2009-10-02 TJLUM - Laserfiche WebLink

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whether this is the appropriate place for it. But it’s an existing facility, it’s already up and running. And so it’s really a question whether this is appropriate under a special use permit in an area that we consider Rural, and whether you view the General Plan and the CDP as flexible enough to try and accommodate some of the existing uses. Because part of the problem with the General Plan, the Community Development Plan, the Hawaiian Paradise Plan is that those node areas that we have designated for development are owned primarily by the Watamull family. And until such time as they decide that they want to develop it, they are the only ones in control of whether any of those village nodes ever gets developed in this area. So I understand the community, and particularly the Hawaiian Paradise Park residents and the Homeowners Association, saying that when you have an existing use - which albeit, you know, Mr. Lum didn’t build it according to following the rules and getting permission first -. But when they see an asset that can be used by the community and can be used for children for things like birthday parties where you can have them in the community or where preschools can come and bring the kids for an outing, I can understand why they want to support them. Because otherwise you’re really waiting for the Watamulls to determine when and if anything happens in Hawaiian Paradise Park. So I just want to put that out for the Commission. WOODWARD:Thank you, Madam Director. Commissioner Domingo. DOMINGO:Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This reminds me of a theme park, you know. And it provides the same enjoyment and, you know, the fun that a huge theme park would give the residents and people who come to it. And I think the point that the Planning Director made with regards to the nodes that are being designated in the CDP is something that probably will never happen. Or if it does happen will have to be, will happen a long time from now. And what I’m seeing here is someone who has taken the initiative to do something and provide for the residents in the district. If Disneyland would come to the Big Island and apply for a theme park in Puna, let’s say, what we’re going to say? No? You know, let’s treat them as we would any other big developer. I can see when you have established the Commercial nodes in that area -. Now if you want to go in and do something you’ll probably have to start with a bunch of amendments, then with a rezoning application. Here we have Agricultural zoned lands to which any kinds of uses can be applied for, providing they meet the requirements and the criteria for any kind of special permit. And they wouldn’t have to go through rezoning as long as it’s deemed, it has to be deemed unusual but still reasonable use of the land. And I apply that here, that criteria in this situation. And I know the benefits are there, the people are in support of it. I think if there’s any infraction on the community development plan it would be their association and its board of directors who would come up and vehemently oppose to it. But here we see that they’re supporting it, you know. So where’s the rationale for people supporting or not supporting a plan? And we’ve had that written in several applications. But here we find although it’s out of the Commercial node Hawaiian Paradise Park themselves are coming in support for it. So, you know, I would hope the Planning Director would reconsider her recommendation of denial. WOODWARD:Okay, Commissioner Ogata. 8 EXHIBIT B