2004-02-06 Planning Commission Minutes

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The following is a recapitulation of those testifying on the application: John Lipscomb, Punahele Street resident, expressed his concern of the applicant receiving a blanket approval to situate the structures wherever they want on an area larger that Kaikoó Mall, noting it is place in the middle of an existing community. He urged an unfavorable recommendation to the County Council as it will have negative impacts on traffic, drainage, schools, and the neighboring residential areasÓ quality of life and property values. Amy Mahealani Jones, Liko Lehua Street resident for 22 years, firmly opposed the project, noting the Crescent City Subdivision is bordered on one side by a forested area which the Òio and pueo reside. She expressed various concerns, such as the developer completing their project then selling off their interest and leaving unsuspecting buyers with the problems of exacerbating problems of existing neighbors and taxing police, fire, schools, utilities, roads, and the people of Hilo. She felt the development will create bigger flooding prob Hilo in November 2000 as it will block runoff from being absorbed into the ground, increase noise and traffic, and be located on the side of the property where houses on the adjoining subdivision are already fairly close together. She felt the temporary housing will not be managed as described and the commercial complex is excessive and unnecessary as currently residents in the area travel less than a mile to shop. She was concerned with the concept of district use zoning and the potential for misuse and abuse. She then asked the Commission to imagine living in a peaceful forest with a gentle breeze and then imagine having a10- or even 4-story apartment blocking out the view of the sky and the breeze and the residents in the complex looking directly into your windows and creating noises. Joseph Lopez, whose property borders the subject property, said he was not against development but expressed his concerns regarding major flooding and traffic entering Mohouli and Komohana Streets. He also expressed his concern that the project will force him to sell his rentals, a with his residence. Janis Shirai, Punawai Street resident, expressed her concerns that the development will increase the water run-off problem from Punahele Street wherein the flooding of her yard will be increased and erode the foundation of her home. She also expressed her concern that the development does not adequately addressed the increased traffic issue, noting the proposed entrance is at a very dangerous location because it is on a slope with poor visibility. She added the development will substantially increase traffic on Komohana Street and compound the already dangerous traffic situation. She felt the project was too ambitious and the developers have not given adequate consideration to the concerns of the bordering neighborhoods. Cheryl Reis, Punahele Street resident, asked the Commission to please reject the application. She expressed her concerns of the increase in traffic, which was a safety issue, increase in noise, burglarizing of surrounding areas, and building alarms going off all hours of the night and day affecting peopleÓs sleep. 2