and 14-087)by changing the land use designation for portions of Kea'au Village and immediately surrounding Kea'au Village, Kea'au, Puna, Hawai`i. COUNTY COUNCIL RESOLUTION No. 464-14 July 18, 2014—County Council adopts Resolution No. 464-14, Draft 2 (Exhibit 1), requesting that the Planning Director initiate an interim amendment to the General Plan LUPAG Map in the vicinity of the Kea'au Regional Town Center as defined by the Puna Community Development Plan(Puna CDP)based on findings that: • the County of Hawai'i General Plan ("General Plan") Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG)map designations for the Kea'au Regional Town Center area are inconsistent with the Objectives,Actions and Land Use Recommendations of the Puna CDP; • there are inconsistencies between the existing zoning designations and the General Plan LUPAG map designations in the areas in the vicinity of Ulupono Street and Milo Street; • in order to meet the aforementioned objectives of the Puna CDP to facilitate future land use entitlements and enhance the role of the Kea'au Regional Town Center, including the Puna CDP' s statement that zoning for residential development and associated neighborhood- oriented services " may occur within the LUPAG"alternate urban expansion areas", the General Plan should be more closely aligned to the Puna CDP; and • inconsistencies between the General Plan LUPAG map and the Puna CDP recommendations, growth within the Kea'au Regional Town Center has been primarily confined to a core in which specific settlement patterns have not yet been fixed and which is currently designated Medium Density Urban by the General Plan-LUPAG, with RE: Bill 72 (Comm. 398) limited opportunity in the Low Density Urban area for higher density residential units and retail and office commercial uses to support the regional town center. For these reasons, the County Council, through this resolution, expressed its support of"...these amendments because it supports the Kea'au Regional Town Center principles and designation adopted in the Puna CDP and determines the development of the Kea'au Regional Town Center will serve the interest of the public by stimulating growth through sustainable principles that will provide for improved public infrastructure systems and facilities, direct and indirect employment, and a continued sense of place outlined herein, in the Puna CDP, and in the General Plan." PROPOSED GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT The Planning Director is initiating an amendment to Map 14 of the County of Hawai`i General Plan LUPAG Map as shown in Exhibit 2, by changing the land use designation for portions of Kea'au Village and immediately surrounding areas as follows: • A-1: Low Density Urban to Medium Density Urban encompassing a contiguous area of approximately 475 acres from approximately 0.3 miles northwest(makai) of the intersection of Kea'au-Pahoa Bypass Road and Highway 11 (Volcano Highway) to and including the area in the vicinity of Ulupono and Milo Streets, extending south of Kukula Street and then in a westerly direction to the boundary of the Kea'au Ag Lots Subdivision to the Highway 11-Old Volcano Highway intersection along the Old Volcano Highway leading to the Village core. • A-2: Important Agricultural Land to Medium Density encompassing the triangular area of approximately 112 acres from Kukula Street-Kea'au Bypass Road intersection south to the Kea'au Bypass Road-Kea'au Pahoa Road intersection, and then approximately to the northeastern corner of the Kea'au Ag Lots Subdivision. BACKGROUND The General Plan is the policy document for the long-range comprehensive development of the island of Hawai`i. The LUPAG Map is a component of the General Plan land use element. The land use element seeks to accommodate growth without congestion; to designate and preserve the lands needed for residential use, commercial and visitor services, industry, agriculture, and open space; and to coordinate these uses with the County's services and -2- circulation systems. The land use pattern is a broad, flexible design intended to guide the direction and quality of future developments in a coordinated and rational manner. The LUPAG Map is a broad-brush graphic depiction of the general location of land uses in relation to each other and is not parcel specific. The methodology used to develop the land use pattern reflects estimates of future population based on economic facility needs, and transportation demands for the entire island. Topography and other physical features and economic and social characteristics of an area are also considered. The General Plan may be amended by changing its goals,policies, standards, zoning acreage allocations, LUPAG map, and other applicable sections thereof, when the conditions or premises upon which the General Plan is based have changed and when such an amendment would assure the coordinated development of the County of Hawai`i and the general welfare and prosperity of its people. During the comprehensive review and with the adoption of the revised General Plan in 2005, changes to the Kea'au Village area were few, although continuing to recognize Kea'au as one of several urban and rural centers within the Puna District, along with Pahoa, Kurtistown, Mt. View, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Orchidland Estates and Volcano. With Hilo as the major commercial center on the east side of the island, Kea'au is identified as a secondary commercial center that is encouraged to expand to meet the growing commercial needs for the Puna District. In 2008, adoption of the Puna CDP provided guidance in growth management, transportation, and the preservation of and respect for natural, historic, and cultural features. The subject amendment would further the goals and objectives of the Puna CDP and the General Plan by assuring the coordinated development of the County and the general welfare and prosperity of its people. Accordingly,the Planning Director is seeking an amendment to LUPAG Map 14 for Kea'au Village from Low Density Urban and Important Agricultural Lands to Medium Density Urban. Low Density Urban uses are defined as residential, with ancillary community and public uses, and neighborhood and convenience-type commercial uses with an overall residential density up to six units per acre. Important Agricultural Lands are those with better potential for sustained high agricultural yields because of soil type, climate, topography, or other factors. -3- For purposes of this General Plan amendment, a description of the LUPAG Map designation Medium Density Urban follows together with the corresponding zoning districts that are typically found within Medium Density Urban: The Medium Density Urban designation allows for village and neighborhood commercial and single family and multiple family residential and related functions (multiple family residential—up to 35 units per acre). [CV, CN, RS, RD, RM, 0, PD, RCX] Within the proposed General Plan amendment area A-1, current land uses include a credit union, flower distribution facility, offices, retail establishments, restaurants, urgent care and medical facilities, veterinary services, homes, a church, agriculture,portions of the Kea'au Middle School, DOE District Complex offices, senior housing, and vacant land. Within General Plan amendment A-2, current land uses include Kea'au Elementary and High Schools, a few homes, some agriculture, and vacant land. The area encompassing Ulupono along the northeastern(makai) side of the Kea'au-Pahoa ByPass Highway and extending to the vicinity of Railroad Avenue was initially envisioned as an area where the existing LUPAG-designated Industrial area encompassing HELCO's Kea'au powerplant would be expanded back towards the highway to also include the industrial-zoned lands of Ulupono. However,based on comments received from the community during an initial series of workshops, including comments from the Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee,the thought of having industrial uses within the village center in proximity to residences and schools was unacceptable. Suggestions focused on more neighborhood-oriented services promoted within the village that would promote a more livable and walkable community. It also became clear that the community, supported by the Puna CDP, preferred the town center and area east(makai) of Highway 11 to be designated for community uses rather than for regional uses that are designated for land on the west(mauka) side of the highway in the general vicinity of Shipman Business Park and the Kea'au Park complex. PUNA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN (CDP) The Puna CDP was adopted in 2008 and further amended in 2010. The Puna CDP recognized the planning challenge of Puna's population growth at the rate of 37 percent(2000 to March 2007) within the framework of its large subdivisions and exposure to high risk volcanic and seismic activity. Three main themes were identified from which the Plan's initiatives and implementation would be guided (Puna CDP at pages 1-6 and 1-7): -4- • Malama I Ka 'Aina establishes how the contextual natural, historical and cultural features of Puna should be preserved and respected. The goals, objectives and implementing actions under this theme address cultural and historic sites and districts; forest lands and unique geological features; scenic resources; and drainage, aquifers and coastal water quality. • Growth Management addresses how the future pattern of human settlement and land use should be shaped to respect that context and support the desired quality of life for Puna's residents. The goals, objectives and implementing actions under this theme address the land use pattern; agricultural and economic development; public services, social services and housing; parks and recreation and renewable energy and energy efficiency. • Transportation focuses on sustainable approaches to transportation to support the goals of the two above themes. The goals, objectives and implementing actions under this theme address mass transit and alternative travel modes, travel demand management and roadway connectivity and safety. To manage growth, the Puna CDP stated, in part, the following: Within Puna, the vision is to reshape the development pattern by moving away from the sprawl effects of the existing subdivisions and toward the formation of village and town centers. Over the long term, this will improve the feasibility of developing supporting infrastructure for populated areas, give residents better access to public and commercial services, stimulate local employment opportunities, and reduce dependence on the automobile for transportation. It will also help preserve natural and cultural resources by limiting the spread of the development, as noted in the previous chapter. (Puna CDP at page 3-1) [emphasis added] The Puna Community Development Plan seeks to manage growth by: encouraging a more efficient, environmentally sustainable land use pattern; reducing the number of and rearranging previously-approved subdivision lots; requesting the County to change the zoning of lots now inappropriately zoned for present and future use and growth; promoting agricultural use and other "green" employment in the district; promoting the use of renewable energy; improving the delivery of social services and housing assistance; and providing the necessary public services, parks and recreation opportunities in a manner that supports community-building and an improved quality of life. (Puna CDP at page 3-3) [emphasis added] "Village centers" (or "town centers" for the larger settlements) are the model on which Puna's future land use pattern will be based, redirecting Puna's extensive subdivisions from their present course of sprawl development. Three types of village centers are proposed to provide varying levels of services based on location, size, and functional attributes. Regional town centers are located at Puna's largest existing urban -5- settlements— Kea'au, Hawaiian Paradise Park, and Pahoa—and are meant to provide a wide range of services and amenities. Kea'au and Pahoa already have a nucleus of region-serving facilities, so they take on more of the characteristics of a town rather than a village. Community village centers provide a more limited range of services in smaller existing urban settlements and subdivisions that are experiencing the greatest rates of population growth. Community village centers are projected for Volcano, Mountain View, Kurtistown, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Maku'u, and 'Ainaloa. Neighborhood village centers serve smaller or more remote communities with relatively small lot sizes. Neighborhood village centers are projected for Glenwood, Orchidland Estates, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaiian Beaches, Nanawale Estates, Leilani Estates, and Kapoho. (Puna CDP at page 3-3 [emphasis added] The principal tools to reshape future land use in Puna include: (1) land (sic) pooling to form village centers and grow town centers while preventing sprawl development; (2) adjustments to County and State tax codes to discourage land speculation and provide tax relief for long-time homeowners and renters and to provide an incentive for removing development rights from property; (3) district-wide rezoning and tighter restrictions on variances from subdivision standards to discourage further subdivision of properties that are not within designated village/town centers; and (4) amendments to the County zoning code to discourage excessive lot clearance and speculative building practices. (Puna CDP at page 3-3) Applicable Puna CDP Land Use Pattern Goals, Objectives, and Actions on pages 3-3, 3-4 and 3-5 include the following: 3.1.1 Goals a. Puna retains a rural character while it protects its native natural and cultural resources. b. The quality of life improves and economic opportunity expands for Puna's residents. c. Services and community facilities are more accessible in village/town centers that are distributed throughout the region, including the underserved subdivisions that have been experiencing higher levels of development growth. d. Exposure to high risk from natural hazards situations is reduced. 3.1.2 Objectives a. Implement tools for re-shaping the pattern of future development to prevent further sprawl, such as land pooling. b. Develop a typology for existing and proposed village/town centers, including criteria for their location, scale, uses, and design. c. Enhance the role of existing and new village/town centers by allowing expanded commercial uses, facilitating the development of farmers markets and community gathering places, opportunities for special needs housing, and -6- infrastructure to support more compact development form and multi-modal travel. (emphasis added( e. Target investments in public services and infrastructure to promote the development of village/town centers and, secondarily, to serve the peripheral subdivision areas. 3.1.3 Actions a. 1) Kea'au, Pahoa, and Hawaiian Paradise Park shall serve as Regional Town Centers to provide a wide range of services for the Puna District; [emphasis added] Applicable Puna CDP Social Services and Housing Goals, Objectives, and Actions include the following: 3.3.1 Goals a. Puna residents have improved access to emergency and primary medical care and preventitive public health programs. c. Puna residents have increased access to assistance programs to develop, repair or rent affordable housing. e. Public education is better integrated into Puna's communities. 3.3.2 Objectives a. Seek additional locations for medical/substance abuse/senior home care treatment facilities in both lower and upper Puna. f. Increase opportunity for community involvement in public education. g. Urge the State to locate its community facilities, such as public schools, in designated village/town centers, and to design them in conformance to the criteria applicable to the type of village/town center at that location. 3.3.3 Actions a. Develop a centrally-located, 24-hour,full service medical facility, with trauma care, in Puna. Establish multiple clinic level facilities offering primary medical anda dental services in village centers in Upper and Lower Puna. Expand existing County-funded transportation services to carry people from subdivisions to medical facilities. b. Promote multi-family housing—especially for those with special needs, such as the elderly— in designated regional or community village/town centers. The Puna CDP, Transportation Chapter and discussion under Traffic Demand Management, reads: The long-term remedy for the problem of commuter traffic is to transform the pattern of land use and economic activity to reduce the travel demand to Hilo and other destinations beyond Puna. Making this shift is a key goal of the Puna Community Development Plan. Shorter-term relief from the crush of commuting traffic can be -7- achieved by diverting some of this travel to mass transit and ride-sharing or by reducing peak period traffic volumes via telecommuting and staggered work hours. [emphasis added] 4.1.1 Goals b. The percentage of residents who commute to employment or travel for services outside of Puna is reduced. c. Reliance on fossil fuels for transportation is reduced. 4.1.2 Objectives c. Provide more services and employment within Puna's village and town centers. d. Create new employment opportunities in Puna in order to reduce long commuting. 4.5..1 Non-Motorized Travel and Scenic Byways Goals a. There are safe walking and bicycling routes to schools, parks and bus stops. d. Village/town centers incorporate walking and bicycling paths. PUNA CDP IMPLEMENTATION 5.2 Village/Town Center Formation 5.2.1 Zoning Designations Village and town centers are expected to include a mix of uses, including small-lot and higher density residential, retail and office commercial, service-type light industrial, and public and quasi public facilities, such as schools, churches and parks. Future zone changes and State land use boundary amendments for the regional town centers and community village centers at Kea'au, Pahoa, and Hawaiian Paradise Park shall be consistent with the LUPAG map designations of the General Plan. The regional town center plan should be prepared through an inclusive community based process that involves major stakeholders, including landowners, community representatives, and public agencies. The rezoning ordinance for a village or town center may contain overall density and development limits, as well as restrictions on uses tailored to the specific needs of the regional or village center. [emphasis added] Residential areas may be zoned RS, RCX, or RM. The County may also amend the zoning code to create a new zoning classification more suited to the town or regional centers. Any industrial zoning within regional centers, to the extent not allowed under CV zoning, should be limited to MCX zoning. Other industrially-zoned areas outside of -8- the regional town centers should be located as described in Section 5.2.4. [emphasis added] 5.2.2 Criteria for Proposed Locations and Boundaries The Puna Community Development Plan (PCDP) defines three types of centers— regional, community, and neighborhood —which differ in size and range of uses according to their intended function (see Table 5-1.) Table 5-1 General Use and Design Criteria by Village/Town Center Type Regional Town Center Community Village Center Neighborhood Village Center Service Area 20,000 to 50,000 residents 7,000 to 15,000 residents 3,000 to 6,000 residents Population Approximate Land More than 30 acres 10 to 30 acres Up to 10 acres Area Typical Components More than 40 tenant spaces Between 20 and 40 small Between 5 and 15 small tenant for full range of retail and tenant spaces for retail and spaces for convenience retail and personal services,repair personal services,repair personal services;neighborhood shops and other light shops;community park, park,elementary school,multi- industrial uses;regional elementary or middle school, purpose meeting room or park;schools(all grades); community center and outdoor (minimum)place to congregate or community hall,theater; events area;bed-and-breakfast post community notices;outdoor outdoor events area;bed- homes and small inns;elderly events area(e.g.,barbeques and and-breakfast homes and or other special needs housing; farmer's markets);small bed-and- small inns;elderly or other transit stop;medical clinic; breakfast homes;transit(or special needs housing; walking and bicycling paths. paratransit)stop;connections to transit hub;medical facility walking and bicycling paths. with emergency room;policy and fire station;walking and bicycling paths Access Access to one or more Access to one or more paved Access to a paved road,except paved roads;commercial or roads;commercial or public that there should be no direct public uses without direct uses without direct driveway access or visibility from either driveway access to Highway access to Highway 11 or Highway 11 or Highway 130;no 11 or Highway 130. Highway 130;no"drive-thru" "drive-thru"commercial use. commercial use. Kea'au Regional Town Center The Kea'au Town Center consists of two parts. The area bounded by Highway 11 and the Highway 130 By-Pass, including the original plantation village, for uses that are oriented primarily to residents of the Kea'au community itself. The exceptions are the middle and high school and the post office next to Kea'au Shopping Center, which are region-serving facilities. Most uses of a regional orientation —e.g., Shipman Park, the areas already zoned for commercial and light industrial uses, and proposed new police, fire, transit, and medical facilities—are to be located north of Highway 11 to provide convenient vehicular access. -9- The area designated for community-oriented use is 597 acres, approximately 24% of which has been zoned and/or developed for commercial, residential and public/quasi- public use. The area for region-oriented uses covers 331 acres, approximately 50% of which is now zoned or developed for commercial, industrial or public use. Nearly all of the designated village center is within the State Land Use Urban District. The principal landowner, W.H. Shipman, Ltd., has developed a master plan with commuity participation that indicates not only the development of the area within the designated town center, but, in the long-term, much of their land beyond. Control of most of the land by a single owner facilitates the planning and development of the proposed town center. Commercial development that serves regional uses should be limited to the "regional town center" boundaries. Commercial development that serves community village or neighborhood village uses may be located adjacent to a regional town center. Rezoning for residential development at higher densities, along with zoning for associated neighborhood-oriented services, may occur within the LUPAG "alternate urban expansion areas," provided that such zoning proceeds in phases outward from the designated regional town center. [emphasis added] 5.2.4 Industrial Zoning As indicated in Table 5-1, regional town centers would accommodate primarily "repair shops and other light industrial uses" that would fit compatibly within a mixed- use, "walkable" community that includes schools, parks and high density residential neighborhoods. Generally, light industrial uses may not be compatible with some of the village centers, which are mostly located within existing subdivision neighborhoods, although the Highway 11 site makai of Volcano Village might be a suitable site for such uses serving upper Puna. [emphasis added] RELATED GENERAL PLAN—INITIATED ACTIONS A proposed General Plan Amendment to Urban Expansion Area was also the subject of public meetings held by the Planning Committee and full Council when it adopted Resolution No. 464-14 in July 2014. The Urban Expansion Area proposal was discussed at two Puna CDP Action Committee meetings held on January 13 and February 10, 2015, and two Planning Department Workshops held on February 11 and 12, 2015, at the Kea'au Community Center and the West Hawai`i Civic Center, respectively. Based upon further planning analysis and the public input received, it was determined that Medium Density Urban is a more appropriate General Plan designation as it reduced the -10- potential of industrial uses being established within the Kea`au Town, while recognizing that the Medium Density Urban designation and appropriate zoning districts may still allow for certain industrial uses, like repair shops. With this revised LUPAG Map amendment to Medium Density Urban in hand, public information workshops were held once again in Kea'au on June 1, 2015 and in Kona on June 3, 2015, where the revised LUPAG Map amendment to Medium Density Urban was well-received with no one indicating any objection or concern. CURRENT LAND USE DESIGNATIONS 1. Planning Department Exhibit 3: Current County General Plan LUPAG Map. 2. Planning Department Exhibit 4: State Land Use District Map. 3. Planning Department Exhibit 5: County Zoning Map. AGENCIES' COMMENTS Police, Department of Water Supply, Department of Education, Department of Health and the Department of Land and Natural Resources offered comments on the amendment request, all of which are attached to this report as Exhibits 6 through 11. AGENCIES-NO RESPONSE Department of Public Works, Department of Environmental Management, Fire, Department of Parks and Recreation, State Historic Preservation Division, State Department of Transportation, State Office of Planning and the Department of Agriculture have not provided comments. PUBLIC COMMENTS The following individuals have provided written comments: 1. Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee—Exhibit 12 2. Malama 0 Puna—Exhibit 13 3. June Conant—Exhibit 14 4. Elmer Solis—Exhibit 15 5. James Arakaki—Exhibit 16 -11- RECOMMENDATION ANALYSIS Since the Puna CDP was adopted in 2008, the General Plan LUPAG Map for Kea'au has not been updated. To further implement the Puna CDP, to assure coordinated development of this area, and to achieve a greater degree of consistency with the General Plan, the Planning Director is initiating the subject General Plan amendment for Kea'au Village. This effort follows on the heels of a General Plan amendment initiated by the Planning Director for Pahoa Village, which was adopted by the County Council in 2012 (Ordinance No. 12 89). The Pahoa Village and Kea'au Village General Plan amendments both promote and guide growth within the defined regional town centers of existing urban villages as prescribed by the Puna CDP. Amending the General Plan LUPAG Map designations to Medium Density Urban will be consistent with the Puna CDP, which designates Kea'au Old Town(and a portion of Kea'au New Town already designated for Urban Expansion Area) as the Kea'au Regional Town Center illustrated in Figure 5-1 of the Puna CDP. The area proposed for Medium Density Urban would be a natural infill of the Village already characterized by commercial stores, offices, a credit union, and restaurants; churches, Kea'au Elementary School, Kea'au High School, residences, agricultural activities, urgent care center,veterinary services, and vacant land. Kea'au Bypass Road, Kea'au Ag Lots Subdivision and the row of lots to the west of the Kea'au-Pahoa Road are practical boundaries within which Kea'au Village can expand. The proposed area is served by urban infrastructure such as roads, water, parks, public safety services, schools, and utilities. Increasing diverse residential and commercial opportunities by the subject amendment will stimulate upgrades to infrastructure in Kea'au Village and will promote walkable communities near schools and services. As land use patterns take shape through rezoning, roads can be interconnected with improved pedestrian and bicycle paths; community/cultural parks and open space will be set aside; and Kea'au Village will form its own unique and vibrant community identity. The proposed Medium Density Urban designation would allow the flexibility needed to encourage balanced growth and support services by setting aside sufficient acreage to accommodate the regional demand and to reshape land use patterns to mitigate development -12- sprawl. Thus, the subject amendment is consistent with the specific General Plan-Land Use- Course of Action below: General Plan: Puna Commercial 14.3.5.1.2 Courses of Action (b) Expanded commercial services to meet the needs of population growth in the Puna district shall be encouraged in Kea'au. Broadly, the Medium Density Urban amendment would align with the General Plan goals and/or policies of encouraging the concentration of commercial uses within and surrounding a central core area; providing for suitable living environments that accommodate the physical, social and economic needs of the island residents; encouraging flexibility in the design of residential sites,buildings and related facilities to achieve a diversity of socio-economic housing mix and innovative means of meeting the market requirements; maximizing choices of single- family residential lots and/or housing for residents of the County; promoting and encouraging the rehabilitation and use of urban areas that are serviced by basic community facilities and utilities; and increasing rental opportunities and choices in terms of quality, cost, amenity, style and size of housing. With the expansion of commercial services in and around Kea'au Village, employment will be added for Puna residents,including those living in Kurtistown and Mountain View. Together with a more diverse residential market in Kea'au Village,the need to drive to Hilo should be lessened. Community Participation and Input. The Puna CDP acknowledges that a master plan for the Kea'au Regional Town Center has been developed with community participation by the principal landowner, W.H. Shipman. As stated previously, a proposed General Plan Amendment to Urban Expansion Area received public review and comment. Based upon further analysis and the community input received, it has been determined that an Amendment to Medium Density Urban is appropriate. The proposed General Plan Amendment to Medium Density Urban was discussed at a Puna CDP Action Committee meeting held on January 13, 2015, and two Planning Depaitment Workshops held on February 11 and 12, 2015 at the Kea'au Community Center and the West Hawai`i Civic Center, respectively. Meetings before the Leeward/Windward Planning -13- Commissions on the original amendment initiative were deferred to allow a reassessment by the Planning Director that resulted in this current proposal. Growth Management Strategies, Walkable-Livable Communities, Infrastructure. Comments from the Puna CDP AC and the Planning Director Workshops raised concerns over the need to manage traffic and to improve infrastructure systems, such as solid waste and water systems. The Puna CDP has developed growth management strategies as a tool to to re-shape the pattern of future development to prevent further sprawl. The proposed General Plan amendment supports Puna CDP's growth management objective of enhancing the existing town center by allowing expanded uses; thereby re-directing higher density residential and commercial activities away from the existing large-lot subdivisions. The proposed GP Medium Density Urban designation will place a higher priority of public and private investment than would occur with Low Density or Important Agricultural Lands. It should be pointed out that Table 5-1 in the Puna CDP outlines general uses and typical components of the Regional Town Center. These include"more than 40 tenant spaces for full range of retail and personal services, repair shops and other light industrial uses; regional park; schools (all grades); community hall, theater; outdoor events area;bed-and-breakfast homes and small inns; elderly or other special needs housing; transit hub; medical facility with emergency room; police and fire station; walking and bicycling paths." Thus, the CDP recognizes that light industrial uses,primarily related to repair shops and neighborhood service-oriented uses can be compatible with mixed use communities. The Medium Density Urban designation provides the flexibility necessary to engage in specific site planning. The rezoning process will involve the level of review and consideration of CDP and planning principles necessary to assure compatibility. Looking more closely at what this means, allowable zonings under GP Medium Density Urban could be RS, RD, RM, RCX, CV, CN, PD, and 0 zoning. From the perspective of the Puna CDP, Kea'au shall serve as a Regional Town Center to provide a wide range of services for the Puna District, which is characterized by a diverse and expansive agricultural community. The GP Medium Density Urban designation recognizes the flexibility needed at the General Plan level to be guided by the CDP and any future zoning applications. Development of Gateway on the mauka side of Highway 11 will take a massive infrastructure investment to create sufficient critical mass to attract the commercial ventures that -14- would sustain itself. In the meantime,the expanding public and private schools,post office, DOE district complex, library, shopping center, different medical facilities and restaurants have the effect of attracting complementary services within the Village. The proposed Medium Density Urban would provide flexibility to allow corresponding services contemplated by the Puna CDP to build and operate with the appropriate zoning. With regards to potential concern about removing the GP IAL from the agricultural inventory and the impact of urban uses on farms, the Puna CDP formed its Regional Town Center boundaries in which the IAL lands exist. The CDP concept here acknowledges a need to trade-off limited IAL areas for the purpose of directing more intensive agricultural uses away from the Regional Town Center. The Department is initiating the proposed GP Amendment after evaluating the Puna CDP and the General Plan being mindful of the evolving and unknown impacts of the lava flow. The existing GP Low Density and IAL designations have the effect of limiting options within Kea'au Village at a time when public comments point to the burgeoning growth felt at the shopping center and on the roads. Kea'au Village is a major link to the rural communities in Puna and Kau, and managing its growth is crucial to the well-being of the people who live in and travel through these districts. The proposed GP amendment seeks to provide opportunities for providing housing opportunities with service oriented and commercial uses that can be implemented to accommodate these needs. This action implements the CDP goal of reducing exposure to high risk from natural hazards. While it has been said that the proposed GP amendment will benefit the major landowner in Kea'au—W. H. Shipman, the purpose of the proposed amendment will facilitate measures to satisfy an overwhelming public necessity and demand. Failure to act would impede fulfillment of satisfying the stated goals of the Puna CDP, which are intended to benefit the people who reside, work, learn,travel through and play in Kea'au. CONCLUSION In summary, the proposed General Plan amendment from Low Density Urban and Important Agricultural Lands to Medium Density Urban implements the Puna CDP and the General Plan towards a more efficient and environmentally-sustainable land use pattern for the community and region. -15- Based on the information cited above, consideration of public comments, and the continued implementation of the Puna CDP, the Planning Director recommends that the Leeward and Windward Planning Commission send a favorable recommendation to the County Council for the amendment to Map 14 of the Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) Map of the County of Hawai`i General Plan. The accompanying draft bill (Exhibit 17)is provided for your favorable consideration. -16- 1. PLANNING DEPARTMENT COUNTY Of HAWAII COUNTY OF HAWAI;I a�`T %� STATE O iAiNI) OS RESOLUTION NO. 464 14 DRAFT 2) A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE PLANNING DIRECTOR TO INITIATE AN INTERIM AMENDMENT TO THE COUNTY OF HAWAII GENERAL PLAN TO REVISE THE LAND USE PATTERN ALLOCATION GUIDE MAP DESIGNATIONS FOR THE KEA`AU REGIONAL TOWN CENTER,KEA'AU,PUNA,HAWAII. WHEREAS,on September 10,2008,the County of Hawaii("County") adopted the Puna Community Development Plan("CDP")by Ordinance No.08-116 with the themes of preserving and respecting natural,historical and cultural features,addressing growth management and focusing on sustainable approaches to transportation;and WHEREAS,to manage growth by encouraging a more efficient and environmentally- sustainable land use pattern,the Puna CDP designated specific parts of Kea'au as a Regional Town Center(Exhibit A)to provide a wide range of commercial,residential and public/quasi- public uses for the Puna district in addition to Regional Town Centers in Pahoa and Hawaiian Paradise Park;and WHEREAS,the Puna CDP,as amended by Ordinance No. 10-104,sets forth the following objectives and actions relating to regional town centers: Land Use Pattern Objective 3.1.2.c "Enhance the role of existing and new village/town centers by allowing expanded commercial uses,facilitating the development of farmers markets and community gathering places,opportunities for special needs housing,and infrastructure to support more compact development form and multi-modal travel." Land Use Pattern Objective 3.1.2.e "Target investments in public services and infrastructure to promote the development of village/town centers and,secondarily,to serve the peripheral subdivision areas." Land Use PatternAction 3.2.3.c "Recommend reviewing the Urban Expansion Area designations in the County of Hawai`i General Plan LUPAG,except where they correspond to the recommended Regional Town Center and industrial boundaries.";and WHEREAS,the County of Hawai`i General Plan("General Plan")Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide(LUPAG)map designations for the Kea'au Regional Town Center area are inconsistent with the Objectives.Actions and Land Use Recommendations of the Puna CDP;and 093750 47- EXHIBIT t WHEREAS,there are inconsistencies between the existing zoning designations and the General Plan LUPAG map designations in the areas in the vicinity of Ulupono Street and Milo Street;and WHEREAS,the Kea'au Regional Town Center includes a range of public and quasi- public facilities such as Kea'au Elementary,Middle and High Schools,the Department of Education administrative complex ofce,'Ola'a Community Center,police and fire stations,the County's Shipman Gym,and the County's Herbert C.Shipman Park(mauka of Highway 11), charter schools,senior citizen housing and self help housing facilities,churches and related facilities;and WHEREAS,the Kea'au Regional Town Center presents an opportunity to apply the following smart growth principles,which are discussed in the Puna CDP: • Creating walkable neighborhoods • Creating a range of housing opportunities and choices • Fostering a distinctive community with a sense of place;mixing land uses • Preserving open space,agricultural land,and critical habitats by directing growth to an existing village • Taking advantage of compact building design and • Providing a range of transportation choices;and WHEREAS,future development of the Kea'au Regional Town Center would provide a basis for efficient road,bikeway and pedestrian networks,improved wastewater treatment,the ability for government to develop a new civic/community center and transit hub to serve upper and lower Puna,expanded or new parks and open space,greater water capacity, increased employment,affordable housing,and other necessary public and quasi-public infrastructure;and WHEREAS,in order to meet the aforementioned objectives of the Puna CDP to facilitate future land use entitlements and enhance the role of the Kea'au Regional Town Center, including the Puna CDP's statement that zoning for residential development and associated neighborhood-oriented services"may occur within the LUPAG 'alternate urban expansion areas',"the General Nan should be more closely aligned to the Puna CDP similar to action taken in 2012 for the PAhoa Regional Town Center by Ordinance No. 12-89; and 2 -18- WHEREAS,because of the inconsistencies between the General Plan LUPAG map and the Puna CDP recommendations,growth within the Kea'au Regional Town Center has been primarily confined to a core in which specific settlement patterns have not yet been fixed and which is currently designated Medium Density Urban by the General Plan-LUPAG(Exhibit B), with limited opportunity in the Low Density Urban area for higher density residential units and retail and office commercial uses to support the regional town center;and WHEREAS,on February 9,2005,the County adopted comprehensive amendments to the General Plan by Ordinance No.05-25 to guide the pattern of future development in Hawaii County based on long-term goals;and WHEREAS,the comprehensive review of the General Plan, as required per Section 16.1 of the General Plan,has not commenced;and WHEREAS,Section 16.2,of the General Plan provides that the Planning Director may initiate interim amendments to the General Plan in accordance with the terms and provisions of Section 16.2(2);and WHEREAS,amending Map 14 of the General Plan LUPAG from Low Density Urban and Important Agricultural Land to Urban Expansion Area will assist in implementing the Kea'au Regional Town Center principles and designation of the Puna CDP;now,therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII that it requests the Planning Director to initiate the following interim amendments to the General Plan in accordance with Section 16.2(2)of the General Plan: 1. Amend Map 14 by changing the General Plan LUPAG map designation for the areas within the Kea'au Regional Town Center locations designated on the Puna CDP as Low Density Urban and Important Agricultural Land to Urban Expansion Area. 2. Amend Map 14 by changing the General Plan LUPAG map designation for the areas located in the vicinity of Ulupono Street and Milo Street from Low Density Urban to Urban Expansion Area. 3 -19- BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council is desirous of these amendments because it supports the Kea'au Regional Town Center principles and designation adopted in the Puna CDP and determines the development of the Kea'au Regional Town Center will serve the interest of the public by stimulating growth through sustainable principles that will provide for improved public infrastructure systems and facilities,direct and indirect employment,and a continued sense of place outlined herein,in the Puna CDP,and in the General Plan. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the County Clerk shall transmit a copy of this resolution to the Honorable Mayor William P. Kenai,Planning Director Duane Kanuha,and the Windward and Leeward Planning Commissions. Dated at Kona ,Hawai`i,this lath day of_ 3u1y ,2014. INTRODUCED BY: 15/4,�J CIL MEMBER, COUNTY OF HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL ROLL CALL VOTE 1 County of Hawai`i AYES NOF 1 ABS I EX j Hilo,Hawai`i LOW I I. FORD X I hereby certify that the foregoing RESOLUTION was by ILAGAN X indicated to the right hereof adopted by the COUNCIL of the KANt1FiA X A newel on July 1 R, 2014 KERN X ONISHI X ;T; POINDEXTER X 1 WILLE X ' (114 4,,,.4/2;5<i :::) , YOSHIMOTO X Reference: C-934.1/PC-69 TY CLERK CHAIRPERSON& PRESIDING OFFICER RESOLUTION NO. 464 14 (DRAFT 2) 4 -20- EXHIBIT A Figure 5-1: Kea'au Regional Town Center % •. • • • r, •• • • � • .• •. •• • •• • ♦� ••• • y •• • • • Preliminary Keaau Regional •. r Town Center .• ... ♦• • Boundary <Aw'r*;rs •s t'cmvnunnv F.rcrlitiry • •. $1•p• SI I I I lrbnn •.• i%a.ranx!Anise • al rounmereinl/one e on ' Residential/ e ( cnmuaritLI C I::r•:. OM imiustnal/one I I Agriculuuni 71)rx r r —_1 rur. -Orn Zonc -21- EXHIBIT B 2 d �--� 2 °:!„.1,-,:,-7. 'r f,,,i' ..,of,-.4',,,,,',...:,,:,,., .."'�,% a e ---. i. 1 i 4 _ \ l ,, 4A'e • = I Ni ./ t 4' '' ::."- ..1 Y / 3 . - O - i O IL E41 $ I/ O 4 vY p f en l i N'f O " H - n •. •-• . nR L, a -22- Proposed General Plan Amendments for Kea'au Town Center prir ►tttt Low Density Urban (Idu) to Medium Density Urban (mdu) R;r1 Important Agricultural Lands (ial) to Medium Density Urban (mdu) ial to mdu \N -.f) 112 acres i 87:74 1 / j' Idu to mdu Q-`� 1 oa 475 acres � ges 55 4 \\r, a 8ypa _' _- V+. 'a, ' ado :•IAIV ..'"'il'ANIS...../. „ •..,!.�• Kea av P �isi� S}a'*aOi'iai'i'ii'i'iai�"'i':'` ....A...As,.9g4t ii�....����•A4.4�•�•�•a•4••••.iitji � ••• •'•••••.••••••os *1440..ik. •+•••••+a'•'i'•'•♦••••.i°a'•'a�•••:$.•• �' .•a. . • ms''4 t ••••�•�•••�•�•••�•�•�•••�t�•••• ',. •••i• ' ••♦ ♦� ' . .4* *sa♦ a ••' 4• •.ss�••a , ••.4•••raga; ,,".4:". Q •• .�►•••••. ♦' a•• •ate - �'• •' ••'•"•'••'4'•�'i�a'•'i `.41 A ,,'•' ' aa••'s ►'i'a'1`•'V P .w!a!a!•: X00 0/ .•�Oa�•�e •4�'i EXISTING GENERAL PLAN LUPAG MAP FOR KEA`AU TOWN 1 r4 J r 0. , *--\ 'Sl \ \\ 111111[ ' ' • !11' w + ; • sity . +'' Ss i +`x ie.+q ♦7 r� ms ,p y S� " It lil:11!x:11:i A,S. 3....77t4.x .. 1-1 %/Y 4tit. Oy fAixxi7 1111:eii�itt,,� 1164+-00),,&V.4 1 I. Ott. 1 ,I.F i. FN.t"TM M pl "' R...k. .0::::::::::::::::::.:."*K.0 „„:„.,,,,,,,,,,,,..,,,..„;, ,, ,,..„? ..,,,A.,,p k '^+,fit "'''''A ,♦ • ••r. ••,, q+A,,, , :{:.:.;.�.:00.:•.:0. •♦•0%•:• 0040•iw r btW ;. '• l•••:O•.�S'J"�:••:• •:O:••• •:•:•:w:':: • •w+•www•w•w /y,.,♦Iw♦ ♦:♦•♦,%"f%.�,�f " ,i"fw•1":::a i•:•, ••♦•f•• :f�!w•ii"i • ,y'F� f+,a.r� w0•:•:':•:'O:•::•%:•.❖:•s•:':•:•:'.:Yi:�w4:s:,i�•:♦:.'.".`.'s•:•.':i':•:•i'`.• .:::%1�: •.. : :: :we,,. . .• : :: :•:•.•:• ...:••:•Of:0 •'•::'•0•••,O•••%O•::.ib:000'::•.*:4 i w••:i......•i...•......%:Lm.:.:.:.:.:_:::_ .i•...• ' .a••:'OP:0.:0:0 i e::4i:.w::•O:•:'rb•.Ow'svw•4.00.•.0 i•. .::J:�: •.'::•.':•::•:4::`:::wi i w ":i•:.. ..i•:•::s`+:•:•i•:i••::�••::•: i is•i❖i i:•.'•::•:':' 0•:•:::e•:J:0.w•:w0 www•:000 :w•.0•O.w 0."OE:w•:P::i:"•w:0•:O.0::::::•f.0•. ••t • :w•:::�w:.ww•.• i• s•:w•w•,w i w��,i•:f••w w�:::i:♦ww:�::::•k�Y•:�: •�•w���1 : :i':'`:•:•:'::x♦::•••:OO.*:":•w•0•:0 a w:♦:•a0:**i :b i::•':0:••:wi•••:•w° 1,i: .w•0•ii" e�♦•:ww":•:":::=1•.`.• e•%3:•♦ :•::rr ' ':i :s i:":•i�:•:,. :•i i f•:.•0 a�w•":w::%:t:♦w'dw0`.•w i° ":w::::d•••* w::iw:::"i:.4,': ':': i i•i•'•�` :i w;w•.i wi s ,+i'i w•+www::�''Aw1':ww+w Orsi.i.:0:w"e�'a"•. 1I wi::w.:•i:4►"Y:'r:•.`•:11:♦w:w Ob•www:•'•i:'::::•pw:is w •i•:0•**K.3,'0••.. .�:r.♦♦:rwrs6 w,,�"�:f:w:�•::♦:• •O•:00:0 d0: : •:Oi:O::Ow::•"•'.:�. i:•i i;:::w:s1'i".wiww0•� .••:•s•.•�. ww wi+"i:ti: • •: 0� ••w♦w♦•♦ ♦4 Www}r w•w.♦.•♦•w•e•ww♦iw t♦ ,. t f ' EXHIBIT 3 EXISTING STATE LAND USE DISTRICT Agricultural i '-s-'4401#7',-- ------r J 3• x� i i s ' a Urn \ � i , ' 0 , ixP nxa '+, ,'„” x,. .. : xx�M11 �1Rx� A A e 1 " lsip vi. t�/11fJenNlt�N ^�� f ,,,// Nor_1 �i� y \ y �',l�- 'y V X41"4N� .. - 4#4 ,,,,,,,.„, „;.,7 ec. , i.-.), ,-,,,,,, ,,,,,,43 ._._...., , ...,,,,, .1...„ , ,,,,,.. „.... . .„ , ..,,,.....,..........,„ ____-- f ,,,,,,,.,,,, ,.„,. ,„ .,,,.. ., .. „,„ ,:,,,, -.,,,,,...„2,,,,„:„. ...... ,,,,„, . 0 No...-4, ,, , , 7-,.,-- . ..\\ . .........,..L ',',,,,,/' J \ 0* <1 Urban S. Y i °L Agricultural ' Conservation EXHIBIT 4 EXISTING COUNTY ZONING MAP i _ . M' __ _ RS le hum .ur rr+ _. _�. 1 .7 N. • ,11 dr MG-1a •v J � ;l • v JJ v VYi J v r+1 aJJ ry ✓v v JV ▪ JVV . 440v ,v4 O.v yv v v A\ ,Ov4 4 OVJJV \ 4 4 4 0 4 0 4v vvv i V Y v. O 4 o a 4 fl 4 vv > o 0 4 G o G 4 vv 4 ' 4 V 0 0' V 0 0 0 44v v v ' • V O 4 0 0 0 0 0 'O UUUv / v 4 v 4 v 4 4 v V 4 0 0 v v / 4 4 4 4 4 V V V 4 0 V '4 4 % �4 4 4 4 v vV vv 4 0 V 0 V � 1 0 4 4 4 VJ4 V V V V 4 v ✓ 44 4 v 4 J J 4 4 4 4 V0 V 4vvo J 0 0 0 0 4 V vY vv4 4 0.0 0 4 O V 4 , • V V O V 0 4 4 0 4 v V 4.0 fl V fl 6 0 V 0 0 4 v 44 v .-' 0 0 4 4 0 4 0 4 4 0 v v v V * O V0 4 0 0 4 4 4 44 v 404 0 V G 0 0 0 V U G V v 4. ✓ 4 0 • v • V O 4 v 0 4 4 v 6 v tiv 4 � 4 G 4 4 G 0 Ovv4 � V 0 4 4 .1 :Yis - 4 4 0 0 4 4 4 0 4 0 0 0 44V V i V V v V G V V 4 V V 4 O v 40 - , _ ✓ V 0 0 4 • 4 :0 0 V 0 0 G 0 G . \ : 4 0 0 0 4 4 0 0 0 4 4 V v 0 • v 4 ,. ,.v u 4_.v.,4.0,G,. G 4 0 4�0 4 D;G .. •, EXHIBIT 5 William P.Kenoi Y �F7- '; Harry S.Kubojiri Mayortr,„ '1• Police Chief tf •N'M 1• Paul K.Ferreira Deputy Police Chief County of Hawai' POLICE DEPARTMENT 349 Kapi`olani Street • Hilo,Hawaii 96720-3998 (808)935-3311 • Fax(808)961-2389 January 21, 2015 TO : DUANE NUHA, P NTNG DIRECTOR FROM : HEN Y . AVA E$; J ., ASSISTANT POLICE CHIEF ARE I PERATIOIS SUBJECT: COUNTY COUNCIL INITIATED (GPA 14-000002) AMENDMENT OF MAP 14 OF THE LUPAG MAP OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII GENERAL PLAN Staff, upon reviewing the provided documents, does not anticipate any significant impact to traffic and/or public safety concerns. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to comment. If you have any questions, please contact Captain Samuel Jelsma, Puna Patrol, at 965- 2716. SJ:IIi 150045 EXHIBIT "Hawai'i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer" 0 9 6 5 2 6 4 pF WATER B -. 4Oa CA- • 19 Y DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY • COUNTY OF HAWAII n`t>oPi ,votR3` 345 KEKUANAO'A STREET, SUITE 20 • HILO, HAWAII 98720 TELEPHONE (808) 961-8050 • FAX (808) 961-8857 January 28, 2015 TO: Mr. Duane Kanuha, Director r o7.3 Planning Department FROM: Quirino Antonio, Jr., Manager-Chief Engineer .y ' , SUBJECT: COUNTY COUNCIL INITIATED (GPA 14-000002) AMENDMENT OF MAP 14 OF THE LUPAG MAP OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII GENERAL PLAN We have reviewed the County Council initiated amendment to Map 14 of the LUPAG Map and have no objection to the proposed changes to the land use designations. The aquifer sector and system in that area are robust and the proposed changes, which may include higher water demand in the subject areas, should have a negligible impact relative to the aquifer's sustainable yield. However, future development projects will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis with regard to the water system infrastructure, including but not limited to source, storage, transmission and distribution,to determine if there any requirements for offsite water system improvements. Should there be any questions, please contact Mr. Lawrence Beck of our Water Resources and Planning Branch at 961-8070, extension 260. Sincerely yours, Quiri Antonio, Jr., P.E. Man -Chief Engineer LB:dfg EXHIBIT . .'Water, Our Most Precious Resource . . . Ra Wai A Kane . . . 0 9 6 5 7 0 The Department of Water Supply Is an Equal Opportunity provider and employer. DAVID Y. OE KATHRYN S. MATAYOSHI GOVERNOR SUPERINTENDENT V‘ di: < STATE OF HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION KA'U/KEA'AUIPAHOA COMPLEX AREA 16-588 KEAAU-PAHOA ROAD KEAAU,HAWAII 96749 OFFICE OF THE COMPLEX AREA SUPERINTENDENT Date: March 3,2015 Mr.Duane Kanuha Director,Planning Department County of Hawaii Aupuni Center 101 PauN Street,Suite 3 Hila,Hawaii 96720 Dear Sir: I am responsible for operation of schools within the Ka'u-Kea'au-Pahoa Complex. One of the issues of concern for our schools, students, parents and teachers has been proximity of schools to student and staff homes. In general students live more than five miles away from our schools in Kea'au. This distance results in parents dropping of elementary and middle school students in the morning and then often having to pick them up in the early afternoon if they do not go home by bus. For High School students the result of these distances is that many students find it difficult to be involved in after school activities. Further, the congestion and inconvenience of this is a significant problem for our families. I understand that the County has initiated a change to the General Plan for Kea 'au that would allow for homes and needed services to be built within a mile of the school. The advantages of having homes and services in close proximity to the schools are many including—to name a few: • Students would be able to walk to and from school on most days reducing congestion on the streets and easing the burden on their families. • The community would be pulled together in a way that would encourage a strong school spirit and sense of community within our Kea au district. • Parent involvement in school activities would be made much easier simply because of the convenience of the campuses to parent homes. Their lack of involvement today is another very real hurdle for the schools to overcome. • Teachers and administrators would be able, similarly, to live in close proximity to their workplace reducing their travel time and expense. We see Kea'au taking an increasingly important role in public education in East Hawaii. The proposed changes and zoning that would follow will create a synergism that will greatly enhance this community and education of our children Sincerely, Nodit T'f/t'kt Chad Keone Farms 0 9 7 3 6 1 AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER EXHIBIT 8 DAVID Y.IGE u °:.,,: GOVERNOR • KATHRYN S.MATAYOSHI f fl ' d. SUPERINTENDENT •-f was• i 414 iLq Dean Cevallos w _ . Principal Kea'au High School STATE OF HAWAII C DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATI ID —2 i f 2. 113 r KEAAU HIGH SCHOOL 16-725 Kea'au-Pahoa Rd. Keaau,HI 96749 (808)313-3300 Date: February 25, 2015 Mr. Duane Kanuha Director, Planning Department County of Hawaii Aupuni Center 101 Pauhi Street,Suite 3 Hilo,Hawaii 96720 Dear Sir: My name is Dean Cevallos.I have been principal of Keaau High School for three years. One of the issues of concern to our High School students,parents and teachers has been proximity of the school to student and staff homes.Most of our students live more than five miles away from the school-many more ten miles or more away.This distance makes it difficult for students to be involved in many of the activities, (i.e.athletics,clubs)which create a strong school and learning experience. Few of our students have access to cars or other transportation that would allow them to remain on campus after school buses have left. I understand that the County has initiated a change to the General Plan for Keaau that would allow for homes and needed services to be built within a mile of the school. The advantages of having homes and services in close proximity to the schools are many including-to name a few: • Students would be able to walk to and from school on most days reducing congestion on the streets and easing the burden on their families. • The community would be pulled together in a way that would encourage a strong school spirit and sense of community within our Keaau district. • Parent involvement in school activities would be made much easier simply because of the closeness of the campuses to parent homes. Their lack of involvement today is another very real hurdle for the schools to overcome. EXHI IT 097267 9 • Teachers and administrators would be able,similarly,to live in close proximity to their workplace reducing their travel time and expense. We see Keaau taking an increasingly important role in public education in East Hawaii. The proposed changes and zoning that would follow will create a synergism that will greatly enhance this community and education of its children. Siin�nccerellyy (? bead Cl.vallos, P1 Kea'au High School (808)313-3322 DAVID Y.IGE (NIA PRESSLER GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 4 °^`�4�'Y :`• lA ;.`1 i l_°(f 1 'i 4 ,Y:I (RECTOR OF HEALTH M.D. o I •7i `.•: 2c5 r r.r: —rt PIS 3: 514 STATE OF HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH P.O.BOX 916 HILO,HAWAII 96721-0916 MEMORANDUM DATE: February 2, 2015 TO: Duane Kanuha Planning Director, County of Hawaii FROM: Newton Inouye 4 District Environmental Health Program Chief SUBJECT: County Council Initiated (GPA 14-000002) Amendment of Map 14 of the LUPAG Map of the County of Hawai'i General Plan We recommend that you review all of the Standard Comments on our website: http://hawaii.gov/health/environmental/env-planning/landuse/landuse.html. Any comments specifically applicable to this project should be adhered to. The same website also features a Healthy Community Design Smart Growth Checklist (Checklist) created by Built Environment Working Group(BEWG) of the Hawaii State Department of Health. The BEWG recommends that state and county planning departments, developers, planners, engineers and other interested parties apply the healthy built environment principles in the Checklist whenever they plan or review new developments or redevelopments projects. We also ask you to share this list with others to increase community awareness on healthy community design. WORD:GPA 14-000002.ni EXHIBIT 095722 ID 1 DAVID Y.IGE e 1< „;. CARTY S.CHANG GOV ANON OF HAWAII _ a ACTING CNAR}MFSIMI 7'I' BOARD OF LAND AND NATURAL ilLSOURCl�6 �'..i' +' `'., } ... /�' ay.64SaN ON IvAlrx RFSO18CC MANAGE/4M LJ ck%prod sod%Ra. k� `` `,~ STATE OF HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES ,r��� LAND DIVISION POST OFFICE BOX 621 state of HasHONOLULU,HAWAII 96809 January 30,2015 County of Hawaii Planning Department Attention: Mr. Jeff Darrow via email: idarrow@co.hawaii.hi.us 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo,Hawaii 96720 Dear Mr. Darrow: SUBJECT: County Council Initiated(GPA 14-000002);Amendment of Map 14 of the LUPAG Map of the County of Hawaii General Plan, Hawaii County Council,Applicant,Keaau,Puna,Hawaii Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on the subject matter. The Department of Land and Natural Resources' (DLNR) Land Division distributed or made available a copy of your report pertaining to the subject matter to DLNR Divisions for their review and comments. At this time, enclosed are comments from the (i) Engineering Division, and (ii) Hawaii District Land Office on the subject matter. Should you have any questions, please feel free to call Kevin Moore at 587-0426. Thank you. Sincerely, i)r / v �� Russell Y.Tsu' Land Adminis ator Enclosure(s) EXHIBIT 096657 O N r 4 DAVID V.IGY ,e GOVERNOR OP HAWAII CAHTYS.PRANG ACI?Ki CHAPPARiQV A ; KARIM LAND ANDNATIAIAL RISOURCF3 Q11.00900N Q7 WATER REIOUINA HANAOEMkN[ ~� STATE OF HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES • =1t— LAND DIVISION POST OFFICE BOX 621 state°Ne HONOLULU,HAWAII 96809 U1 January 20,2015 ti MEMORANDUM 31 1.• 'FO: DLNR Agencies: 8 Div. of Aquatic Resources `Div. of Boating&Ocean Recreation X Engineering Division X Div. of Forestry &Wildlife _Div. of State Parks X Commission on Water Resource Management _Office of Conservation&Coastal Lands X Land Division—Hawaii District X Historic Preservation FII: Russell Y. Tsuji,Land Administrator Y SUBJECT: County Council Initiated (GPA 14-000002); Amendment of Map 14 of the LUPAG Map of the County of Hawaii General Plan LOCATION: Keaau,Puna,Hawaii Transmitted for your review and comment is information on the above referenced application. We would appreciate your comments on this application. Please submit any comments by January 29,2015. If no response is received by this date, we will assume your agency has no comments. If you have any questions about this request,please contact Kevin Moore at 587-0426. Thank you. ( ) We have no objections. ( ) We have no comments. ( ./S Comments are attached. Signed�'�_� _ Print name: irony S.Chong,Chief Engineer Date: JAN 2 7 2015 cc: Central Files DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES ENGINEERING DIVISION LD/Russell Y.Tsuji Ref.: County Council Initiated(GPA 14-000002),Amendment of Map 14 of the Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide(LUPAG)Map for Keaau Town,County of Hawaii General Plan Hawaii.007 COMMENTS () We confirm that the project site,according to the Flood Insurance Rate Map(FIRM),is located in Flood Zone . (X) Please take note that the project site,according to the Flood Insurance Rate Map(FIRM),is located in an area of minimal tsunami inundation. The National Flood Insurance Program does not have any regulations for developments within this area. () Please note that the correct Flood Zone Designation for the project site according to the Flood Insurance Rate Map(FIRM)is () Please note that the project site must comply with the rules and regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program(NFIP)presented in Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations(44CFR), whenever development within a Special Flood Hazard Area is undertaken. If there are any questions,please contact the State NFIP Coordinator,Ms.Carol Tyau-Beam,of the Department of Land and Natural Resources,Engineering Division at(808)587-0267. Please be advised that 44CFR indicates the minimum standards set forth by the NFIP. Your Community's local flood ordinance may prove to be more restrictive and thus take precedence over the minimum NFIP standards. If there are questions regarding the local flood ordinances, please contact the applicable County NFIP Coordinators below: () Mr.Mario Siu Li at(808)768-8098 of the City and County of Honolulu,Department of Planning and Permitting. () Mr.Frank DeMarco at(808)961-8042 of the County of Hawaii,Department of Public Works. () Mr.Carolyn Cortez at(808)270-7253 of the County of Maui,Department of Planning. () Mr.Stanford Iwamoto at(808)241-4896 of the County of Kauai,Department of Public Works. () The applicant should include project water demands and infrastructure required to meet water demands. Please note that the implementation of any State-sponsored projects requiring water service from the Honolulu Board of Water Supply system must first obtain water allocation credits from the Engineering Division before it can receive a building permit and/or water meter. () The applicant should provide the water demands and calculations to the Engineering Division so it can be included in the State Water Projects Plan Update. () Additional Comments: () Other: Should you have any questions,please call Mr.Dennis Imada of the Planning Branch at 587-0257. Signe �[" a ARTY S.CHANG,C IEF ENGINEER Date: k,- -2_71 — l "' State of Hawaii ' '. -' f FLOOD HAZARD ASSESSMENT REPORT .N r..r.r. 7.0....„,,,.,_,,_ ` r r .fes '� 7. _--__ , �� '-<\:\•.,\l t , ,' `�� p,, , .. , �` fes- ) p 1L 1150 . <y,` 'x - `��'r :, PANEL NOT PP Il'<I/TED • ' \ .�.`L ti `\ 7 r'"/�, (MINIMAL TSUNAMI I IUNDIk • `\ ' .>- ` )` ' ti 4...\\A„.,...-------Js ,----7,.../-<" =y ,.:: r - X1 1::t...§ ' ,.' � i. .�� x. lia (*1-....,.#.,...,,417.,..„:.:,,.,, 1 .eL;illf#,,,....:_,...ti.: A ..,,.,„.,,i,,, nib; %;/{;',-\ ,,,.. ' ;�f ``` `t -i i.... PANEL NOT PRINTE�� ``ti �o , " Im -u;rt''-. :�:1, r (MINIMAL TSUNAMI INU., 4 ATION? ,-'-- Or RD , t ,,.-y // t —`J 1 7 /fJ ti^ �`�i� _" ti`s MAKOI it ;.f ' 5 A '1V1:1i• ''• *.= ` ';i:.'C 2 "' \. j r "`y`�"`"�'.'s.y�`." R": jyj� x-: ''"+r' , ` .,.-.-rc�,.,-v,�.., - - '- .. , r„', -.—` ;: ..,ti' ., ka c' r Q,$l LS `` ;.5,7 i;74 ; ; 7 , FLOOD ZONE DEFINITIONS PROPERTY INFORMATION SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREAS SUBJECT TO INUNDATION BY THE 1%ANNUAL COUNTY: HAWAII CHANCE FLOOD-The 1%annual chance flood(100-year flood),also known as the base TMC NO: (3)1-5-006.004 flood,is the flood that has a 1%chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. PARCEL ADDRESS: The Special Flood Hazards the area subject to flooding by the 1%annual chance flood. Areas of Special Flood Hazard Include Zone A,AE,AH,AO,V,and VE. The Base Flood F RIA INDEX DATE: APRIL 02,2004 Elevation(BFE)is the water-surface elevation of the 1%annual chance flood. Mandatory LETTER OF MAP CHANGE(S): NONE flood insurance purchase applies in these zones: FEMA FIRM PANEL(S): III Zone A: No BFE determined. III1551661150C-PANEL NOT PRINTED Zone AE: BFE detemtined. 1551661375C-PANEL NOT PRINTED . Zone AH: Flood depths of 1 to 3 feet(usually areas of ponding);BFE determined. n Zone AO: Flood depths of l to 3 feet(usually sheet flow on sloping terrain); average depths determined. •Zone V: Coastal flood zone with velocity hazard(wave action);no BFE determined. PARCEL DATA FROM: JUNE 2013 ■Zone VE Coastal flood zone with velocity hazard(wave action):BFE determined. IMAGERY DATA FROM: MAY 2005 ■ Zone AEF: Floodway areas in Zone AE. The floodwmy is the channel of stern plus any adjacent floodplain areas that must be kept free of encroachment so that IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS the 1%annual chance flood can be carried without increasing the BFE. County NFIP Coordinator NON-SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA-An area in a low-to-moderate risk flood zone. County of Hawa& No mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply,but coverage is available in Frank DeMarco,CFM (808)961 6042 participating communities. Slate NFIP Goordinator IIIZone XS(X shaded): Areas of 0.2%annual chance flood;areas of 1%annual Carol Tyau beam,RE.,CFM (808)587-0267 chance flood with average depths of less than 1 foot or with drainage areas less Disclaimer:The Department of Land and Natural Resources(DLNR) than 1 square mile;and areas protected by levees from 1%annual chance flood, assumes no responsibility arising from the use of the information c contained in this report.Viewers/Users are responsible for verifying the 11 Zone X: Areas determined t0 be outside the 0.2/o annual chance floodplain, accuracy of the information and agree to indemnify the DLNR from any OTHER FLOOD AREAS liability.which may arise from its use. ® Zone 0: Unstudied areas where flood hazards are undetermined,but flooding is If this map has been identified as'PRELIMINARY'or'UNOFFICIAL', please note that it is being provided for informational purposes and Is possible. No mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply,but coverage not to be used for official/legal decisions,regulatory compliance,or flood is available in participating communities. insurance rating. Confect your county NFIP coordinator for flood zone determinations to be used for compliance with local floodplain management regulations. o._ I,-DAVID Y.IG[ �'e - ACTING�. �i CARTY 6 CHANG DOVE NOA OF HAWAII A !? BOARD NARwLANADATRL RESOURCES aouomcONWATER uno E► eLI0 d Vod and,y .�. m No STATE OF HAWAII !�+5 3 A • €>5 DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES _ — LAND DIVISION .71 1. \ he ''.i L1 POST OFFICE BOX 621 L+ U D i v ;j '�+ • eotw++ HONOLULU,HAWAII 96809 r!�(i, H:1‘,‘::' ii, January 20,2015 MEMORANDUM TO: DLNR Agencies: _Div. of Aquatic Resources -• _Div.of Boating&Ocean Recreation _ X Engineering Division X Div. of Forestry &Wildlife _Div. of State Parks X Commission on Water Resource Management Office of Conservation&Coastal Lands _ X Land Division-Hawaii District X Historic Preservation FROM: -Russell Y.Tsuji,Land Administrator V SUBJECT: County Council Initiated (GPA 14-000002); Amendment of Map 14 of the LUPAG Map of the County of Hawaii General Plan LOCATION: Keaau,Puna,Hawaii Transmitted for your review and comment is information on the above referenced application. We would appreciate your comments on this application. Please submit any comments by January 29,2015. If no response is received by this date,we will assume your agency has no comments. If you have any questions about this request,please contact Kevin Moore at 587-0426. Thank you. ( ✓'r We have no objections. ( ) We have no comments. ( ) Comments are attached. Signe Print name: Date: /2 G 'r cc: Central Files William P.Kenoifi*`�jw y' r -,;I �% - Duane Kanuha Mayor :(•:4 '>4•• Director -tw a►4 s ' ' - ;; 2 02 Bobby Command \•.•' Deputy Director County of Hawaii PLANNING DEPARTMENT PUNA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE Aupuni Center • 101 Pauahi Street,Suite 3 • Hilo,Hawaii %720 Phone(808)961-8288 • Fax(808)961-8742 February 10, 2015 Duane Kanuha Planning Director Planning Department 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, HI 96720 Aloha Director Kanuha, RE: The Director initiated proposed amendment to Map 14 of the Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide(LUPAG)Map of the County of Hawai`i General Plan (adopted by Ordinance No. 05- 025, amended by Ordinance Nos. 06-153 and 14-087)by changing the land use designation for portions of Kea'au Village and immediately surrounding areas The Puna Community Development Plan (PCDP) Action Committee(AC) appreciates the opportunity to review the above referenced request. The PCDP favors the planned expansion of commercial and industrial development within designated Regional Town Centers and Village Centers that address "community-serving and public uses, such as schools and parks..." and "to promote a more `walkable' community, with access to mass transit as well as to provide a wider range of housing opportunity." One of the principle tenets of the PCDP document is the village center concept through which appropriate and proper expansion of commercial and industrial areas with the development of community services and infrastructure is achieved. For the reasons stated below, the PCDP Action Committee cannot support this proposal as presented at this time. In reviewing the proposed amendment, the fact that the entire area to be changed is being labeled "Urban Expansion"opens it to the widest possible range of urban type uses and densities as defined in the Hawaii County General Plan— Proposed Land Use Pattern definitions. "Urban Expansion Area: allows for a mix of high density, medium density, low density, industrial, industrial-commercial and/or open designations in areas where new settlements may be desirable, but where the specific settlement pattern and mix of uses have not yet been determined." Granted that further "discretionary land use actions" would be required, the potential opportunity the designation of Urban Expansion provides for industrial uses is of major concern. Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer C y irl 5 'a..) The PCDP Action Committee believes that a more thoughtful application of LUPAG designations would be more appropriate for the Kea'au Village area that will ensure growth patterns more conducive to a livable and walkable community based on the principles of Smart Growth. For example, the land next to and around the schools might be more appropriately designated for low and medium density urban uses rather than major commercial or industrial uses. Additionally, the PCDP states "rezoning for residential development at higher densities, along with zoning for associated neighborhood-oriented services, may occur within the LUPAG `alternate urban expansion areas,' provided that such zoning proceeds in phases outward from the designated regional town center. We believe that a comprehensive review of the LUPAG designations for the entire Kea'au area should be considered as part of any effort to define the Kea'au Regional Town Center area, including the vast area mauka of Highway 11 currently designated Urban Expansion. Lastly, the PCDP clearly calls for the creation of town center master plans prepared through a community based process to guide future residential, commercial and industrial development in Puna. It states "the regional town center plan should be prepared through an inclusive community based process that involves major stakeholders, including landowners, community representatives, and public agencies." As far as the PCDP AC is aware, there has been no inclusive community effort to create a town center master plan for Kea'au. Additionally, it appears that there was no public community input prior to Resolution 464-14 being presented to the Hawaii County Council. The AC is concerned that valuable community input and concerns have not been properly heard or considered. The Action Committee would like to see more refinement to this plan. This broad brush approach leaves too great an area vulnerable to undesirable development. Greater specificity will help to direct the development and help to preserve the character of Kea'au. Again, we thank you for allowing the AC the opportunity to respond to the LUPAG Amendment and appreciate your consideration of our concerns. We request that the PCDP AC be kept informed of the progress of this proposed amendment. Sincerely, mRc- Patti Pinto Chair,PCDP Action Committee P. Q. Box 1520 Pahoa, Hawai '196778 )`x-2000 y ;� www.malarnaopuna.org * malamaopuna(ci vahoo.com • r �- Newel rsprecious natural heritage February 19, 2015 Windward Planning Commission c/a Hawaii County Planning Dept. Aupuni Center Hilo, HI 96720 RE: NEW BUSINESS- INITIATOR PLANNING DIRECTOR(GPA-14-002) Aloha Commissioners: Malama 0 Puna,a 501(c)(3)environmental nonprofit that has been working in the Puna District since 1990, is testifying in opposition to the portion of the General Plan Amendment for Kea'au Town Center that changes Important Agricultural Lands(lal)to Urban Expansion (ue). Our reasons are found in the General Plan itself,to wit: Page 14. M. Land Use. Goals: "Protect and encourage the intensive utilization of the County's important agricultural lands." Page 15. (1)Agriculture. Goal: "Identify,protect and maintain important agricultural lands on the island of Hawaii. Policies: "Zoning shall protect and maintain important agricultural lands from urban encroachment." Thus, we find that the changes proposed by the Planning Director are inconsistent with the General Plan Itself. In addition,The Puna Community Development Plan: Managing Growth section, provides supporting detail: page 3-7,3.13 Actions:f.:"amend the zoning code and/or apply district-wide rezoning to limit allowable building footprint on residential and agricultural-zoned lands..." EXH I 019714 4 �C.3 page 3-8,3.2.1.Agriculture and Economic Development, Goals: a. Lands for agricultural use are preserved. b. Quality agricultural land is dedicated to agricultural use in perpetuity. c. Opportunities for diversified agriculture increase. 3.2.2 Objectives: a. Discourage urban growth and further subdivision of lands that have been identified as having potential value for agricultural use through appropriate zoning re-designations and new code provisions. d. Discourage real estate speculation on agriculturally-zoned lands. k. Protect quality agricultural lands,especially fallow agricultural lands,through purchase or lease by County,State or community land trust, and provide long term leases for community use. 3.2.3 Actions c. Rescind the Urban Expansion Area designations in the County of Hawai'i General Plan LUPAG... Thus, neither the County General Plan nor the Puna Community Development Plan support the proposed changes from Important Agricultural Land to Urban Expansion. In fact, they are expressly in opposition to such a change. Malama 0 Puna therefore respectfully requests that the Windward Planning Commission not approve the Director's changes to the LUPAG map as proposed to you today. mahalo, Aza.,f,,,e64.40e) René Siracusa, President I CO PUBLIC WORKSHOP GENERAL PLAN LUPAG MAP AMENDMENT FOR KEAAU VILLAGE COMMENTS AND FEEDBACK Please provide any written comments/concerns you have about the proposed amendment in the space below. You may also e-mail your comments to planninaeco.hawaii.hi.us or fax to (808) 961-8742. Name: jviths et, Date: 02- I I- CS- Mailing Address: oc a. «.o}c. i',(q5 /� `/ (07(P5 Phone number(s): q L L -g X51 (business) (residence) /4. 1 . I G-e- X24( PAS /LA-uD (25G-- OVEx_vtCUJ • n ' kT a) 6Lei 2c.ra.4,4.,-;->,)4611/. �44c J..t- ie. ems. td-L. ) a:4 Ld- v-- Viz? rca' Pc-De 41.64 " ace)xig /1- J • / • ' I 1!L: iAD, 11, �. �tc.t'iC � VAIL, L DPAG `' taut-rz-� - Ce.- EX E x 1 Arai, Daryn ., �� aic'(? ~3r._7: From: Elmer Solis <elmer@malamasolutions.com> Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2015 3:54 PM 2f:15 r- `` ! S I: 04 To: Arai, Daryn Cc: Santiago, Hans; Keiko Mercado;Ilagan, Greggor; Paleka, Daniel; Elmer Solis Subject: General Plan LUPAG Map Amendment for Kea'au Regional Town Center-Testimony Attachments: Kea'au - Resolution No.464-12 -Testimony(Elmer Solis).pdf; Kea'au - Resolution No. 464-12 -Testimony(Elmer Solis).pdf Aloha Mr. Arai, It was quite the pleasure meeting you on February 11, 2015 at the public hearing for the General Plan LUPAG Map Amendment for Kea'au Regional Town Center. I appreciate everything that you guys do in the planning department and understand the predicament you are in when presenting a possible unpopular resolution to the community. I would like to submit the attached testimony for the record. Although I am a member of the Puna CDP, this testimony is only meant to represent me as a Kea'au resident. Thank you for your time and please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Mahalo Nui Loa Elmer R. Solis Malama Solutions, LLC www.malamasolutions.com Mobile: (808) 756-2329 Office: (808) 966-4447 7026 EXHIEIT /S' Elmer@maiamasoiutions.com 808-756-2329 General Plan Land Use-Overview 14.1.1 Introduction and Analysis,Page 14-9. First sentence of paragraph in middle of page. "The urban centers include high,medium and low density designations." Resolution No.464-12 and future drafts suggest going from a low-density designation straight to an urban expansion designation.Also,although this resolution also claims that it is in correlation with the Puna CDP, I am afraid that it is most definitely not in correlation with the Puna CDP. Per Daryn Arai, Planning Program manager, at the public hearing for the General Plan LUPAG Amendment public meeting held on February 11, 2015 the sole reasoning for moving from low density straight to an urban expansion area is that high density does not offer light industrial zoning and an urban expansion area does. Although the Puna CDP does favor planned expansion of commercial and industrial development within the designated Regional Town Center(s),doing it like Resolution No. 464-12 proposes skips right over the medium and high-density urban designations in which both are sufficient in order to accomplish the planned expansion of commercial and industrial development within designated Regional Town Center(s) per the Puna CDP.In addition,currently Kea'au does not have the proper infrastructure to support this major change. Puna/Kea'au already has congested roads both going to Pahoa(HWY 130) and going to Volcano (HWY 11) and I'm not even mentioning problems such as waster water etc.If we were to move forward with this change,it appears that we have not learned from our past. Looking at such developments that were created in the 1960's&70's; such as the creation of subdivisions like HPP,Hawaiian Beaches,Orchidland Estates etc.These subdivisions still do not have proper infrastructure and where proposed by private companies strictly for personal profit. The sad reality is that the problem does not stop there, although we understand that changing the LUPAG map designation does not necessarily change the zoning.It opens the doors for unlimited possibilities/requests that can potentially flood the county offices with an abundance of rezoning applications.If I'm not mistaken even at this time with the current rezoning applications that the county receives, departments are already understaffed and application timeframes are quite long. Therefore, I believe that properly utilizing our existing areas of urban expansion are the most feasible option,an option that is also in accordance with the Puna CDP. That being said, Kea'au already has two existing industrial areas,which are not at 100%capacity and also houses a MASSIVE urban expansion area already in existence next to Shipman's industrial park that has not been touched. Reading resolution No.464-12 it appears that whomever proposed this to former councilmember Kern is only looking to make Kea'au (as a whole) an industrial center by connecting the current industrial areas &urban expansion area together and completely undermining the PCDP and its plans for the Kea'au Regional Town Center.PCDP goals for planned expansion of commercial and industrial development within designated Regional Town Centers and Village Centers that 1 Elmer@malamasolutions.com 808-756-2329 Lastly,if the above was not enough to prove that the PCDP is not in line with the proposed resolution,PCDP-Section 5.2.3,page 5-7,the last sentence above Figure 5-1: Kea'au Regional Town Center map says."Rezoning for residential development at higher densities,along with zoning for associated neighborhood-oriented services, may occur within the LUPAG"alternate urban expansion areas,"provided that such zoning proceeds in phases outward from the designated regional town center," (The key words are"in phases"and "outward") meaning that changes should occur in phases such as; a currently low-density area should increase to a medium density and medium density to high density to allow for steady growth and all to be done outward from the designated regional town center boundary.As you can see from the map below,once again Resolution No.464-12 and future drafts are not in correlation with the Puna CDP since it is proposing changes inside the proposed Kea'au Regional Town Center boundary and most definitely not in phases. Mahalo PUNA COMMUNRY DAVELOPMENT PLAN developed for commercial,industrial or public use. Nearly all of the designated village center is within the State Urban District. The principal landowner, W.H.Shipman. Ltd.. has developed a master plan with community participation that indicates not only the development of the area within the designated town center,but,in the long-term,much of their land beyond.Control of most of the land by a single owner facilitates the planning and development of the proposed town center. Commercial development that serves regional uses should be limited to the"regional town center"boundaries. Commercial development that serves community village or neighborhood village uses may be located adjacent to a regional town center. Rezoning for residential development at higher densities, along with zoning for associated neighborhood-oriented services.may occur within the LUPAG"alternate urban expansion areas."provided that such zoning proceeds in phases outward from the designated regional town center. Figure 3-1:Kea'au Regional Town Center • 144 1101141° ♦ vlrtt.:my Kra Rik.' rwTmCalnr ........... S.T 3 Camero, Tracie-Lee , r ,,, '"";{+T From: James Arakaki <jimarakaki@hawaii.rr.com> Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2015 2:02 PM ' ` ? To: Planning Internet Mail Subject: Planning Director initiated GPA-14-002 Dear Windward Planning Commission members, I support Planning Director initiated GPA-14-002 to amend LUPAG Map 14 in Keaau to change the land use designation for portions of Kea'au Village and immediately surrounding area as follows:A-1 Low Density Urban to Medium Density Urban and A-2 Important Agricultural Land to medium Density Urban. I was born and raised in Keaau (Olaa),when I left for the military in 1958 the Puna Sugar Company was still in operation and maintained many Plantation Camps where most of us grew up in. In 1982 the Puna Sugar Company announced it would close down and since then about 370 homes and business were torn down. This General Plan Amendment will allow the land owner to apply for re-zonings to build up the Village again and to replace many of the homes that the Sugar Plantation maintained with new"work force housing". Keaau used to be the "Cross Road"of Puna for places like Pahoa, Kurtistown, Mountain View and Volcano Village. Keaau was the Hub of commercial activity, employment, education,sports and parks,government service and religion. All the traffic streaming through Puna passes Keaau which means that Keaau could be the major employment and civic center for government facilities. Keaau could also be the mass transit center that will service all of Puna to connect it with Hilo and the rest of the county. With this General Plan Amendment Keaau could be Master Planned to include all the services and public facilities that a well planned town should have. A well planned town will provide needed services to the Puna area as well as a good revenue generator for the County of Hawaii who relies on Property Tax Revenues to provide for services that the people need. Please give the Planning Director a favorable recommendation so that this can move up to the County Council for their approval. Yours truly, James Arakaki 1 �.M, 09935 l ', •'Mvv os h COUNTY OF HAWAII •[. �" / •': STATE OF HAWAII BILL NO. ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COUNTY OF HAWAII GENERAL PLAN AS ADOPTED BY ORDINANCE NO. 05 25 AND AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NOS. 06 153, 12 89 AND 14 87, AND BY AMENDING MAP 14 OF THE LAND USE PATTERN ALLOCATION GUIDE MAP BY CHANGING THE LAND USE DESIGNATION FROM LOW DENSITY URBAN AND IMPORTANT AGRICULTURAL LAND TO MEDIUM DENSITY URBAN FOR KEA'AU VILLAGE AND THE IMMEDIATELY SURROUNDING AREAS, KEA'AU VILLAGE, KEA'AU, PUNA, ISLAND OF HAWAII. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII: SECTION I. Purpose. The purpose of this ordinance is to amend Map 14 of the County of Hawai`i General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide(LUPAG) Map in accordance with Section 3-15, Hawai`i County Charter, and Section 16.2 Interim Amendments, Hawai`i County General Plan adopted by Ordinance No. 05 25 and amended by Ordinance Nos. 06 153, 12 89 and 14 87. SECTION 2. The County of Hawai`i General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) Map is hereby amended to designate the area in the vicinity of Kea'au Village and immediately surrounding areas, Kea'au, Puna, Island of Hawai`i, from"Low Density Urban" and "Important Agricultural Land"to "Medium Density Urban" all as shown on the map attached hereto, marked Exhibit"A" and by reference made a part hereof SECTION 3. In the event that any portion of this ordinance is declared invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions of this ordinance. SECTION 4. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval. INTRODUCED BY: COUNCIL MEMBER, COUNTY OF HAWAII Hilo, Hawai`i Date of Introduction: Date of 1'Reading: Date of 2"d Reading: EXHIBIT Effective Date: 11 Proposed General Plan Amendments for Kea'au Town Center 04. Low Density Urban (Idu) to Medium Density Urban (mdu) %";*;;+ Important Agricultural Lands (ial) to Medium Density Urban (mdu) ial to mdu N. �0 112 acres �\ .4 K>, ilk- Idu to mdu Q-41�oa ;.- 475 acres �� Qa N , 4.141P•c41 � s a � +.•i11••1+•1...11.1.i1♦1...1.11.1+1..+i1 �ih.s` i•i.•.�•++1�+1+..1++•1.11..��.0+.+1•.♦+••• . .- , • P+�•..." ; -P av+-i+044+ee•w1j►+'O'+N•+ •• /s4+44. Kea au .1.+iii 111. ••++1+4,1++i•,e•.,•1•+•. +.1+ + ,• + +`, ••/11+/4;4,, + , *i�► i+ •••••••••••i'' � % % ` �.` '* f i • ••�` 41,:;i � • • • •• * ' �• ♦+1� 4 • • "• „ ,• • 4.4•••+•• •••4Q %"c9>••••° 44• ♦. • ♦ •1+1 +', ++' .1....., , • 4 1 +,i, * ' i • a .i1+,►s1. %' 1 ••• Omo+ .4 ' 4i444'►' A. ... Aer •.+i � ,. iV** .► ++ i• . ++++. •••••• •111< u_ 41'. • oR+4 + 4, •1 .++., T r1,s4 i�e, > $14,O+1611 •114$4.0•4s .• l , 111♦ --;,-.,...4.17-1 ., { ��" ti-••.+ � ' �� i 4,141•i4+1•`va+.+.++. . , . fi r .. 1•i1,1•1 .♦1 ♦1 •..x. ;y1qX.411... 144, .+. .••.•' . .40. ,�'' . • 1111111.+1+11111 .. .1 .4 • •♦•11••.•••11+•1111• •• AO• w �i 11.1♦ 1.1••111111+i1i+i•••�i+.+,•1•+1•11.1, V0/ . :0••••••••4 �• ♦•1•.•..•••.x•1.1.1••1•, • 1•+•+• 0 •••••••• ••000.•010+1►O+++000+�o+.11011 d4 •.1D+.++4 ♦...•111+.4-+s•••...••,4..•. 0 +i - > -, ` '.5 , " .. ���o •••••• Oi+001+1+s+:'�1•i•OO++mo01+c-.0+1.+++..'S ,••••+1 0 „„.:4y+1i+i+i+O++i+i+i+i• •••+++�+ i '?.A.••+i+ 0 ....• • ..••..•••.+:•.•.• ..•..•t � Mo Shi man AZ del,01+0001+.+1+1+0+000+1+01+1,4 . +0+++01+••�A� ++•+ 4�t " P •+11+.•.111•+ + ►1+.+111111♦ 1ay411•4 . V di ♦•♦111111♦+•+1•+•0•11+•+.+.1144441..e� Business . \ +0.+++++111+1101+.+++++0./0i+i�:Di+i+i+i+i+.+++++++.+1+t ss'i+i+OiO�'i+i1 i. w +♦11111111.+111+♦♦x1.1.1•••.1.11•.•••.... .0 ♦111.1111+111.1111••11+•••1.•••1. •s.•1..1+� Park •♦1111+11111111+.0+1 ••••• •1111+11.•.++1111+♦ +��•1• ����1� + +��1� +�0*�1�1�1�1�1�+++11�+�1�1�1�1�+��1�+�+�+�+�1�+�1� ••* * +.•• •••• ••h••♦+.• •••••1♦ 41.1•••1.•♦ ♦1.1. 111.1.111111+ • • ••••+1 .11+♦.11♦♦ ♦.11 +1+• 11+1+1+•0 +++.1111.11.111+1111.♦ ++1+++11111+1+1►1+++++11+11+1+1+•••••`1+11++++++1+1+++11+1++.41111111++1++11+1+1+ `. I� ♦♦..11.•.♦1.1...1.1.•1.•♦+.+.+•• . ♦♦.1.♦ s 1•+1+.+1+1•+.+1+.+1•+1+.+1+1+1+1+1'�►+++11 +1+.+1+1++�►+1111 +1+++++++1+ 4. • ��♦A1111 +1+1+1+1.1 +1+1+1+•111+1++1+1•`1+++1.#++.+++++11.1.++•+11+ - ' "� 1+11+1++.••+ : •:••+1+1•+••+++11++11+11 ��♦1♦+111+1•+1.1..+•+1+•1+1++•♦+111111+11 ' 4i1•+• +1+•+•+•+•+1•+•++++••+•+++•+•+•+1+•♦+•+•+,r+•+••+♦+•+•+•+1+. •..•++ + •+•+• •••+••+i•••••+0 +i+i+i+•• ••+• •�a+i+i+++•+++i+++i+• •+++. t.• •• •••••+•••+•++•+•i.•••+•+•+•+••••••+4••••••••••••+••+•+++ ••+++1++0++++•+++++1+•+�i++++++•++++++4+++1++1+01+1+++++0+ +1•+.+++- ••-••+"." 4i+.+i+1411•++•+++++i+i••++•++i+i'�O.+i+++++i+ 0i+iii+ ♦ ♦+++ •• * ••• 111.+• 11+1••+•+.•.1• . +.+ 1 ►•♦•♦1.++.+♦11♦.+1.1111.1+1+.+...+11• •••••+• '11► • ♦+11.+1•.• • •"4••+++1+1••••••••.••+•1+11+ +x, . o � /+.++.+.+.+.+++.++1•++•++•+•\s•4.+••.•.+•.+++•+•+•+.+•+•••+:*+.+•+.+1+••4,•+� ■0 1•+•1111.+•+•+1+1.11••1+•1+11�+�;.����1�1+1+1+•+1+••+••111++••+•1�+1s+•1++1111.1•++ •� .•1+♦ + .1+•.1+♦+•+1��:::: :��+ • 1••+ +11�•s►+++h+,4ip +•+•+++•+++++.++++1+++1+•+•+1+•+•+•+•+•+1+•+•+1•.'S+-!++11•+•+•+•+++•++1+•+•1+++�1,i,.4.,"• 1 •+•+••+.+.+++1+•+•+••.•.+•.•.•••••.•.•+•••.•++1+.+•••+•+••+.+•+4•1 1••••••+1+•••••++••++••4*1+.+••�+•+:+0+4 •+•+1+•+.+•+1+•+1•+1+•++•+++++•++•+1+•+•+1+1+•++++++•+1+•+•+++•.'•�4.* •+•+•++++•+�I4+4.1•+•+•+1+M +1+1+.+1••••'••1+•+•+++1+•+••••••+1+++•+•+•+•+•+•+•+++++•+1+•+1+•+•+•+•+••�1•+++1+•+•+••%1+•+1�1 � : .•.•.++•••• •••.+•.+♦♦•1♦♦.1•••♦♦•1110�+1.11i1.11•'S •1.1+.+•+••+�4fr�+•���1�+•++••1•1�1+ •+•+••••••• ••�1�+++++••�••••••�• ���••44.44-44.41•• �� ••1❖1•.1.x.•1+.1+x.11+111.111.1•+•+•111❖1+•11�•+•..+••1.1+•+.•1.1•.+••.+•1•+•4.1•+ '6* •.,,.4 4.s�►, ,►4 •+.•.•.•11•+�•1+.+.••••••••.+.11+1••1•••♦ 1 ♦.1.1.1�i♦11 i'++ +•1111•.•.+.+1+1+1.1•••• /�I •`� +•.•+♦1 .+11 +11.11•.1•♦•1♦+♦✓ � .0,, �.•••••+1+.+••.+.1;+1+..+*+.+++.+••••••+1+.+.+.+++++•++++1+.+1+1+1+1+. o i 11 �1❖.❖1.•+.+1+.+•+•,•,••1.+•1+++•+1+++.+.+.++.+++•+1+.++1.111+.+++.+++i ..,lit. t�►1++•. •0111 ••:,:.:.`•...,:•.�.1�:.e❖.+`.•.:.::1.•+::+:::.•. ::.•.+4+1.•:1:•414• t,,1•❖�� Map prepared by Hawai'i County Planning Department Miles Revised April 22, 2015 0 0.125 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 WINDWARD PLANNING COMMISSION COUNTY OF HAWAI`I HEARING TRANSCRIPT JULY 2, 2015 A regularly advertised hearing on the Planning Director Initiated Amendment to Map 14 of the County of Hawaii General Plan LUPAG Map was called to order at 9:01 a.m. in the County of Hawai`i Aupuni Center Conference Room, 101 Pauahi Street, Hilo, Hawai`i with Chairman Myles Miyasato presiding. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Myles Miyasato, Charles Heaukulani, Gregory Henkel, Donald Ikeda, and Raylene Moses. ABSENT & EXCUSED: Donn Dela Cruz. ALSO PRESENT: Duane Kanuha(Planning Director), Danny Patel (Deputy Corporation Counsel for the Windward Planning Commission), Daryn Arai (Planning Program Manager), and Sarah Hata-Finley(Commission Secretary). And approximately 8 people from the public in attendance. INITIATOR: PLANNING DIRECTOR (GPA-14-002) An amendment to Map 14 of the Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide(LUPAG) Map of the County of Hawaii General Plan(adopted by Ordinance No. 05-025, amended by Ordinance Nos. 06-153, 12-89, and 14-087)by changing the land use designation for portions of Kea`au Village and immediately surrounding area as follows: • A-1: Low Density Urban to Medium Density Urban encompassing a contiguous area of approximately 475 acres from approximately 0.3 miles northwest(makai) of the intersection of Kea`au-Pahoa Bypass Road and Highway 11 (Volcano Highway) to and including the area in the vicinity of Ulupono and Milo Streets, extending south of Kukula Street and then in a westerly direction to the boundary of the Kea`au Ag Lots Subdivision to the Highway 11-Old Volcano Highway intersection along the Old Volcano Highway leading to the Village core. • A-2: Important Agricultural Land to Medium Density Urban encompassing the triangular area of approximately 112 acres from Kukula Street-Kea`au Bypass Road intersection south to the Kea`au Bypass Road-Kea'au Pahoa Road intersection, and then approximately to the northeastern corner of the Kea`au Ag Lots Subdivision. MIYASATO: Under new business item on the agenda--Initiator Planning Director, amendment to Map 14. ARAI: Good morning, Mr. Chairman, Commissioners. The first and only item on today's agenda is a Planning Director initiated request to amend the General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide Map for that particular area in the vicinity of Keaau Town. RE: Bill 72 (Comm. 398) 1 And, if I may direct your attention to the presentation on the screen--first of all, why amend the Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide Map for Keaeau Town? It was predicated on a County Council Resolution No. 464-14 that was issued in July 18, 2014, where the Council requested the Director to initiate an interim amendment to the Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide Map in the vicinity of the Kea`au Regional Town Center as defined by the Puna Community Development Plan based on findings that: (1) The County of Hawaii General Plan LUPAG Map designations for the Kea`au Regional Town Center area are inconsistent with the objectives, actions, and land use recommendations of the Puna CDP. (2) There are inconsistencies between the existing zoning designations and the LUPAG Map designations in the vicinity of Ulupono and Milo Streets, and I'll show you that later as we go through some additional slides. (3) In order to meet the objectives of the Puna CDP and to facilitate future land use entitlements and enhance the role of the Kea`au Regional Town Center, including the Puna CDP's statement that zoning for residential development and associated neighborhood oriented services may occur within the LUPAG alternate urban expansion areas, the General Plan should be more closely aligned to the Puna CDP. (4) Inconsistencies between the LUPAG map and the Puna CDP recommendations, growth within the Kea`au Regional Town Center has been primarily confined to a core in which specific settlement patterns have not yet been fixed and which is currently designated Medium Density Urban on the LUPAG Map,with limited opportunities in the Low Density Urban area for higher density residential units and retail and office commercial uses to support the regional town center in Kea`au. For these reasons, the County Council through this specific resolution expresses support of the amendment because it supports the Kea'au Regional Town Center principles and designation adopted in the Puna CDP and determines the development of the Kea`au Regional Town Center will serve the interest of the public by stimulating growth through sustainable principles that will provide for improved public infrastructural systems and facilities, direct and indirect employment, and a continued sense of place outlined herein, in the Puna CDP, and in the General Plan. Public informational meetings on the Council resolution and its directive to the Department were held on February 11, 2015 in Kea`au and the following day, February 12th, in Kona. During the Kea`au meeting, some concerns were expressed by the public, among others, focused on the overly broad nature of the proposed urban expansion designation as defined in the Council resolution, that could allow industrial uses within the village town center and in close proximity to existing residential uses and schools, creating an issue of compatibility between these uses. Based on those comments received during the workshops and public and agency review period, the Planning Director recommends that the proposed LUPAG Map amendment identify a medium density urban designation that would be more appropriate as it would expand upon the existing medium density urban designation that encompasses the existing commercial area in 2 Kea`au town while limiting the potential for potentially incompatible industrial uses within the town center. This figure here is taken directly from the Puna Community Development Plan, and this is Highway 11 to your right toward Hilo, to the left toward Volcano. This road here where I'm pointing at is the Kea`au Bypass that heads on its way down to Pahoa. The large purple area you see here is the Kea°au—I'm sorry—the Shipman Industrial Park. And, the Kea`au commercial core is located at the intersection of Kea`au-Pahoa Road and Highway 11. As you can see here, it outlines regional uses. This is the area on the mauka side of Highway 11, and Kea`au Park is roughly in this vicinity here. Off to your left is Kamehameha School Complex here. And, the dark red colors shown here is the Gateway project that doesn't exist on the ground but for which zoning has already been established. And again, you have the other red area here represents the Kea`au, existing Kea`au commercial core. The map actually shows the preliminary outline or boundaries, perimeter boundary, of the Kea`au Regional Town Center, and you can see it where it basically goes on the mauka side of Highway 11 around Shipman Industrial Park and then along the Pahoa Bypass, and then makes its way back along the, the eastern boundary of Kea°au Ag Lots. This figure here is the existing General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide Map with makai basically to the,to the top of the map mauka to the bottom. The dark gray represents Industrial lands. This particular area is Shipman Industrial. This other gray area here is in the vicinity of the HELCO power plant. The cross hatch here is Urban Expansion. Urban Expansion is a type of designation that the County Council, through its resolution, asked the Director to,to take a look at as part of this proposed LUPAG Map amendment. The yellow represents Low Density Urban uses which is typically single family residential types of uses. And the orange here, which basically comprises roughly 52 acres of land, encompasses the existing Kea`au commercial core. I'm now gonna switch over to the proposed map. This map represents that particular area by which the proposed amendment will change the General Plan LUPAG Map classification from Low Density uses to Medium Density, and that is represented here. That comprises approximately 475 acres. And,there's a little segment here of approximately 112 acres located in the vicinity of Kea`au High School. And,that area will go from Important Agricultural Lands to Medium Density Urban. And, once again,right here, the existing medium density urban area that encompasses the Kea`au Village, Kea`au Town Center core—commercial core I should say. And,this proposal would simply expand that medium density throughout the area bordered by the Pahoa Bypass, off to the right by the Kea`au Ag Lots, Highway 11 at the bottom of the map, and abutting against the existing Industrial designation that surrounds the power plant. The desig—you may see here—hopefully, you can see here, the existing subdivisions in the vicinity of the town core. Those areas will remain Low Density Urban. So,by looking at this map, you can understand some of the concerns by the community with the original Council expressed Urban Expansion designation that could possibly accommodate industrial type of uses 3 and the concern that such industrial type of uses in such close proximity to these established residential areas could create a conflict between those uses. Just to clarify some of the designations that I, I referenced. Low Density Urban includes residential units with unit density of about 6 units per acre with ancillary community and public uses and neighborhood convenience type of commercial uses. Typical zonings allowed within the Low Density area is single family, RS; Double Family, RD; Open; Limited Commercial— I'm sorry—Limited Neighborhood Commercial or CN; or Village Commercial, CV. Important Agricultural Lands designation, I'm sorry, are those lands with better potential for sustained high agricultural yields because of soil type, climate, topography, or other factors. And zonings allowed within the Important Agricultural area is Agricultural; Family Agricultural; Important Agricultural; and Open. And, again,just for reference, the current area designated Important Agriculture is in the vicinity of Kea`au High School. Those classifications I mentioned earlier are being requested to be amended to a Medium Density Urban classification that would allow for village and neighborhood commercial and single family and multiple family residential uses and related functions with a unit density not to exceed 35 units per acre. And, typical zonings allowed within Medium Density include Single Family; Double Family; Multiple Family; Residential-Commercial Mixed Use Districts, RCX; Neighborhood Commercial; Village Commercial; Project Districts; and Open. Just for reference, excuse me,just for reference purposes, this is a map depicting the existing zoning pattern in the vicinity of the Kea`au Town area. The dark green represents Agricultural, minimum lot size 20 acres. The white area here is the Shipman Industrial Park which is currently designated Industrial. Off to your right is the lighter green color which is Agriculture– 1 acre, minimum lot size. This is Kea`au Agricultural lots. The yellow colors here represent single family residential uses, encompassing the existing subdivisions within the Kea`au,Kea`au Village core. And, the other white color here, and I'm sorry that didn't come out well, is the existing commercial zoned lands that encompasses the Kea`au commercial core. Now,what we tried to do was sort of like overlay the, the proposed LUPAG Map amendment Map that's—you have in your Background Report—overlay it with an aerial shot of the Kea`au Village, and I'm always impressed that we can do these kind of things nowadays. But, you can see Kea`au-Pahoa Bypass up near the top of the map. This is Highway 11 to the left toward Hilo; to the right toward Volcano. And, you can see Kea'au Ag Lots off to your right here, lower right. And, again, you see the existing single family dwellings within the town center itself. And the cross hatch, once again, represents that area that we are proposing to go from Low Density Urban to Medium Density Urban. And, off to your right here, is, you can see just under the cross hatching, is the Kea°au High School complex, and in this particular area, we're asking for an Important Agricultural Land amendment to Medium Density Urban. So—so, with that, we are asking the Commission for a favorable, favorable consideration of this proposed LUPAG Map amendment as presented, and I would like to draw your attention to a 4 letter that we just received yesterday from HMSA dated June 25, and it is a letter in support of the proposed amendment request. So, with that, I stand ready to answer any questions that you may have. MIYASATO: Commissioners, any questions for staff. No? Thank you. Do we have anyone wishing to testify on this agenda item? If not, Director, you have any comments? KANUHA: The only comment I have is that Daryn Arai did a heck of job putting this together. He put in a lot of time. Spent a lot of time with the community. Spent a lot of time with the major landowner in the area. And, you know, I can't say enough about what a great job he did in putting this together. Thank you. MIYASATO: Thank you. Is there any questions for the Director. If not, can I have a motion to close public testimony? IKEDA: Move to close. MOSES: Second. MIYASATO: I have a motion and a second to close public testimony. All in favor? COMMISSIONERS: Aye. MIYASATO: Any opposed? I call a close to public testimony on this matter. Commissioners, any discussion? If not, I'll accept a motion. MOSES: I move that a favorable recommendation be forwarded to the County Council on the application for General Plan Amendment, Docket No. GPA 14-002, pursuant to the Planning Director's findings and recommendation which shall be adopted. IKEDA: Second. MIYASATO: I have a motion by Commissioner Moses, a second by Commissioner Ikeda. Any discussion on the motion? You can call the roll. ARAI: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Commissioner Moses? MOSES: Aye. ARAI: Commissioner Ikeda? IKEDA: Aye. ARAI: Commissioner Heaukulani? 5 HEAUKULANI: Aye. ARAI: Commissioner Henkel? HENKEL: Aye. ARAI: And Mr. Chairman. MIYASATO: Aye. ARAI: Mr. Chairman, favorable motion carries with five aye votes. MIYASATO: Thank you. The discussion ended at 9:17 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Sarah Y. Hata-Finley, Secretary Windward Planning Commission 6 Mm Co l ce .i c O co 4-.) - c) N 0 CO • C 0 CU CO 4-it 2 W co c co • — (9 (DCL.9 tzu Q c a) 2 co D 0 — -0 J E- 4-J 0 CL C = J o < -0 ., co D 4J L c J > -0 c 4) c .o E Zo E V -o Q) < 0 C 4J = C) � <C Q C a) ›>` c _c Q to v C 4 _' a) a •— co CD co 4-, C 0 D -o •- s) C CLo •U Q Q +-' J = o 0 = C O d C v a) 0 CA a N Cn a) C > J Ln0 +-J •� `� s II— C -O 0 ca CO ca c C3 a, 0 Q }' C = C " v C JD 4— (N co E — '— a o m U cu : a) ( � cts O C w CU +� +'' C E ( to V 0 co O ca C +�-+ a) O o d. CD a 0 ca O • aA aJ I- N D >- QN CD > J a) /� t-1 J U co Ln a) }' a) Q) N Ci.. ' 4 N C Q N O t/) '- .O 'O C _O 0 a) C a--+ c o OD fB - v CU Ci- 0. +� U C O }' C +� o z +•� CO C v NI -0-0 o co - E o a) o +� Fa U v v = _o o ~ O .- O C u -0 + o v c -c o a, >•• o o a) o C O = Ca a) t V cr 22 o }' a_ D CO C v a O o Ni a) a CU 7 }' +, dio co ' }' v a' (13 " E o a.) 1- 0) CI) -0 CU EZ C U Y -.) •_ u a) N C Z •C co .0 CU C v v c6 V) > .v v C N a (1)< H o CCS O C ;- L C (2 +J o {-' a) co C C C6 13 o - w 0 O �0 CZ I 'O - C 0 N C Na. co U p ao°j O > Oro ELno0L-- u I ci) 0 +>� t.o u — aA O a U 0 co C C n s- co U C cn a) " RI ca O • C 0 0 0 CD Ca o -0 .Q ca v v C -0 v) CCS U cv bp a) C U O v +., o- -c I— oo .� Y a a) co a) a) ro o -E a, . Q a Z E '� v C U O - 4- c 6 U -I a o a. . • . N O .� CO S.- a 0 73 U Qi 0 CS L— r- U c a, v v ; L. ; v a. 0 4— p 03 v _= v U a) a •� 1.., •— I N • c c a a� a O ( n � CD O :,) O`,,,/ c +, o a a •� a cQ 0 a v L7 o = a v v .v cn C� t C3 -tz vi gi a ca 0 _C 0 00.. v O immii ^ ' > -0 o CdA v a a O W 0 O aJ -C 0 i O •-- V ,� v M U cn o O 0 v -0 C +., O 0 m ! ate+ c — a cn wEr 0 A- : .- 119 '-"'i c 4-' a) D 0O cc) C 0 O j\ O W CU JE _c •O E a, a v ate, -u CU ED a) c c6 Z Z }, }, i5 v .� � � .aia 3 u c < (DC ,53 031) .... a) U cu Ql cs s;:: .t-.... z 3 a/ J a a, a o ; . Z a, o �-,, a pi .i... O_ c 0 v a .0 a c "' c (..) 0 p -" a a .(1)– C) _C U a) >. 4- = V w – O i.`, i C),_ 4_, t -� }, o L a a, v v o ((vim cn ,� c i _C p i 0 U 0 pU O L- �- Q +� i a 0 +., � to L- 0 = 0- c) v 0 - N V cx • 0.1 .� v �' 'L- N tri (a a) _1) CU ca a) �_ fa �> C a) � O o ' < a) C > '- v UQ CE • v 0 0 >' C •L O O • •�.a C O I-, c� N Q.0 o co — E N C 73 CLO Q a G co r1 O = CLO (13 V C C co L N a.., N N Ca 0 a--+O c co co .X U J Q 2 L.9 2 Q vC +jO N N '� }' O >.- Q 0 C • cN -c O 2 :GO v � C O CQ •X a) ca ca. 3 _ E _ U CO NO � Q' v , D O o -0 0- a) >..o ECN -° ..c +-, NUOO- cCC C• . ++ N _ O +-, O a) C EO :G v)- U N ro 4_, ._ CLO U X Z3 _C a) •CLO 0 N a + C: Lu c ca C • C CLO E a 5 CO 0 s_ '..p . 4. to o C tea) " v O v co a Y ti) o � v >. �X S- a) C •N a) +_ N cB �n a) L ca a) C ca [ � ter, v � � L � a) 4-, U •c ��..e O 0 O E a) co C o N .rte O U N CO C '> v �C 00_ ,_ -0 CO 0 L L L C C N O cu 2 CO CLO _a v - 'L O a) N 'L CU N O L = N O O _C U 0_ 18 CD 0 _0 0 co Co Q +-, .- 7 I SI I - lii O - 1 = • �' (1.0) p . ~ 1 1 ' ' \ , \ r • GI • % Cr i V • ...'• • /1 • O et 1150 • • 1r • d = O • ••Cri LI— C4 s • o • C o • • O "Ct3 _ �� r •• r. a. • • • Vi •• • • • CL P • = • • • • 1.- bL ., •• v •t • C.+ •• •-_ • • ••• •a • co 4. ..CO �` 11 1 W ) \ \,,,i N tA 1 1 g 1 . •• O . . . . . .14 . :,?......,; a • 0 w O f, .,1: - '-'1'.,I. ., .. -•,' .- . - .. . . • itc _ . . .. . . . .. .. .. ,..,- ,.. z . - n ...::::... ., . 0-4 ... , , . ..... . , O .' O , .,.. ' Pfs • C = tti:) 0 ,.. 0 •on.. CO •- < co ro (i) •_ D cup 0 x _1 •.... " 1- 0 Li le 4 • •• % `� i r.. �d --- ,' , N ♦ f:, Z 1 0 16. c ..•.• N o ±• • + t •.- «.... M -. , o -o L E D a ib o i..s,.•.•., ' _" O AP LdikJ A ;«+ c II Q) T ♦ ter.: 1 E .�, 1 • d Q1 1 � I C ♦ ' 1 N O 0.,\„.",05\.45' ,! ' ,r. /♦ 1 N E ♦ a- 8..• �. f I .. ♦C ♦♦ m m,c a U n� `m _ a) LJ C C V =O N NO O 03 4- o N CL K 0 O J E y ♦ a.a` s 0_ 4 4 dv O a. aEI ♦ a 4) 73 (9 (1) V) b 0 Q Om I No a il crc),, 0 L.... , J ,, in. U i L_- p cv cv p + ° O �� 03 ro to = 0 a..A +-) V > aU alC a) aA �. ca c C..1 O _c O LI N " cn -C tv0 Q Ca — � � 1 0 V . vi V - +, E cV = •— �-- C. - •" E •E ca = V O — i v) (1) ca = Q 0 O a) ID 4_ _pm 0_ C21 D c -I-) CC L- •— •— >% 03 cb tIO 4-/ 0 > v Q (9 i(C C a) •- _c E4) -O L' = i > = 1/4., — co o DC — +-+ (..) to O O O E CD CU c6 _I V V - AIDMO 4- • • , a) be 4.7 co E 4 I/) f D +Up_ o E(13 , 1 4— Z C w E X c v) O etv .+7, N cD cC a) css - •i a) DC E V) O tU Cm -0 -0 _ O = a O c6 +� U +.J O 4= Q _C a) ID -� i E • • cn c6 C E .to CD 711 O (1) a) a -o Eco cu •; ca • 1 it co ,,,,.,..,,,..„._,..,,„_,,,.„,.._ E m. .. a) , ,....L. 4.,,,, ,.,,t,,,r ' ...„,..... „ . . .,,,,, -. ,. .-, 4 21w , , , ei.v 4. . , .. .... , , 4•4704, 1116. 4•• -,•• • Ate _.,„„ .A.,,,,, ..."11:::;"1::::1'nflaF N.41111.7111 unat. 1 0 I— . = .....7 ... / - iii\co ,45),_. �!•... .... ‘,... ... . =H.... 4.40.. co sze.. . fto W #,. , *A of sa . r Tati44VS .: 414°' 0 ' IA% otiw e¢ ij •=me ` of-0w` MOP. t,.._,,7741 I!, *W 4101 • C ����, / *so:7- , w • --1 ti X W . . . . V i -Tein . ..L"1"0.25,,11111 . ., .7* .. , • - i •'4 •-' ,4 - ,.•' , ,...''' ' ''`'- ' , . .. .• . n, • ‘ • . ,A,,. „,,,..:::: , .''”- . , , ' ' ' .,,, s:,....;V _..›.. . !• ' ''' ' 4:IPV. •:.P77 , , - .,7r, ,...•,.. .,. , -‘• A. . ' , i' :\ . '.° \\ ' , 7 4..4' ' . '"4' -'C--` ..." ',., ' , . . , .. . - ti KVI pas;olf' Av 914 7 a ' ''.* * ''' % • -4" . L XI t > '>X ti'S\ '-'"' .-' '' ' -. "" E 0 , )(. Vittfaw 0.s„ \.. No, -'"`.-4748741 4'..1 I -.' ' • ...SA* o cc' 'X'7-..V.:,,,, , -1,..;•.'free*,•<•-,- - ' 1-7, . . ' '7 Wr.' 74*. .•• ir,' . .- , '4•' ' .1"ii;.-7 1' , : ,Vt*.V?":04i',,CIIC 4Z‘•+,•!.:1444,'***.*.+1*PiriK`G., ' ; . ••••V !..7 s','4,"*.'",. .-0-4 -cs,14.4:4-..-4#•047. 4 -04,4,-:...0,4•74: ,,/k41,,,_ . .,f';!e.;*...A440,441100*-3:l',4i,:..to.;(''t'.'...7 47>AA...,•4 i...*4:0 0..k t..,).:';'.-,4. 4 ,,,,_ ,f;'-4voi`ti6.61. 40 4:".r...*%,0"44471:':XV,.•'' VAL*, : t ' •. r° 4t1fr 40.0.• V'e.' * ie • 0.. ... , ... 7% a - . VOA" . 77 ..i:• .. * ' . . ';,,'•I' 'r ,',, 'AA, •,..)% , ,' N, ''"' 4 I' ' ''''s •47*11 Sf•44 gat k • • -',' -4,. ,. • i„ -.. '0 ..y.,46...v.- 0 ,7, .,-„•>:. • 7., ... .. ••,,,,,- ‘• •7,.,,-. \•=6,.. ,...,‘ ,. 4.0,,pe .4.... .0.... •-•<,. 0 ,,, A , ,),"(\.A,X.;o ,.... ., /1_' , 44,.„ , ,rt, •e 44ir -1440(14 .0 ', ''‘•'‘' .v,),` A"' - - ' '''s 4../ -- . c.r,•;•44•10 4r • - ' Ii• •// ''' CY',; ''''.>. ,1.;< '' ' '-V LI ''.''- (0 . 4* .4....-#' 41.* ``,",-, ',../'‘'...: .....\ • 416 •VAIL 14. • .,.L.. .r.._.,.... .. , ---7-,--..,,--',.-A-•.-_„ 4 . . ' ,1 -..,-,.)-7e•S-- e ' ..-:.i,-_ '''. 7\,--,),4.C.yI cI'.s..,-...4,',,i,l..,,i7,-..,.,--,„%-V-.:I,/,L2t.‘,"'-,---'.,.,..0 44.Op4s4c-4-.r40%1.;6 0..44.;4..-01,1.•..-.,0)e.-.1i' , . . , !/ 4 >, . . •.- s . **0 ,•-4- & - , 4* 0 --1I-4.i044v.44V.4440e1A4•.4.4I01+#.0A.6o044I1lXT';e-04;.›0t6..;0,i14„.b04,0b44rP1.1.V#,,4 41p”00•4,•W-740 3..."4 4145',4,A4 4.•'1'4A / ' ,44 ' : . 904•4 *04.,r*.•.1 i.0& t ; 01,, ,I,: _„,... -.-4,-,..;.7.-1 iolo ...7 10.40,104:$04•11,„ ltoporze 7,„eor ..L.,,, 4,444, "Pro-lc-.0. toir 2 it, 47,44,,, ito,•Alpir. lel,,i,,,elt 7r, .7,771----:,":**' _. •• ••'1,....‘, -To."' te'I', 4''°•*,'974.4.1'-'•'1 i 1 tr•ler.•••VV4.ir•r. ..110,0,4• • ....:;•` '•'i-.' '..":;'4-•.; ' ' - .. -- ..‘,..;%NA'.:470%443 4.01 41 r$4144, Vol 4•.••••6$1.4.10:4„..1:44. ,.J:<7.“ ,,,,y 7 • ,. ,...,;•..• - ,..0,*•-•-.,,,,,,N****•.•.-4, 1 Apo V•sgrs•••••.-•44A-V•s. / „...,....--- . .- _ - • %, 4,topr ik A,...,.'. ' 0 ,di,Are, ,40, AL.&104.41, ., AL.. ter ."."' ,'' .7- ' ...:- .9'. ,'400'''" • . ,. P4,V***7:074$'1,4 A 0 4 •,VA). 04 40,1*.vic p.4„ir-•WV yr. ,16,k1•104,110 I ., 'c''Alk,„ 4•••,0,416. .il•4 40•. .- , i x't," 'A 41*-**-* ' e•4140, '1"' ‘ 2 VAIP.0.1 V.4 I .ke"4 4, 4 1 I.. '\ '*:,:ei:,,,,,,,N:''',.' ' 'V' ' .-,' ..•$0`#44,r_'frIf't. ". ' ....4"...48 ..N 0 V.p.." -' ' .,4:a'•"4"-.- .SA**NA,• v•'- '‘1‘.41.'.01.OAP et0404 0 ,700.*'' 4,,t,,,:_.;,.:,:i„."- , _,.....„...___ -,„ • -.-.7":',,,,,,- st8.".**„,?;14...'4,6410.* ,. A. 14.40.4:4440.44...... , 4,'' •' ".f ,-.''' - t •4‘,0 4: ' '',•$.4. .....44 I% * ' '•-'.' '.•:4' t '4**16.. '''' ''6:- , - - ."*""-? 16, ,,,:,.; ,..,-*, ' \ \( 73 ... , ...... ,..4.- - , - 1, 0 . , . . c (,) • :0 (,) ---77 , • - - --•- ,.. , 0 cu .... . . -_,.„,..,. ...e. ,.. in -... L: 4.• '....,, eik.1;i4t.v.,. •Z f‘, ' .0 Vt ._ .. -' . . - . .,.; .- ,. .. _ .,.. ._ .,, • t ,' ..