2007-02-02 Planning Commission Minutes

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use the structure as a sole proprietor or for a mortgage office which would not generate a lot of traffic. Ms. Smith was confident that their clients would not park at the Farm Credit Services of Hawaii’s parking lot as her realtor has told her that everyone who has come onto the property has used Wailoa Street to park on. For the Commission’s information, Mr. Yuen read into the record the requirements for parking stated in the Zoning Code, which the applicant is unable to meet. He said as far as allowing off- site parking on a public street, the current Code only limits it to Downtown Hilo and that in his view the applicant would not be able to qualify for a variance under the County Code. He noted the Code does allow for shared parking with another commercial enterprise if the other parking lot is not used, such as a movie theater that is only open at night next to a commercial building that was only opened during the day. There was no one from the public wishing to testify on this application. It was moved by Commissioner Watanabe and seconded by Commissioner Siracusa to send an unfavorable recommendation to the County Council based on the Planning Director’s recommendation, inclusive of the simple logistics of the property, the fact that there is not ample parking, and there is not safe ingress/egress from the property. Commissioner Siracusa noted the applicant does have the options of selling or renting the property as a residence. A roll call vote was taken and motion carried with five ayes (Watanabe, Siracusa, Galdones, Rho and Graham) and three absent and excused (Alameda, Iwashita and McCall). RECESSED The Chair called a short recess at 11:09 a.m. RECONVENED The meeting reconvened at 11:20 a.m. SPECIAL PERMIT The Commission took this item up at 11:20 a.m. with NO. 1186 approximately 4 people from the public in attendance. RICHARD KOOB KAMAILI AND KEEKEE, PUNA SPECIAL PERMIT NO. 1186 (APPLICANT: (APPLICANT: RICHARD KOOB) Determination by the Planning Commission as to whether the financing and marketing plan to investors for “retreat homes” is consistent with the Special Permit granted by the Planning Commission. Special Permit No. 1186 allowed the establishment of a 13-unit Kalani Kai arts, agriculture and wellness education retreat and related facilities on approximately 14.94 acres of land situated with the State Land Use Agricultural District. The property is located adjacent to and west of the existing Kalani Honua Facility, mauka of the Kalapana-Kapoho Road (Route 137), Kamaili and Keekee, Puna, Hawaii, TMK: 1-2-9:29. (SEE EXHIBIT C) 3