2018-03-30 Farmers Market Rebuttal and Chronology -- press release

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the Department of Public Works, a feasible solution was determined that allowed for a simplified structure. o Schedule and Budget. The Executive Assistant helped the owner to assess how much the owner could finance to design and construct a permanent structure based on the substantial total annual rent income the owner receives from the vendors. Additional help also identified steps to start construction of a permanent structure including development of a schedule to meet the March 2018 deadline. The schedule required prompt action by the owner.  Critical and Timely Actions Needed by Owner to Meet Schedule. o Hire an architect to design a permanent structure and prepare the building permit application. o Secure financing for design and construction. o Apply for amendment to SMA permits for preferred hours of operation and revised design of structure. o Secure Plan Approval for commercial operations.  No Action by Owner. On May 24, 2017, the Mayor and several departments met with the owner to assess his progress. Despite assurances from the owner to carry out critical tasks identified in the last meeting, it became evident that the owner made no progress. Consequently, the County issued notice of violations in June 2017 requiring the owner to obtain temporary structure permits or submit plans for a permanent structure. The assessed fines for violations and failure to meet deadlines were clearly outlined in the violation notice.  Time Extensions Granted. Three time extensions were granted over a 6-month period through December 31, 2017 to provide time for the owner to comply. At the end of December 2017, the owner submitted applications for temporary structures. These permits were approved but the owner has not picked up the approved permits.  Order Issued. To motivate action, the only recourse was to issue an Order imposing fines as declared in the June 2017 violation notice. The County of Hawaiʻi has worked closely with the owner and made numerous efforts to help preserve the Hilo Farmers Market and bring it into compliance. It is incumbent upon the owner to continue to work with the County in a timely manner to secure the necessary permits to operate his business. The County is committed to assisting the owner in developing a permanent Farmers Market that can be a fixture of the Hilo landscape, provide a safe environment for the community to shop, and help make Hilo a beautiful and nice place to live.