2007-07-09 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes

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Mr. Witten noted that the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Preparation Notice was published in May 2007 and that it has embraced the community plan and CGP as it will focus on open space and urban expansion. At the beginning of next year they will be going before the State Land Use Commission to change the zoning of a portion of these lands to Urban which would be consistent with the CGP. In regards to the 217 acres which have not yet been zoned, 83 acres have been zoned for general industrial use along the highway as the remaining lands below the Mamalahoa Trail remain the subject of the EIS review process. Ms. Garcia asked whether there would be open access to the public and if so, would it be gated or limited to the public shoreline park area. Mr. Witten replied that the public would gain access through the Kohanaiki side or the southern boundary along with the existing jeep road as a pedestrian access along the shoreline. The Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority ( NELHA) will limit vehicular access on the northern side to protect an archaeological preserve. Mr. Campbell then questioned what would the median price of the homes be and about what percentage of the housing would be affordable. Mr. Witten responded that it would be a primary residential community with approximately 20 percent for affordable housing based on the County requirements. Mr. Campbell then asked if there would be parking available. Mr. Witten did note that they are not sure yet about how much stalls will be available but did mention that there will be approximately 950 -1200 units which will be tailored to the local residents. Mr. Flores asked for clarification of the proposed petition area shown on the exhibit map. Mr. Witten stated that approximately half of the 75 acres would be left zoned Conservation under the State Land Use Conservation District, the mauka portion of the lands would be urbanized in line with the NELHA archaeological preserve, 38 acres will be retained in Conservation and the remaining lands will be set aside in open space preserve. Ms. Springer then asked if any community groups in the Kohanaiki area were contacted regarding the proposed project. Mr. Witten did mention that they have been working with Mr. Bob Rechtman who has conducted a cultural impact assessment and have been in discussions with Mr. Peter Park as part of an on -going process. MICHAEL CROSSON Mr. Michael Crosson, a member of Mauka and Makai Access Committee (MAMA) spoke in support of Communication Nos. 07 -038 — 07 -047 and expressed his concerns regarding the significance of a stretch of populated coastline along the Hamakua coast which unfortunately has no shoreline access. Mr. Crosson mentioned that if possible, acquisition of the lower cane haul road which runs almost the entire length of the coast would provide access and in addition possibly benefit various government agencies and private entities. Mr. Crosson suggests to the Commission that funds be established to hire an abstractor and a surveyor to help in locating old government roads and trails. Next, he suggests that the Mayor instruct the County Planning Department to enforce the shoreline setback area along the coast -2-