2008-11-06 Planning Commission Minutes

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RECONVENED The meeting reconvened at 10:46 a.m. SPP 08-00006 The Commission took this item up at 10:46 a.m. with DANIEL PALEKA JR. approximately 13 people from the public in attendance. & SUSANNE PALEKA KURTISTOWN, PUNA APPLICANTS: DANIEL PALEKA JR. & SUSANNE PALEKA (SPP 08-000067) Special Permit to allow the establishment of a two-bedroom bed and breakfast operation within an existing single-family dwelling situated on 3 acres of land within the State Land Use Agricultural District. The property is located along the east side of Poouli Road (Road 10), approximately 300 feet southeast of the Kea Road – Poouli Road intersection, Hawaiian Acres Subdivision, Kurtistown, Puna, Hawaii, TMK: 1-6-57:17. Ms. Cottle 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 with conditions. For Commissioner Alameda’s information, staff noted that the setbacks for the property are 20 feet on the sides, and 30 feet on the front and back of the property. The applicants, Daniel and Susanne Paleka, were in attendance. Daniel Paleka explained their proposal to have a 2-bedroom bed and breakfast operation in their existing home, noting they both have backgrounds in hotel service management. In response to Commissioner Housel’s inquiry, Mr. Paleka said they grow for their personal use, vegetables, such as beans and tomatoes, and there is no livestock on the property at this time. He said for this property his primary business would be the bed and breakfast. He said their home is set back approximately 120 to 150 feet front the frontage of the property and parking will not be an issue as it will be done on the property. He said he has notified his neighbors within a 500- foot radius and the only letter received was from Dorothy Hirowatari representing the owner of the adjacent vacant property. Susanne Paleka said she feels they could share the beauty of the islands with their proposal and incorporate local values and cultures with people visiting the islands. Commissioner Bowman felt that since Susanne Paleka speaks fluent French and German her proposal would be a good market for European travelers, to which Mrs. Paleka noted she noticed Europeans enjoy a more family than hotel setting. For Commissioner Alameda’s information, Mrs. Paleka noted the closest bed and breakfasts are in Fern Acres about 4 ½ miles away and Orchidland Estates which is about two miles always. It was moved by Commissioner Iwashita and seconded by Commissioner Alameda that the application be approved as recommended by the Planning Director with conditions. Commissioner Domingo said he has always been an advocate for bed and breakfasts as it 2