2006-12-06 Planning Commission Minutes

Home

AMEND CHAPTERS 23, The Commission took this item up at 4:25 p.m. with 25 AND 27 approximately 3 people from the public in attendance. PLANNING DIRECTOR HAWAII COUNTY CODE INITIATOR: PLANNING DIRECTOR Amendments to Chapters 23 (Subdivision), 25 (Zoning) and 27 (Flood Control), Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005 Edition, as amended) to reduce potential water pollution, in compliance with “New Development Management Measures” required by Section 6217 of the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments. Director Yuen briefed the Commission and public on the proposed amendments, stating that the flood control requirement has been the general practice in the County, and that the ultimate purpose of these amendments are to handle erosion from storm water runoff to make sure that it doesn’t pollute natural bodies of water. He also stated that he didn’t ask the Commission to take action at the last meeting in Hilo to afford people in West Hawaii to be heard on the matter since this is an island-wide issue; and he is asking for the Commission’s favorable recommendation to the County Council this time. Commissioner Graham asked whether these amendments would bring the requirement to more conformance with the other counties in Hawai`i or there is anything different in particular. Director Yuen said that it is different than City & County of Honolulu, as they have a storm drainage system for most of the areas rather than drywells, and that they did run this by EPA and got clearance from them. David Hardy-Sullivan from Kailua-Kona testified in support of the proposed amendments. He asked whether the proposed amendments will apply to applications that are currently before the Commission or only to future applications after they are passed. In response to Commissioner Siracusa’s request to answer Mr. Hardy-Sullivan’s question, Director Yuen clarified that any new subdivision or any project requiring Plan Approval will have to comply with the requirements, if the amendments are passed by the County Council. He further explained that it is the current practice in the County to have the same requirements, but EPA has difficulties because those requirements are not stated anywhere in the County Codes or Rules. Mr. Emler stated that he doesn’t recall reading anything that requires property owners to maintain the drainage systems. Director Yuen responded that it is more of a general provision of law that drainage is maintained on private properties by the owner. It was then moved by Commissioner Siracusa and seconded by Commissioner Iwashita to send a favorable recommendation to the County Council. A roll call vote was taken and motion carried with seven ayes (Watanabe, McCall, Graham, Iwashita, Rho, Siracusa and Alameda) and two absent and excused (Galdones and Salavea). 6