2008-10-03 Planning Commission Minutes

Home

SPP 08-000065 The Commission took this item up at 9:55 a.m. with HEIDI HANZA two people from the pubic in attendance. KEAAU, PUNA APPLICANT: HEIDI HANZA (SPP 08-000065) Special Permit to allow the establishment of a group childcare home (maximum of 12 pre-school aged children) on 1 acre of land situated within the State Land Use Agricultural District. The th property is located on the east (makai) side of 26 Avenue, between Shower Drive and Kaloli Drive, Hawaiian Paradise Park Subdivision, Keaau, Puna, Hawaii, TMK: 1-5-37:195. The Chair stated no one from the public signed up to testify on this application. 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 Panning Director recommended approval of the application with conditions. The applicant, Heidi Hanza, stated she has no objections to the Planning Director’s recommendation and conditions, noting her next step would be to obtain licensing for the facility. Upon Commissioner Alameda’s inquiry, Ms.Hanza said she thought the total allotment of the Department of Human Services childcare licensing slots is approximately 370 for the Puna area alone. She said when the Keiki College Preschool that had an enrollment of about 45 children and 3 teachers in Keaau closed and the parent expressed their concern on where to send their children, she thought of this proposal which would be a good service to the community. She noted that there are Tutu and Me programs at Pahoa but she did not know if there was a Keiki Steps program in Keaau. Commissioner Alameda said the proposal sounded like a promising program as the need for child care is great, especially with today’s economy, two parents working, and grandpa and grandma getting on in their age. Upon Commissioner Iwashita’s inquiry, Ms. Hanza said she did not understand the Hawaiian Paradise Park Association’s position since most of the children coming to the service already live in Paradise Park, and she did not think 12 more cars on their street will impact the area. She said she did not attend the Association’s meeting as she received no notice they were going to discuss her application, noting she became aware of their position only when staff presented her with their correspondence. She added she has received no negative response from any of her neighbors and friends and she felt the people in the area were actually supportive of their request. Commissioner Woodward pointed out that the Hawaiian Paradise Park Association’s rd September 23 letter said they appreciated the opportunity to assess and give feedback but they did not send anyone to today’s meeting. Ms. Hanza added that in notifying surrounding property owners the second time, at the staff’s advice, she did out of courtesy notify the Association of her request and asked that they contact her if they had any concerns, noting they made no effort to contact her. 4