2009-12-09 Leeward Planning Commission Minutes

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Samuel M. Spencer Park and is located at the end of Spencer Beach Road, Kawaihae 2nd, South Kohala, HawaiÒi, TMK: 6-2-2: portion of 8. Ms. Cottle oriented the Commission and public of the subject and surrounding properties on the location map and aerial photographs, summarized the request, and noted that the Planning Director recommends approval of the application with conditions. She added that the applicant has already secured a permit from the Department of Land and Natural Resources for the work makai of the shoreline, and that this application deals only with the shoreline setback area where most of the trenching and backfilling work would occur. The applicantÓs representative, Maui Sanford, and Denise Toombs with Environment Resources Management were in attendance. Ms. Toombs stated that they have reviewed the Planning DirectorÓs recommendations, and that they would continue to work with the Department of Parks and Recreation on coordinating the work throughout the process. In response to Commissioner BowmanÓs question, Ms. Toombs said that there are several existing cables crossing the tide pool area but, since there isnÓt a conduit that could have been used for an additional cable, they would rather not disturb the tide pool area, which is already congested; the proposed landing area is sandy and the cable can be buried. Commissioner Giffin asked about the significance of the proposed connection between HawaiÒi and Tahiti, and Mr. Sanford responded that they cannot move forward with a satellite to meet the technological demand due to its high cost, and the proposed connection to HawaiÒi made most sense among other options considered, adding that they partner with Pacific LightNet who would host their equipment and monitor the system for them. In response to Director Leithead ToddÓs inquiry, Mr. Sanford said that the applicant is a public-owned company whose obligations include serving all the French Polynesia islands with decent communication means. He also answered Commissioner House the project started about two weeks ago on Bora Bora Island and the target is to reach the subject site the end of February, and that the actual construction activities on the beach including restoration will be for a period of two days. There was no one from the public wishing to testify in regard to this application. It was moved by Commissioner Housel and seconded by Commissioner Giffin that the request be approved with conditions as recommended by the Planning Department. Ms. Cottle at this time requested that Condition 8 be deleted since it is a standard condition regarding a time extension, which doesnÓt apply in this case because none of the conditions have a performance deadline. Both Commissioners Housel and Giffin agreed to the deletion and the motion was revised accordingly. A roll call vote was taken and motion carried with six ayes (Housel, Giffin, Beaudet, Bowman, Iokepa and Watanabe). The Commission took up the following item at 10:35 a.m. with five people from the public in attendance. APPLICANT: CHARLES G. BOCKUS (REZ 09-105) Change of Zone from Agricultural 5-acre (A-5a) to a Family Agricultural 2-acre (FA-2a) district for approximately 5.275 acres of land. The property is located at the end of Nohealani Street, 2