2015-4.2 AC-PD Keaau GP amend draft ltr

Home

Communication No. 2015 -4.2 should be considered as part of any effort to define the Kea'au Regional Town Center area, including the vast area mauka of Highway 11 currently designated Urban Expansion. Also of concern, USDA currently offers 100% mortgage financing in the area. Once rezoned to Urban Expansion, USDA will no longer be able to offer home loans as is the case now in Hilo which is classified as Urban. This will limit loan options to families who may need the financing assistance. The PCDP clearly calls for the creation of town center master plans prepared through an inclusive community based process to guide future residential, commercial and industrial development in Puna. As far as the PCDP AC is aware, there was no public community input prior to Resolution 464 -14 being presented to the Hawai'i County Council and the AC is concerned that valuable community input and concerns have not been heard or considered. The AC does not believe that sufficient information and analysis has been provided to make an informed recommendation on the proposed LUPAG amendments. Therefore, the PCDP AC suggests that one or more public meetings should be held with representatives from the County, the major landholders, and residents to discuss any proposals to amend the land use designations under the General Plan prior the presentation of the amendment to the Windward Planning Commission. The Committee is willing to assist in any way we can to ensure the community has an opportunity to participate and be heard. Thank you for your consideration of our concerns.