2004-10-22 TSPECTRASITE - Laserfiche WebLink

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GRAHAM:Prior to making a motion, could I just make a commentary for the Commissioners consideration, or shall I wait for a motion for that? GALDONES:Why dont we do the motion then well open it for discussion? GRAHAM:Fine. GALDONES:Commissioner Fujikawa? FUJIKAWA:So I make a motion to approve the application on this contested case, SPP 03-018. SMITH:Second. GALDONES:IthasbeenmovedbyCommissionerFujikawaandsecondedby Commissioner Smith, Spectrasite Communications, Inc. (SPP 03-018), the request to allow the retention of an existing 200-foot telecommunications tower and antenna, communications equipment building, four satellite dishes, generator and fuel tanks, chained link security fence, driveway access and related improvements on a 11,413 square foot area be approved by the Planning Commission, along with the Background Report, Finding of Facts and the Recommendations. Further discussions, Commissioners? Commissioner Graham? GRAHAM:I just wanted to bring it to the open and try to cut to the chase. It seems like when we look at the Special Permit requirements, that the one that affects the Intervenors concerns in this case is one whereby when we grant a Special Permit. And I quote from the Recommendation, The desired use shall not adversely affect the surrounding properties. And the Intervenor folks are surrounding property owners and they are saying, you know, it hinders their ability to sell the property, presumably, largely for visual reasons. So it seems like its up to us to decide if that is a substantial enough adverse effect that the request should not be approved. My particular feeling is that because its in an agricultural district, you wouldnt have quite the same expectations that you might have if it was being built right next to a residential district. And, also, that maybe the ability to find a more suitable location with less impact is also whether it even exists, but also it is constrained by the fact that tower is already in place. So I just want to be sure to acknowledge that it does feel like the adverse effect on surrounding properties is the key issue; and my judgment is that the adverse effect is not unreasonable nor meets the bar that would be such as to deny the application. But Im certainly willing to hear from others. Thank you. GALDONES:Thank you, Commissioner Graham. Commissioner Siracusa? SIRACUSA:Just to play Devils Advocate for a minute, on the other hand there are a lot of areas in, on the Big Island and in Puna specifically where people do not have access to communication. They cannot even, where I live, for example, we cant even call 911 cause were in a hollow. And, so, theres a, although I basically am against telecommunication towers as being really ugly and obtrusive, I do realize that theres a public safety issue; and I think that would probably override the concerns of the neighboring property owners. 9