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LAND' *:-, <br /> PLANNING 194 wiwo`ole St. Hilo, HI 96720 <br /> (808) 333-3393 <br /> H AWA I I L L C <br /> info@landplanninghawaii.com <br /> Density <br /> Similar to concerns regarding building height, community residents have concerns <br /> regarding the density of the development, which is proposed to contain 34-units. The <br /> subject property is designated as Medium Density Urban, which allows for 35 units per <br /> acre, which is consistent with the 34 units proposed for the 1.195-acre property. It is <br /> understandable that community members would be concerned about higher-density <br /> developments, however, as a part of the Kona Urban Area, this is one of the few areas <br /> that allows for higher density in the County. Constraining larger developments to the <br /> urban area allows for the preservation of rural character outside of these designated areas <br /> while also helping to address the housing deficit in Hawaii County. <br /> Open Areas <br /> As the subject property is currently vacant, concerns about the reduction in green or open <br /> spaces along Ali`i Drive were raised. While the project would result in new construction, <br /> open areas would be preserved on the property. The proposed project will adhere to <br /> required shoreline setbacks that preserve shoreline scenic and open space resources. <br /> Public shoreline recreation access will be improved by the easement pathways and <br /> parking spaces provided by the proposed project. Shoreline access will be available <br /> through established non-exclusive easements running east-west and north-south on the <br /> subject property for pedestrian access plus three (3)parking stalls. <br /> Additionally, as one testifier who is a resident of the adjacent Kona Isle Condominium <br /> noted, the subject property has had issues with homelessness encampments in the past, <br /> resulting in litter, noise and safety concerns. Given the urban nature of the area, if left <br /> vacant, it will be difficult for the landowner to keep the property secure and avoid similar <br /> issues in the future. Developing the property will alleviate this issue. <br /> Environmental Resources <br /> Several concerns regarding environmental resources were raised by one resident, <br /> including potential impacts of runoff on coral reefs and marine life and coastal pollution. <br /> While any development has the potential to negatively impact environmental resources, <br /> mitigation measures are planned in order to minimize these impacts. A site drainage plan <br /> will be prepared for approval by the Department of Public works in order to ensure that <br /> runoff is appropriately disposed of on site. Additionally, the proposed project will be <br /> developed in accordance with construction Best Management Practices to minimize <br /> adverse impacts to air pollution, sedimentation, and erosion, control stormwater runoff, <br /> and wastewater management. In terms of wastewater, the project will connect to the <br /> County sewer system. The project will be designed to minimize runoff and adhere to the <br />