2003-12-04 Planning Commission Minutes

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REZ 02-016The Commission took this item up at 5:55 p.m. with TOM TUSOapproximately 6 people from the public in attendance. ND PUAA 2, NORTH KONA APPLICANT: TOM TUSO (REZ 02-016) Continued hearing on the application for a Change of Zone for 8.773 acres from an Agricultural 5-acre (A-5a) to a Family Agricultural 3-acre (FA-3a) district. The property is located approximately 720 feet west (makai) of Mamalahoa Highway in the vicinity of the former Ferrari nd, Kona Coffee Plantation Store, Puaa 2North Kona, Hawaii, TMK: 7-5-12:38. 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. He pointed out that the hearings of December 2002 and February 2003 were continued to obtain informa applicant had a legal access over the existing the 25-foot wide easement. Mr. Fuke stated the staffÓs background report was reviewed with the applicant who concurs with the proposed conditions. He said because it could not be determined that the applicant has legal access over the existing 25-foot wide easement at the top of the highway, they came up with an alternative which was receptive to the Planning Director. He said with or without the other property ownersÓ participation, the applicant is prepared to proceed with the improvements, noting they are hopeful that the property owners makai of the su roadway will contribute their fair share of the improvements. Alan Harada, surrounding property owner, said he has no objections to the proposed rezoning upon reviewing the proposal. He explained that the roadway was their access to their coffee land and he just paved over a 10-foot road section because the idea was that it would only be used by his family and the Mori family. He said because other people ha will be looking into this matter further with his attorney. In response to Commissioner SpringerÓs inquiry, Mr. Darrow noted that ÐHonuauluÑ is the correct word in the background report and recommendation and that the words Ðrelated nd improvementsÑ in the recommendation on page 5, 2 paragraph, last line, should be deleted. th Mr. Darrow pointed out that Dolores WagnerÓs letter received November 28 requested that the matter be continued until the next Kona meeting. Commissioner Kubota said felt the Commission already has continued the hearing for a considerable amount of time and felt it had enough material to make a decision. It was moved by Commissioner Kubota and seconded by Commissioner Mina to send a favorable recommendation to the County Council as recommended by the Planning Director with editorial changes. A roll call vote was taken and motion carried with seven ayes (Kubota, Mina, Fujikawa, McCall, Springer, Thibadeau and Galdones) and two absent and excused (Graham, Smith). 6