2007-04-05 Planning Commission Minutes

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APPLICANT: HOSPICE OF HILO (USE 07-000006) Use Permit to allow the establishment of a general in-patient facility and support services on 3.5 acres of land situated within the Single-Family Residential 10,000-square foot (RS-10) district. The property is located along the mauka side of the Kapiolani Street extension across from the Christ Lutheran Church and approximately 500 feet southwest of the Kapiolani Street extension – Mohouli Street intersection, Waiakea, South Hilo, Hawaii, TMK: 2-4-1: portion of 24. 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 the Planning Director recommended approval of the application with conditions. The applicant’s representatives, Sidney Fuke and Brenda Ho, were in attendance. Mr. Fuke acknowledged the presence of the Hospice Board Members, Jim Nakagawa, Elaine Johnson, and Cynthia Sorenson and their architect, Steve Stark. He stated the applicant finds the proposed recommendation and conditions were acceptable. Ms. Ho gave some background information on the East Hawaii (Laupahoehoe Point to South Point) Hospice Program which started in 1983 designed to take care of terminally ill patients with six months or less to live. She then explained what is offered in their In-Patient Facility of having specially trained nurses, social workers, spiritual counselors, volunteers, certified nurses aids and physicians to empower patients to live life to the fullest with the tools, supplies and provide emotional support needed to the patients, along with family members. Mr. Fuke said should permit be approved they need to get the land subdivided and tie down a specific lease agreement with the state; and he explained their coordinated efforts with the University of Hawaii medical program. He added they have some budgeted money, received a grant and will be seeking funds to fund the facility, noting some of the people they have worked with have provided discounted fees or not charged Hospice at all for their services. In response to Commissioner Watanabe’s inquiries, Mr. Fuke said although they are hopeful the Department of Water Supply will accommodate them with a 8-inch waterline, if a 12-inch waterline is required to provide the adequate fire flow it will be done. Mr. Yuen said as there is an overall time-frame condition he did not think a separate condition for the water was necessary. For the Director’s information, Mr. Fuke said as they already have the subdivision map prepared with metes and bounds description, etc. he felt they could comply with the condition that final subdivision approval be secured within 3 years from the effective date of the permit, with a time- extension. For the Commission’s information, Ms. Ho noted that the parking ratio is one RN for every 6 patients and then 1 to 2 CNAs supporting the RN; and she added that they want to have adequate parking for families and also for patients in the community referred by physicians to their facility since they also provide palliative care consultation services. Mr. Fuke amplified that from a land area perspective there is ample room for additional parking; however, it is not their intent right 2