2013-40 Ellis Testimony re SPP 1122

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school, community events, and performances have all evolved from the wishes of the majority of our local community residents. A recent 2012 survey of Red Road residents by KAPONO identified the features most supported for our community. SPACE currently provides eight of the top ten listed features requested: farmers' market, community meeting place, community bulletin board, emergency shelter, outdoor event area, entertainment/performance theater, Freecycle/barter, and public restrooms. Over many years we have learned that our community development initiatives are similar to many government or private developments where the needs and desires of the greater community sometimes coming into conflict with the needs and desires of a small minority. We continuously work to resolve these conflicts. Regarding comments in your draft letter of July 9" to Planning Director Duane K.anuha: • We take great offense to the claim "that Hawaii's Volcano Circus, Ltd. (S.P.A.C.E.) is operating more like a business than a community service" We operate on a subsistence budget because we charge exceptionally low rates for our services. Where else in Hawaii can kids attend performance arts classes for $2 per hour? Our five staff members are all part time employees, including our executive director who has to do two other paid jobs to support her family. Community volunteers provide the majority of the work at SPACE. On a weekly basis year round we provide more services to more people than the County of Hawaii run Pahoa Community Center which costs the tax payers $11,000 every month. Are they a business? • "Heavy traffic" is a subjective description. A preliminary Traffic Impact Analysis Report prepared for Planning Department, and stamped by a professional engineer, indicates that the impact is not sufficient to necessitate any major improvements. • "Noise" is also very subjective. SPACE has never been cited for any noise violations. The State Department of Health has established objective and quantifiable permitted levels for sound. Seaview Estate lots, including SPACE, are zoned AG with 70db permitted 24 hours, 7 days a week. Our proposal is for a condition that limits our noise output to 60db until 9:30 pm only. • SPACE fully embraces the spirit, and much of the wording, of Section 3.2.1 and makes no claim to being, and has no desire to become, a "village center" as defined by the PCDP. • Regarding Section 3.2.2g - through our partnership with HAAS charter school, students have received education in agriculture, alternative energy, and resource recycling and recovery while attending SPACE. while most of our sustainable