PL-REZ-2022-000033 D. BLANCETT-MADDOC TESTIMONY 12.12.2022

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PL-REZ-2022-000033 WRITTEN TESTIMONY of Diane Blancett-Maddock I oppose the amendment of Zone ordinance 02 131. 1 oppose the both the 10 year time extension and the clarification of condition N in the Applicant's application to the Planning Commission dated May 2022. 10 year time extension There are many, many reasons that this project and this additional time extension should be denied. But I will only address a few issues briefly: timeliness, preservation of the land and flood plain issues. As you know, the original zone change occurred in 1984 before most of Kona was developed. Since 1984, several time extensions were requested and granted; the last request occurred in 2002 and expired in 2011. Since 2011, this site has NOT been in compliance. Now, over 10 years after the expiration of the latest time extension, this applicant is seeking another 10 years. This additional time extension should be denied. In 2015, this applicant purchased the 2 parcels: 37 acres for $300,000 and 30 acres for $300,000. At that time, the purchase price for the combined 60+ acres was less than the purchase price of the average single family home in the area. Despite the information contained in the various cultural and archeological reports, these parcels are saturated with areas that must be protected and preserved. In 2022, PONC placed these parcels on its protected list for purchase by the County with a willing seller. PONC stands for Public, Open space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission The criteria for consideration for PONC includes the protection of natural resources, including buffer zones; preservation of historic and culturally important land areas and sites' public outdoor recreation and education and protection of watershed lands. These parcels contain several historical trails that run mauka to makai; some trails are "double walled"; while there are a few burial sites identified in the reports there is indications that be more are not identified based on the location of the trails There are several endangered species and near endangered species that currently reside within this open space. These parcels are located within documented "general flood plain" "floodway" and "buffer zones". It is unclear how or if State and Federal regulating agencies could or would permit development of this project as presented. The roads below these parcels have flooded 2x in the past month causing the County Police Department to close a major thoroughfare Kuakini Highway Finally, this applicant proposes that more that 50% of the 450 units as short term vacation rentals in an area surrounded by residential neighborhoods. This use within residential neighborhood is contrary to the intent and purpose of the County ordinance as it relates to condos.