2010-09-01 Windward Planning Commission Minutes

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the proposed expansion site are situated along the west (mauka) side of Highway 19 (Hawaii Belt Road), approximately 1.7 miles north of Hilo, Alae, South Hilo, Hawaii, TMK: 2-6-12:48. Mr. Darrow oriented the Commission and public of the subject and surrounding properties on the location map and site plan, summarized the request, and noted the Planning Director recommended approval of the application. In response to Commissioner Domingo’s inquiries, Mr. Darrow noted that there are approximately 9,200 plots on the existing site and the expanded area will allow an additional 5,000 to 6,000 plots, adding that the Department of Parks and Recreation is no longer accepting reservations for any of its plots. Commissioner Ono felt the subject area was ideal for residential homes because of the excellent view and being that a cemetery does not generate any revenue for the County. The applicant’s representatives, James Komata and Ron Terry, were in attendance. Mr. Komata clarified for the record that the pavilion is something they are considering in the future and not part of the current development plan, currently there are 90 to 125 plots requested per year, and the reservation policy is no longer in effect, although they do have some outstanding reservation commitments. Commissioner Domingo questioned the administration’s long-term plans for cemetery plots, noting there was discussion when he was on the County Council many years ago to turn it over to a private company. The Chair noted that there are three private cemetery businesses around the island. Ms. Leithead Todd noted the County Council in 1996 approved the purchase of this property from Bishop Estate for the specific purpose of expanding Alae Cemetery, noting according to Mr. Terry the County cemetery is more affordable for individuals than a private cemetery business. Mr. Terry added he has an undated and unsigned Council resolution that was introduced in l995 that started this process, and the environmental assessment was conducted in 1996 and 1997. In response to Commissioner Kern’s inquiry, Mr. Komata said the County charges $250 for a burial site, and the estimated cost of the project is $1 million. Mr. Komata said he has read the conditions and noted that he does not see a problem with Condition 3 as the driveway plans were prepared by the Department of Public Works. He later noted there is some urgency in the approval of the request inasmuch as they have just a 9- to 12- month capacity of plots remaining. In response to Commissioner Ono’s inquiries, Mr. Komata said they do not do urn plots within the current Alae Cemetery boundaries but for this new section they are considering replicating what they do with the veterans cemetery of having an urn section, which would give them more plots per acre. He said the standard burial plots are 4’x9’ and the urn plots are 3’x5’, clarifying 2