2009-09-04 Windward Planning Commission Minutes

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recommended approval of the application with conditions. He pointed out a sign going into the valley says that all vehicles need to be four-wheel drive. Mr. Darrow said based on comments from the Department of Public Works because of their concern of guests missing the turnoff going down the steep valley road the Planning Department is recommending that all vehicles need to be four-wheel drive. The applicant, Steven Roberson, requested deletion of the condition regarding vehicles need to be four-wheel drive as their home is accessible without four-wheel drive vehicles and it would hurt their business. He stated he would agree to a condition that the guests will be informed in no uncertain terms they do not want to pass the turnoff and head down into the valley. He said it would be a problem for anybody that does not know how to drive the road, even if they have four-wheel drive vehicle. In response to Commissioner Domingo’s inquiry, Mr. Roberson said he would like to install a directional sign but he was not sure if he would be allowed to do so, noting he would have to seek the landowner’s permission. He pointed out that a previous vacation rental owner had a sign up that advertised his business. Chairman Woodward noted that the Commission was in a difficult position inasmuch as there is a sign that says only four-wheel drive vehicles are allowed. He then proposed the words “and their property” be deleted to proposed Condition 5, to which Mr. Roberson stated it was absolutely acceptable to him. There was no one from the public wishing to testify on the application. It was moved by Commissioner Domingo and seconded by Commissioner Ogata that the application be approved for the reasons and with the conditions recommended by the Planning Director, with Condition 5 amended to read, “The applicants shall inform guests of the bed and breakfast operation through advertising and reservations that four-wheel drive vehicles are required to access Waipi‘o Valley Road.” A roll call vote was taken and motion carried with five ayes (Domingo, Ogata, Ishibashi, Kern, and Woodward) and one absent and excused (Iwashita). The Commission took the following item up at 9:18 a.m. with approximately 16 people from the public in attendance: APPLICANT: EDWARD NAGATA (REZ 09-99) Change of Zone from an Agricultural 3-acre (A-3a) to a Family Agricultural 1-acre (FA-1a) zoned district for approximately 5.50 acres of land. The property is located along the southeast side of Ainaola Drive, approximately 1,200 feet west of the Ainaloa Drive – Ainalako Road nd intersection, Waiakea Homestead 2 Series, South Hilo, Hawaii, TMK: 2-4-31:08. 2