2010-03-05 TPD CDH - Laserfiche WebLink

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purpose of the CDH zone is to “protect Downtown Hilo’s character, promote its functions as an economic engine, and protect the health and safety of its residents and visitors.” It’s an ideal. It’s not, you know, this is something that should be very definitive. This new definition goes on to turn the current definition of Downtown Hilo on its head. Somehow Downtown Hilo has changed from an area which should be a compact high density area servicing all types of commercial and mixed uses, and is instead now a “Plantation Town”.One would suppose that Downtown Hilo is now, and no disrespect to Honokaa or Pahala, but this is the economic hub and seat of government for our island. And should, you know, this is the urban core of that town. Section 8, Chapter 25, Article 7, Division 2 is amended to add the Designation of Downtown, of a Downtown Hilo Commercial Core. This additional new “zone” is an additional encumbrance upon some of the most heavily restricted property in the CDH. Properties in this proposed zone are already affected by FEMA and SMA regulations. I mean it’s a very restricted area as far as development goes as it is, and creating a new zone only increases that. Section 25-7-23 is the height limit. Many people have spoken about the height limit. Plain and simple this is a “taking.” The current proposal is to reduce the height limit from 120 feet to 80 feet and 60 feet in the proposed DHCC. At best this is roughly a 33% reduction of potential buildable area and 50% at worst. On the other hand the authors of the ordinance will argue that they give a 25% increase in overall residential density with the reduction of the residential requirement from 1000 square feet per unit to 750 square feet per unit. But no matter if you are in the DHCC or not, this is a net total loss to overall potential density, when what we’re trying to do is encourage density. Some may argue that lot sizes do not allow for building to the height limits. But not being taken into consideration is the option of Landowners to Partners with adjoining lot owners, to consolidate or acquire multiple parcels to maximize development potential. Reducing options here reduces the opportunity. WOODWARD: If I could ask you to summarize, please. YAMANAKA: Okay. I had a few more points but -. It is my belief that the intentions of the authors were to craft an ordinance that would help in the process and encourage development in Downtown Hilo, I have no doubt about that. They want to maintain Hilo’s “charm”. I think this ordinance has completely missed the mark. This ordinance further complicates investment in Downtown Hilo by imposing more stringent restrictions on the area and discouraging investment by telling any potential investor (If this ordinance is passed) that Downtown Hilo is not a place you want to invest, because the people do not want anything to happen here. That’s what we’re telling people. In these economic times in which Downtown Hilo is experiencing high vacancy rates and higher instances of crime, we should not create more layers of bureaucracy but rather simplify the process in a clear and concise manner. Thank you. WOODWARD: All right. Thank you, Mr. Yamanaka. Do we have any questions for Mr. Yamanaka? Commissioner Domingo. DOMINGO: Just a note of opinion. I appreciate your comments, yeah, and I’m not angry at you on whatever you said. But, you know, the reference to a plantation town, Hilo being a plantation 11 EXHIBIT C