2010-01-08 THERNANDEZ - Laserfiche WebLink

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to do in that process. And it’s more a political process because it’s out there in the community. There’s a steering committee, there’s going to be little discussion groups in your community and others up and down the Hamakua coast. But in the end you can define what you want for Kapulena and that area, as well as Honokaa and Laupahoehoe and all these other areas. So I really think that that would be, and I know it’s going to take a long time to get there, but in my mind it’d be better than, you know when we do all these special permits, and we’ve done in my five years on the Commission we’ve done more than several, you know, my sense always is that we’re spot zoning; and that’s essentially what it is because somebody comes in and say I want to do something on Ag land that’s not allowed. Right? It’s basically, but it’s unusual and it’s reasonable so you ought to let us do it. And so we do it on that basis. But my preference is that it be done in a more systemic way. And so I was, you know, I just wanted to get a sense of, I understand the urgency and the time thing, but I guess in the big picture as far as my perspective right now, you know, when you bought the property you should have known what was allowed and what wasn’t. So, you know, you’re asking us to do something special, different. Right? Thank you, Mr. Chair. WOODWARD: All right, thank you, Commissioner Iwashita. Any further questions for the applicant. No? All right, well, we have four people signed up to testify. So if you folks could have a seat please and we’ll call the four people who’ve signed up t testify. Cheryl Green, if you all would come up and have a seat at the table, Marcus Bachino, Sue Loewenhardt, and David Pettus. I hope I didn’t butcher the names too badly. All right, if we can get you all to swear you in. Raise your right hand, please do you swear or affirm to tell the truth today before the Windward Planning Commission? TESTIFERS: I do. WOODWARD: All right. Let’s begin. Cheryl Green signed in first so let’s begin with Cheryl Green. If you’ll give us your name and address and then you may begin your testimony, Ma’am. GREEN: My name is Cheryl Green and I live just around the corner on Velez Road, right off of the highway. So I’m here as a neighbor in support, and I want to say I strongly support both Drs. Hernandez in acquiring this special permit. I have been before this Council (sic) before and in the past I have not really approved other requests because I didn’t feel they were right for the community. But this one is different. Dr. Hernandez gives the people in our community an alternative to western medicine, just as north Hawaii Community Hospital does for Waimea. Both doctors have a proven track record and have counseled many people in the community, both local and kamaaina. I have a very good friend who has survived cancer because of their work. I’m not used to talking in front of people so I’m little nervous. The impact of this center will be minimal given that Waipio Road has 200 to 400 cars daily going to the lookout; and these are tourists, these are not locals or kamaainas, they’re tourists. And this is a center dedicated to our local community. I am a farmer in the community as well as own another business. But I just want to say that they have been here for a while, they have brought a lot of good to this small community. And, furthermore, just up the road you all approved a special permit for Cafe’ iL Mondo which is a restaurant which is not necessarily, you know, following the General Plan. And I do believe that I wanted to address Mr. Iwashita about 10 EXHIBIT A