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PC-1 Page 2 January 4,2017 <br /> Mr. McComber further explained that he approached the Office of Housing with this request and <br /> had discussions with the Planning Department regarding the exemptions that are overseen and <br /> managed by them. After both departments expressed their agreement, the resolution was <br /> referred to the Planning Committee, and once approved, that approval would be included as part <br /> of a financing application to the State of Hawai`i, who will finance the majority of this project. <br /> Council Member Aaron Chung inquired regarding the recommendations. Housing Administrator <br /> Gyotoku explained that he met with Mayor Kim regarding this project, and the recommendations <br /> discussed were that this project be community friendly, that it be close to a park when it is built, <br /> that there would be centrally located community centers, and that there would be road access for <br /> fire and emergency medical vehicles. He stated that HICDC has been requested to incorporate <br /> these changes into the project. <br /> Mr. Kato stated that he had discussions with the Office of Housing and stated that they have no <br /> problem complying with these suggestions. <br /> Council Member Eileen O'Hara commented that she met with Mr. McComber and Mr. Kato and <br /> appreciated the explanation of the project. She further commented that she would like to see the <br /> building of affordable units with alternative energy designs that are comfortable and affordable, <br /> and stated that she did not know if this is part of the statutory affordable housing requirements. <br /> Chair Eoff stated her agreement with the recommendations for a community center and park to <br /> be provided nearby, and Ms. O'Hara's idea of providing some form of energy saving measures <br /> to make it more affordable. Chair Eoff questioned Mr. Gyotoku as to how we would find out <br /> that the adjustments have been made, and asked if this information would be put into written <br /> form. Mr. Gyotoku responded that when HICDC starts to design and develop the project, the <br /> Office of Housing will be checking to see that these factors have been incorporated. <br /> Deputy Planning Director Arai commented that they are in support of affordable housing <br /> initiatives by HICDC, and that they are in support of this project. He mentioned that during <br /> discussions, there have been questions because this project is part of a much larger project. He <br /> explained that when you pre-empt a portion of a project, the Planning Department must still <br /> manage the larger project, then said that they have received the revised Master Plan, however it <br /> has not yet been fully vetted. <br /> Ms. Eoff asked Mr. Arai if he recommends that this project be forwarded with a favorable <br /> recommendation at this meeting today, with good faith that the dialogue will remain open, and <br /> that these concerns will be integrated into the project, to which Mr. Arai responded affirmatively. <br /> Mr. Moore, an independent planning consultant, came forward and stated that he represents the <br /> landowner, announced that the attorney for the landowner is Thomas Yeh. Mr. Moore affirmed <br /> his commitment to work with the Planning Department, and explained that they have <br /> conceptually located a portion of the park and a trail going through the property that they will <br /> honor. He said they will create a portion of the park immediately adjacent and as close as <br /> possible, to the affordable housing site. He said he will work with the Planning Department <br /> PC Report No. 1 <br />