2013-11-21 Leeward Planning Commission Minutes

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Mr. Darrow stated that this revocation was initiated by the Planning Director at the request of the current property owners, the Trustees of the Estate of Bernice Pauahi Bishop and Kamehameha Investment Corporation (“Applicants”). He oriented the Commission of the subject and surrounding properties on various maps and aerial photographs. He said that the part of master plan covered by SMA Use Permit No. 321 was no longer pursued, and that the Applicants were working on an alternative plan for the properties, focusing on increasing educational opportunities and Native Hawaiian cultural practices and awareness. He noted that the Planning Director recommended that the Commission approve this revocation. The Applicants’ representatives, Steven Lim and Allen Salavea, were present. Mr. Lim gave additional background information, and said that there was another SMA Use Permit, No. 61, for cultural activities, which were currently underway on the property mauka of Ali‘i Drive. He noted that the Applicants intended to keep that permit in effect. Mr. Salavea spoke of the Applicants’ alternative plan, and said that their goal was to restore the area to its former cultural significance. In response to Commissioner Hickcox’s questions, Mr. Salavea said that the property, which would include a heritage center and parking, would be open to public, as well as educational programs and activities available to local residents and tourists alike. He also said that there would be an overnight camping facility primarily to accommodate groups of students from the eastside of the island or off-island. At Mr. Command’s request, Mr. Lim clarified that the Applicants had secured SMA exemptions for the subject properties more recently to allow renovations of various preservation sites, which were already finished, that the cultural activities permitted under SMA Use Permit No. 61 were in progress, and that the revocation of SMA Use Permit No. 321 would allow the Applicants to start their alternative project with a clean slate. 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 Nelson that the Commission approve the revocation of SMA Use Permit No. 321. A roll call vote was taken and motion carried unanimously. MINUTES – The Commission took up the following minutes at 10:09 a.m.: October 17, 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. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Status of applications heard by Leeward Planning Commission that are pending before County Council – Staff had nothing to report regarding this matter. ANNOUNCEMENTS – Mr. Darrow announced that Palamanui Global Holdings, whose application was the only item tentatively scheduled for the Commission’s meeting on December 19, 2013, had requested a postponement in order to conduct further community meetings prior to a Commission hearing. 3