2013-06-20 Leeward Planning Commission Minutes

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The applicant’s representative, Les Young, was in attendance. In response to the Chair’s questions regarding co-location, Mr. Young said that while a mono-pine tree tower can accommodate the same number of carriers as a typical monopole does, it begins to lose the appearance of a tree as a section of branches gets removed and replaced with additional antennas, which defeats the purpose of constructing a stealth tower. He said further that carriers typically prefer a monopole to a tree tower for co-location from a financial perspective, but that co-location on a tree tower is still less costly than constructing a new tower. Additionally, he stated that the level of reception would not at all be affected by the proposed design change. There was no one from the public wishing to testify in regard to this agenda item. It was moved by Commissioner Beaudet and seconded by Commissioner Hickcox that the Commission approve the application, with conditions as recommended by the Planning Director. A roll call vote was taken and motion carried with four ayes (Beaudet, Hickcox, Whittemore and Giffin) and one absent and excused (Nelson). APPLICANT: VIPASSANA HAWAI‘I (SPP 1091) Amendment to Condition No. 2 (establish meditation center) of Special Permit No. 1091, which allowed the establishment of the Hawai‘i Insight Meditation Center on 15 acres of land situated in the State Land Use Agricultural District. The project area is approximately 2,000 feet makai of Akoni Pule Highway and adjacent to (west of ) Halawa Gulch, Napapa‘a, North Kohala, Hawai‘i, TMK: 5-3-007: Portion of 043 (formerly portion of 001). The Commission took up this item at 9:47 a.m. with approximately twelve people from the public in attendance. (SEE EXHIBIT A) MINUTES – The Commission took up the following minutes at 10:30 a.m.: May 16, 2013 – It was moved by Commissioner Hickcox and seconded by Commissioner Whittemore that the minutes be approved as submitted. Motion was unanimously carried by a voice vote of all Commissioners in attendance. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS – The Commission took up the following administrative matters at 10:31 a.m.: Status of applications heard by Leeward Planning Commission that are pending before County Council – Mr. Arai had nothing to report under this section of the agenda. ANNOUNCEMENTS – Mr. Arai announced that the next meeting was scheduled for July 18, 2013, and that the August meeting might be cancelled since presently there was nothing to be placed on the agenda. He also announced that Ms. Barbara Nobriga had been nominated and would succeed Mr. Wayne Iokepa as an “at-large” member, if confirmed by the County Council. He added that there were no candidates yet for the North Kohala seat formerly held by Ms. Lani Bowman. 2