2010-09-01 Windward Planning Commission Minutes

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that they are looking at individual plots and not a columbarium-type situation. In response to Commissioner Ono’s further inquiries, Mr. Komata said although they have not done any calculations, since the County will be maintaining the plots in perpetuity at some point the cost for the County to maintain the plots will be greater than the $250 purchase price of the plot. In response to Commissioner Kern’s inquiries, Mr. Komata said it was difficult to single out the cost for the annual maintenance and upkeep of the cemetery as staff that maintains the cemetery maintains other parks, and that the administration is looking at its policy on fees and charges but he did not know if it included burial fees. Commissioner Kern said at $250 a plot for 6,000 plots, the cost would be $1.5 million and approximately $.5 million could be used for maintenance, which appears to be close to penciling it out for a number of years. He said it would help the Commission in making its decision if the applicant provides cost estimates for the project as the County needs to be able to have the project make economic sense. Commissioner Domingo noted the maintenance of cemetery plots in Honokaa is contracted to Brantley Center, a nonprofit organization. The Chair noted the Commission’s decision should be based on land use considerations and not whether the County will be making or losing money. In response to Commissioner Ono’s and Kern’s inquiries, Mr. Komata said the Department immediately assigns a plot once a death certificate and the necessary credentials are submitted, and either the mortuary or a family member would contract for the digging of the plot. Mr. Darrow added that the County does allow spouses to be buried on the same plot. It was moved by Commissioner Domingo and seconded by Commissioner Kern that the application be approved as recommended by the Planning Director. Commissioner Kern commented that any land use decision the Commission makes does impact the economic vitality of the community; and when an application makes sense and is good for the community, then it’s an important element in land use decisions. Commissioner Kern referred to the Cost of Government Commission’s letter to reduce spending and increase efficiency in government, which is something the Commission should consider in every application. A roll call vote was taken and motion carried with six ayes (Doming, Kern, Au, Ishibashi, Ono, and Woodward). MINUTES - The Commission took up the following minutes at this time, 10:15 a.m. 3