Comm. No. 2018-07 AC FINAL letter to Group 70 International, INC: Pre-consultation Draft Env. Assessment for the Pāhoa Public Library Site Selection.pdf

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Mr. Michael Yee, Planning Director April 6, 2018 Page 3 Pahoa Town. Pedestrians would need to traverse the limited shoulder of Highway 130 to access this proposed site, which could prove especially dangerous for school aged children. The Puna CDP sites the following: • Goal 4.3.1.d Traffic congestion and traffic -related health risks are reduced. • Goal 4.4.1.a Highways have design features that improve traffic safety and reduce collisions particularly at intersections. Site 2 — Pahoa District Park — TMK (3)1-5-002:020. The subject property is located in the heart of Pahoa Village. The Puna CDP notes that this parcel "presents a good opportunity to expand the regional park and provide other facilities to stimulate the development of the town core. " The Planning Department is currently in the process of selecting a consultant to develop a Regional Town Center Master Plan and Wastewater Feasibility Study for Pahoa. Should the Pahoa Public Library be located on this property, it would mean safe walkable access for two Public schools: Hawaii Academy of Arts & Science Public Charter School and Pahoa Elementary, Intermediate, and High School. While the Puna CDP does not speak directly to libraries, it is clear that the intent of the CDP is to encourage development of public facilities within village/town centers. This type of development brings the public and traffic into areas that are specifically intended for that level of use, thus preserving the countryside and surrounding natural resources. The Puna CDP sites the following: • Action 3.1.3.c Facilitate land use entitlements and other tools for the development of existing and future village/town centers and special design districts by: 1) Recommending approval of applications for commercial zoning or use permits for existing commercial uses in designated village/town centers that do not presently have appropriate entitlements, and for proposed uses at appropriate nearby locations, provided that the size and use of the expansion area conforms to the criteria applicable to the type of village/town center at that location; and 2) Recommending denial of applications for zone changes for commercial or light industrial use on sites. Site 3 — Highway 130 Mauka (DLNR) — TMK (3)1-5-008:001. This site poses the same access and traffic concerns as Site 1. As previously stated, Site 2 [Pahoa District Park] TMK (3)1-5-002:020 is the Puna CDP Action Committees preferred location for the Pahoa Public Library.