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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0595.035 2020-2022 ,bill 11 3 From: Debbie H Sent: Friday, February 04, 2022 12:02 PM To: Inaba, Holeka; David, Maile; Lee Loy, Sue; Roth, Mitch D; Kimball, Heather; Kierkiewicz, Ashley; Council Testimony,Villegas, Rebecca; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt; Richards, Tim; Chung, Aaron Subject: A Critique of the Re-Subdivision of Kumu Hoa in Waikoloa Aloha- The re-sudivision plan for Kumu Hoa is very vague. Please remember these points as ru ' e this re-development plan. f 1. We have a housing shortage, local families who work at the resorts need affordable ou (rental and to purchase). 2. The developer is getting to use land they already paid for. = 3. Why shouldn't the developer be held to the highest standard to justify why this re- ing�should be approved, other than the jobs it might create and the addition of much needed affordable housing? 4. A new EIS should be required for any new plan adding many more units. 5. Was the golf course part of their original open space requirement? 6. Are the construction jobs guaranteed to be local jobs? How many local jobs are estimated to be created? 7. The developer should be required to build the entire project, not just some of it, and should be prevented from assigning it to other entities without provisions for upholding conditions of approval, until the project is 100% built. ALL requirements should run with the land. 8. The re-zoning of golf course land will set a precedent for re-zonings all over the island in the future. 9. Traffic engineers say each home has 10 car trips per day, each 2 bedroom apartment 8. Think about it to and from work (2 people), kids to and from school or to bus, grocery, deliveries, Fed Ex etc. Please obtain answers to the following questions: WHO IS THE TARGET USER? CAN THIS BE AN OPPORTUNITY: This re-development could be an opportunity to provide more affordable rentals and homes for purchase near work at the resorts for local families. This would result in less vehicle miles traveled, less air pollution, less gas purchased, less wear and tear on cars (money saved) and less wear and tear on roads. Families would be strengthened by spending more time together with less time used for travel. People are currently unloading time-shares, giving them back, why build more? How is the need for 900 timeshares shown? Why timeshares so far from the airport in the already crowded resort area on already crowded roadways? 900 more rental cars on the roads and polluting the air. AFFORDABLE UNITS: Are the affordable units for purchase or rent? What is the definition of affordable, meaning what is the income allowed to qualify to purchase or rent housing? How was the distribution (ratio) of low income to time-shares derived? Who came up with 140 low-income homes? Based on what? Is there an economic analysis to justify timeshares or homes or rentals? People that work at the resorts makai of this property earn wages that are frequently not high enough to purchase houses. As a landlord with rentals, I get lots of calls for a 2-bedroom apartment who really need 3 bedrooms. This is where the need lies for worker families at less than $2,000 per month +utilities for a 2- bedroom. How will investors be handled? What is the height restriction for airflow and views? Comm.No. , i reef.To: Ref.Dote — PARKS AND OPEN SPACE: Open space and parks should be at least 20% or more of this property for families and include playgrounds, bike riding areas and trails, parks and open space for families provided by developers. Remember that this land is excess land that was "paid" for long ago as part of the subdivision process to attract buyers with golf courses. Was the golf course their open space requirement for the initial zoning? Remember what you do here will establish a precedent. RECREATION: What about walking and biking trails? Could the existing golf cart trails be used for walking, so they don't need to be ripped up and end up in the land fill?? Are there important cultural sites that should be preserved? Will beach access be provided? Will active park components be required? Tennis, pickleball, basketball courts? A much-needed swimming pool? INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDED-What about infrastructure? Developers should provide infrastructure as part of their re-zoning requirements. If not residents pay in diminished services, higher property taxes to pay for it or both. (think crowded roads, schools, hospitals, overused landfills). Infrastructure needed: schools, fire services, increased land fill and recycling programs, hospital capacity increased, road capacity to schools, shopping, waterlines, sewer lines etc. Will there be an onsite sewer treatment plant that will provide R-1 water for irrigation for the water hungry golf course? Or will the solids be hauled to the dump? Is a new water well required? Will first consideration be for longtime residents? WATER: What is the water source? Is another well required? SOLAR AND OTHER ENERGY- Solar hot water is required on all new homes in Hawaii. Will solar panels be required on new home in Hawaii County? SCHOOLS: Who pays for school for increased children? In my experience developers want to have studios and 1 bedroom to attract singles and seniors, so no kids. Our island families who work at the resorts have kids. There would be a need for school expansion. TRANSPORTATION: An electric bus could be required from the housing village to the resorts and schools to get people out of their cars? GOLF COURSE: The golf course is now 36 holes (2 full golf course). If re-developed it will be a regular 18-hole golf course and a 9-hole golf course. Are these public courses? Does the developer plan to continue use of toxic herbicides and fertilizers to maintain the golf course? Is the golf course a concession or operated by the developer? What prevents a golf course concession operator from "doing their own thing" about environmental stewardship and compliance with conditions of approval? Mahalo for your stewardship of our island. With much aloha, Debbie Hecht 808-989-3222 2