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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0595.082 2020-2022 P/P& bill ll2 GOMM. Od l I }lf-�MA I From: Debbie H Sent: Friday, February 18, 2022 10:42 AMe To: Deb Hecht 1027 NEED 18' AN 1056 Subject: Bill 112 & 115 Planning Committee- KUMU HOU Re-SUBDIVISION COULD BE A SUSTAINABLE WIN-WIN FOR OUR ISLAND KUMU HOU Re-SUBDIVISION COULD BE A SUSTAINABLE WIN-WIN FOR OUR ISLAND The re-development of 9 holes of golf course for Kumu Hou subdivision in Waikoloa could be a win-win opportunity for the developer and for island families who work at the resorts and need affordable housing. This reuse of golf course land will set a precedent for other under-used golf courses. Golfers are aging out, young people are not playing golf, so golf courses are not getting used. Golf courses were built to attract people to resorts, so this paid for land is close to resorts where workforce housing is needed. There is a housing shortage for residents so this is a perfect location for affordable workforce housing. Proposed are 900 additional timeshares and some "affordable" homes. WHY are more timeshare rental units needed? The County can set a precedent that is a win-win situation for developers and for island residents. AFFORDABLE WORKFORCE HOUSING BENEFITS and QUESTIONS: Having workers live near work would result in fewer vehicle miles traveled, less gas purchased, less air pollution, 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 moms and dads commuting to work. AFFORDABLE UNITS: Are the affordable units for purchase or rent? Two- and three-bedroom units should be required for families, not needed are studios and 1 bedrooms. What are the requirements for affordable? What income is allowed to qualify to purchase or rent housing? How was the distribution (ratio) of low income to time-shares derived? WHY only 140 low-income homes?? Where is the economic analysis to justify timeshares or homes or rentals? INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDED- Developers should be required to provide infrastructure as part of their re-zoning requirements, OR existing residents pay in diminished services AND higher property taxes to pay for the developer's infrastructure. (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. • SEWERS CAN PRODUCE IRRIGATION WATER: An onsite sewer treatment plant should be required that will provide R-1 water for irrigation for the water hungry golf course and landscaping. Solids from septic tanks should not be hauled to the dump. • WATER: What is the water source? Are more wells required? • SOLAR AND OTHER ENERGY should be required for all developments island-wide to reduce the need for natural resources. Hawaii energy is generated mostly by imported gasoline. Solar hot water is now required on all new homes in Hawaii. Cornm.N 2 1 Ref,To: Ref.Dote PARKS AND OPEN SPACE- Open space and parks should be at least 20% or more of all subdivisions. Will the use of 9 holes of golf course reduce the open space available? Was the golf course included in the open space requirement for the initial zoning? The original zoning requirement for open space should be added to the new open space requirement. Developers should provide playgrounds, parks, bike riding and walking trails and parks. Remember the re- purposing of golf course land will establish a precedent for other golf course rezonings. RECREATION: Could the existing golf cart trails be used for walking or biking, so the cement isn't ripped up and ends up in the landfill?? Are there important cultural sites to be preserved? Will beach access be provided? Will active park components be required like tennis, pickle ball and basketball courts and a much-needed public swimming pool? SCHOOLS: Who pays for schools for more keiki? In my experience developers want to have studios and 1 bedroom to attract singles and seniors, so no kids. Island families who work at the resorts have kids. There could be a need for school expansion, who pays? TRANSPORTATION: An electric bus system should 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 courses). 25% of the open land will be re-developed. Remaining will be a regular 18-hole golf course and a 9-hole golf course. Can these be 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 as a public benefit? Deed Restrictions should be in place requiring environmentally sensitive stewardship with accountability measures. The above conditions of re-zoning should run with the land and be up for re-approval by the County Council in 4 years, so any subsequent owner must abide by the same requirements and restrictions. 1. A new Environmental Impact Statement should be required for any new plan adding many more units. 2. What will the open space requirement be for the new development? This should be added to the new development's OS requirement to equal at least 20% of the land. 3. Timeshares are more appropriate by the airport to keep people off the roads. Where is the economic impact statement for this "need"? 4. The re-zoning of golf course land will set a precedent for re-zonings of under- used golf course land in the future. Let's get this right. This is an opportunity to create a win-win situation for our island. Our island has finite land resources. The re-zoning of golf courses will establish a precedent. It would be a huge public benefit to provide affordable workforce housing where it is needed, at the resorts. The developer wins by using land that is already paid for and a new source of profit. Island families win by having affordable workforce housing close to jobs, reducing commute times, having more spendable income and having more time with their families. We all win by providing housing for residents, getting people off the highways, reducing gasoline use, reducing air pollution and wear and tear on roads. Working together we can make difference in our quality of life for everyone) 2 ahalo to your service to the people of the County of Hawaii. With warm aloha- Debbie Hecht si 'i a 'I I Irt 'i 3