2013-03-07 Windward Planning Commission Minutes

Home

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – 9:30 a.m. APPLICANT: JAS W. GLOVER, LTD. (SPP 12-145) Continued hearing on an application for a Special Permit to allow the establishment of a new quarry site on approximately 10.15 acres within a 140.368-acre property situated within the State Land Use Agricultural District. The project site is located east of the Hawaii National Guard Site and Hilo International Airport and approximately 3,800 feet west of the County's Sewer Treatment Plant Site at Honohono-nui, South Hilo, Hawaii, TMK: 2-1-13:Portion of 4. The Commission took this item up at 9:31 a.m. with approximately 30 people from the public in attendance. Mr. Darrow gave some background information and stated that the applicant, Planning Department, and State Land Use Commission have agreed to proceed with the application with the stipulation in Condition No. 2 that the applicant file a Special Permit application to establish quarry activities for the remainder of the 140.368-acre property identified as TMK: 2-1-013: 004. He indicated on the presentation map the location of the subject property, along with other special permits granted in the area. The applicant’s representative, Roy Vitousek, gave some background information on their attempts to resolve the issue regarding a special permit for the entire acreage and stated all parties have agree to allow the applicant to go forward with the 10.15-acre special permit provided the applicant apply for a special permit for the balance of the area. He thanked all parties in their attempts to resolve this problem. Mr. Vitousek agreed with the Planning Department’s Background and Recommendation. In response to the Chair’s inquiry, Mr. Vitousek said approving this special permit would allow the applicant to operate for two years, and would also allow the applicant time to obtain a permit for the balance of the parcel. In the absence of this, they would have to find some other place quickly, noting this is an area devoted to that use historically and there have been no adverse impacts from this area. He added that since the applicant has a lease on the total of 140 acres, much of which have already been quarried, the backup plan is to accelerate the application through the Land Use Commission or go through a contested case hearing with the Planning Commission, noting much of the work Glover does is roadway work primarily for the State and County. There was no one from the public wishing to testify on the application. It was moved by Commissioner Ishibashi and seconded by Commissioner Gonzales, that the application be approved as recommended by the Planning Director, with conditions. Motion carried with four ayes (Ishibashi, Gonzales, Moses and Au), and one absent and excused (Ono). RECESSED - The Chair called a short recess at 9:40 a.m. RECONVENED - The Chair reconvened the meeting at 9:51 a.m. 3