2022-01-06 Windward Exh B (PL-SPP-2021-000005)

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A lot of time has passed, and a lot has changed since the 2005 General Plan and the 2008 Puna CDP which was amended in 2011. And in that time, we've seen our communities tested by multiple natural disasters, and of course the ongoing COVID pandemic. Throughout all of this Puna has demonstrated its resilience and vitality and responding to these challenges. There have been many lessons made clear in recent years. There are a couple of lessons that are particularly relevant to the requested Special Permit. Recent experience has shown us that we need to stimulate local small businesses and diversify the island economy and reduce our dependence on tourism. This proposal would contribute in a small part to that. At the same time, we need to be better at anticipating the needs of our communities and, especially those that are historically underserved and growing rapidly like to Puna and these subdivisions. So, Commissioners, we respectfully request you approve this application and allow the applicants to serve their community in the way they plan to. We're happy to address any questions you might have for us, thank you very much. AU: Thank you, Mr. Pipan for your presentation. Just for the record, I just want to make sure that you have received the background and recommendation for the Planning Department? PIPAN: Yes, we have. AU: Okay, all right, thank you very much. I know you shared your concern with it, so thank you. I want to start it off, I do have a question. Can you just talk about the `Ainaloa Community Associations conversations that you've had with them please? PIPAN: We reached out to both the `Ainaloa Community Association and the Orchid Land Community Association by mail in August ahead of submission of the application. No comments were received in response to our letters. That was the extent of our outreach to the Community Associations. We've been working fairly closely with the Orchid Land Community Association on other projects, have good communications and rapport with them. So, I anticipate they would have known how to reach us if they had any concerns with this one. AU: Okay, I have another question before I open it up to Commissioners. I was asking Mr. Kay about the 2 properties to the west and to the northwest with residential facilities on there. Any responses from those landowners? PIPAN: I'm sorry, Commissioner Au was that a question? No negative comments, no comments one way or the other, really, they were notified as required at initial submission of the application and then, when the public meeting was scheduled. And further by the sign that was posted on the property as well. AU: Okay, thank you very much. Commissioners, any questions for Mr. Pipan or Ms. Hewett? No, okay. RAFFIPIY: Mr. Chair I have comment and I don't know a comment and question. Mr. Pipan, I am seeing there are 2 major issues over here that I've seen. I know you addressed them, but I was not very keen on exactly how you are going to implement the responses that you provided. 7 EXHIBIT B