2008-02-01 Planning Commission Minutes

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APPLICANTS: ARNOLD HARA & LILLIAN MURAKAMI (REZ 07-000074) Change of Zone for 22,140 square feet of land from a Single-Family Residential – 15,000 square feet (RS-15) to a Single-Family Residential – 10,000 square feet (RS-10) district. The property is located on the west side of Kehaulani Street, approximately 470 feet north of the Kehaulani Street and West Kawailani Street intersection, Waiakea Homesteads, South Hilo, Hawaii, TMK: 2-4-10:31. Mr. Darrow oriented the Commission and public of the subject and surrounding properties on the location map and site plan, summarized the request, and noted that the Planning Director is recommending the Commission send a favorable recommendation to the County Council with conditions. Commissioner Iwashita disclosed that although Mr. Hara’s daughter is a close friend of his son, it would not influence his decision in any way. The Chair stated he did not see a conflict of interest. Director Yuen clarified that although it is the intention of the applicants to convey the lot to family members, if the rezoning is granted the applicant would be able to sell the lot to anyone. In response to Commissioner Watanabe’s inquiry, Director Yuen said that because the street is a neighborhood street he did not think it was necessary to for the Ordinance to state that only one access would be allowed. He added, however, that it was possible though that access could be limited during the subdivision process. For Commissioner Woodward’s information, Director Yuen noted if there is a busy thoroughfare, such as Keaau-Pahoa Road, only one access would be allowed as having too many driveways directly on to Highway 130 is really an undesirable and dangerous situation. The applicant’s representative, Brian Nishimura, said the applicants have reviewed the Department’s background and recommendation; and he stated that the applicants will comply with the recommended conditions of approval. In response to Commissioner Alameda’s inquiry, Mr. Nishimura said the surrounding neighbors were notified of the hearing and he has not received any written or oral complaints. It was moved by Commissioner Woodward and seconded by Commissioner Iwashita to send a favorable recommendation to the Hawaii County Council as recommended by the Planning Director, with conditions. A roll call vote was taken and motion carried with seven ayes (Woodward, Iwashita, Alameda, Bowman, Ogata, Rho and Watanabe) and two absent and excused (Domingo and Siracusa). ADMINISTRATIVE The Commission took this item up at 10:31 a.m. with no one MATTERS from the public in attendance. Status of appeals filed on Planning Commission decisions - Corporation Counsel – Mr. Torigoe noted that Intervenor Dean Kaiawe has appealed the Planning Commission’s decision to approve Daniel Ibbetson’s SPP 05-015 application and he will be updating the Commissioners on the progress of that appeal in Judge Strance’s court. Mr. Hayashi updated the Commissioners on the 3