PD Background Report (PL-SMA-2022-000023)

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Reasons: The reasons for this permit request are to build a home for the applicants that they have always wanted to build overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Hawaii, and to bring applicant Barbara Gleason back to her Hawaiian roots. Barbara's mother, Irene, was born and grew up in the 1920's and 30's in Hana, Maui, on a sugar plantation in company housing with a dirt floor. Irene's mother, a Native Hawaiian, made a floor of mats for their home. Despite long odds for success, Irene graduated high school in Hana to attend Stanford University in California,graduating with honors.When Irene Gleason attempted to apply at a Catholic nursing school, she was told that the school would not accept Asians. Instead of allowing the mainland bigotry that was so prevalent after WWII to affect her, Irene applied and was accepted at Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Gleason became a successful pathologist teaching at UCLA and UC Irvine medical schools, eventually becoming and retiring as chief pathologist at Palmdale Medical Center in California. Because ofAlzheimer's disease,Dr. Gleason was unable to return to her beloved Hawaii,passing away at age 98 in 2021. Applicants recite this history because Dr. Gleason missed the Hawaii Islands greatly, even cultivating orchids in a greenhouse in her backyard to remind her of her homeland. Dr. Gleason implanted a strong sense of love and respect for Hawaii to her daughter, Barbara. Barbara Gleason enjoyed many summers in Hawaii, playing amongst her Native Hawaiian cousins and aunties. This return to her roots is an important homecoming for Barbara, and her love for Hawaii has carried over to her husband, who has vowed to make a positive impression upon his adopted Island. Another reason is that Barbara Gleason and Douglas Kerr are committed to not taping away housing from locals. Many people relocating from the mainland to Hawaii buy homes at inflated prices which contributes to the lack of affordable homes in Hawaii County. The applicants for this SMA permit have decided that building rather than purchasing a completed home will add to the housing supply while at the same time financially benefiting local suppliers and contractors. If all transplants would adopt this approach,Hawaii could grow its housing supply while employing more locals in the building industry. Also, an important reason is to contribute to native Hawaiian flora on the overgrown property. The owners intend to showcase native flora throughout the property while removing invasive species. C. Description of the subject property in sufficient detail to precisely locate the property. Describe existing uses, structures and topography. Precisely Located. the property is identified as TMK(3) 1-5-068-053. The tax map shows the subject property as Lot 477, Block 10 of the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision,Keaau,Puna, Island and County of Hawaii. Less precise is the address, because the property has not yet been officially recognized by the U.S. Post Office. But the property address is known as: 15-853 Paradise Ala Kai Drive, Keaau, HI 96749. The property is near the corner of Paradise Ala Kai Dr. and Kilika St. See Exhibit D, Google Satellite Map. Page 2 Attachment to SMA Major Use Permit Application of Kerr/Gleason,TMK: (3) 1-5-058 : 053 2