2012-08-02 Windward Planning Commission Minutes

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they could not use it as it was not built to their specifications and a new conduit would cost between $1 million to $2 million. He said they then proposed an overhead line which would cost close to $500,000 but the owner said it would kill the view. The applicant then explained the failed negotiation efforts of the landowner accommodating the Green Mountain tower. Mr. Sung noted that it took only 1 1/2 years to obtain the subject site as the people in Leilani Estates wanted the tower built in the area. He said the steel monopole will hold the weight for the antennas that are mounted on top, and also the co-ax cable that runs inside the monopole. He added that the subject site would also service customers along the Kaimu-Kalapana Road. Commissioner Au commented that towers built now are aesthetically pleasing compared to the ones previously built. For the Commission’s information, Mr. Sung said they would have to go 30 to 40 feet underground to secure the tower. He added that because he appreciated the view of the ocean, and as requested by the landowner, he looked into locating the tower away from the ocean and having it installed on the side of the Mountain where there are tall trees that would block the view of the tower. In response to Commissioner Ono’s inquiries, Mr. Sung said there is a network in place and as the population grows there would be a need for more capacity. He noted the tower will be built for co-location and would be able to service three other carriers. For the Chair’s information, Mr. Sung said the tower will cover two sections of residents and out to the ocean so that boats will also be able to get the service, noting because of the height of the tower they will be able to service more people. He said the proposed tower will cover some areas between Pohoiki and Kalapana, but he was not sure how good the handoff was in that area as the further a signal goes the less strong it is. Mr. Darrow noted that the applicant submitted a propagation map that shows the projected coverage, which appears to reach the Pohoiki area. There was no one from the public wishing to testify on the application. It was moved by Commissioner Moses and seconded by Commissioner Ono that the application be approved based on the Planning Director’s recommendation and proposed conditions. A roll call vote was taken and motions carried with six ayes (Moses, Ono, Au, Gonzales, Ishibashi, and Kern). INITIATOR: COUNTY COUNCIL Bill No. 250 amending Chapter 25, Article 7, Division 2 of the Hawai‘i County Code 1983 (2005 Edition, as amended), to increase residential density, including parking requirements, within CDH, Downtown Hilo Commercial District. The Commission took this item up at 11:55 a.m. with two people from the public in attendance. (SEE EXHIBIT C) 6