2013-10-17 Leeward Planning Commission Minutes

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proposed facility was necessary in order to offload wireless traffic and enhance coverage and capacity. Commissioner Whittemore commented on the applicant’s choice of the site within the parcel, which was at a higher elevation and thus seemed to have a greater visual impact, and asked if there was any technical reason why the tower could not be constructed in a lower spot. Mr. Fox responded that the applicant had originally considered a lower section along Kuakini Highway, which was much closer to utilities, and therefore less costly, but that the applicant had opted for the northern corner because the facility would actually be less visible from the highway. He also said that the higher elevation of the selected site would allow the applicant to keep the tower height lower than initially planned. He added that due to the elevation increase from the proposed site to Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway, the tower would protrude 22 feet above the highway at the most. It was moved by Commissioner Whittemore and seconded by Commissioner Nelson 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 (Whittemore, Nelson, Nobriga and Hickcox) and two absent and excused (Beaudet and Giffin). APPLICANT: MAMALAHOA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (SPP 603) Revocation of Special Permit No. 603, originally approved by the Planning Commission on August 28, 1992 and issued to the Christian Science Society of Kailua-Kona, Inc. to allow for the establishment of a church and Sunday school on 1.9 acres of land situated within the State Land Use Agricultural District. The property is located on the north (mauka) side of Kuakini Highway, approximately 300 feet southeast of the intersection of Kuakini Highway and Keākealani Drive, Hōlualoa, North Kona, Hawai‘i, TMK: 7-6-024:032. The Commission took up this item at 10:05 a.m. with one person from the public in attendance. Mr. Darrow stated that the applicant had submitted a letter requesting that Special Permit No. 603 be revoked as they had no intention of pursuing development under this existing permit at this time. He noted an error in the Department’s background and recommendation report, which indicated the date of the permit approval as August 28, 1992; he requested that the year be changed to 1985. He said that the Planning Director recommended revocation of this permit. No public statements were presented in regard to this agenda item. It was moved by Commissioner Whittemore and seconded by Commissioner Nelson that the Commission approve the request to revoke Special Permit No. 603. A roll call vote was taken and motion carried with four ayes (Whittemore, Nelson, Nobriga and Hickcox) and two absent and excused (Beaudet and Giffin). MINUTES – The Commission took up the following minutes at 10:09 a.m.: September 26, 2013 – It was moved by Commissioner Whittemore and seconded by Commissioner Nelson that the minutes be approved as submitted. Motion was unanimously carried by a voice vote of all Commissioners in attendance. 3