2016-12-01 Hearing Transcript - Edward Torrison REZ 16-213

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generates a fair amount of traffic. There could be overflow parking on Waianuenue that poses a hazard to pedestrians, bicyclists, and emergency vehicles. Also of concern is the fact that there are many allowed uses for this type of commercial property. Once the zoning is changed, Mr. Torrison could change his mind and decide to put something else on that lot. At the last meeting, Mr. Kern made a point that this was a junk lot, and not suitable for a home. He asked who would want to live on this lot. At the end of the meeting, I suggested that Mr. Torrison put an inexpensive HPM type home and bless some family with an affordable starter home. He could recover his investment and use it to buy property in a more appropriate place. His reply was that he intended to build on this lot regardless of the outcome of the zoning request, and if he couldn't build a high-end home and sell it to a, an—let's see—his reply was that he intended to build on this lot, and if he couldn't get the zoning changed, he would not put a cheap home on it. Instead, he intended to build a high-end home and sell it to a doctor that wanted to live close to the hospital. So, I guess, the answer to the question of who would want to live on this lot is some doctor who would pay big bucks for the privilege. I would like to reiterate that this is an established residential neighborhood. A commercial building in this area does not make sense. There is too many unknowns. There are many areas in Hilo where this would make sense, and I respectfully request that you deny this zoning request. Thank you. HENKEL: Thank you, Julia. Are there any questions for these testifiers from the Commission? It not, you may return to your seats. Is there anybody else in the audience that would like to testify? Would you like to respond to any of the testimony? KERN (from audience): Yes. DARROW: Mr. Chairman, just to interject shortly. I did pass out, by request, a copy of the portion of the Zoning Code that references the Neighborhood Commercial District. So, that's been passed out to the Commission. HENKEL: Okay, thank you. And, after Zendo finishes, we'll maybe take five minutes to give the Commissioners a chance to review it. KERN: Thank you. Yes, so Zendo Kern here again. You know, appreciate the public testimony. This is part—this is part of the process. This is what makes this process, you know, democratic, and we're not always going to agree on everything. One thing was mentioned about the, the new changes how, you know, they're coming out today. If the Commission does feel the want to have, you know, me send those out to everybody again, I'm open to doing so. Just so that's out there. You know, I know one of the concerns is that, you know, there's going to be a Change of Zone here, and then what could happen there. And, that's kind of always one of the concerns with any Change of Zone. You know, the nature of the location is not going to be suitable for any high EXHIBIT D 9