HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0898.005 2020-2022 G
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From: Janet Matlock $'" I"} j
Sent: Monday, August 15, 2022 9:27 AM
To: Council Testimony 2811 AM 15 AN q,. 43
Subject: Support Bill 194
Aloha e Councilmembers,
I appreciate and support the intention of Bill 194 to limit extension of time for zoning changes and developments.
If possible, I suggest clarification in the proposed language to indicate that if a project is not completed in the original
time frame, the zoning and approval of that project is void, and all of the background work(archeological surveys,
traffic studies, outreach to agencies,to name just a few) must be undertaken anew, as if this were the first time this
application has ever been considered.
There have been and continue to be so many expired and extended projects where the developer pleads that there were
unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances for non-completion, but swears they have been diligently working behind
the scenes (on paper), and that their project still "checks the boxes" of the original request.
These requests are, at best, rubber stamped by the Planning Director and sent to the Planning Commission with a
positive recommendation. This puts the Planning Commissioners in a position of being asked to forward that rubber
stamp to the County Council, rather than consider the project on its current merit or lack thereof.
Since these extensions go through all the paperwork hoops of being submitted to the Planning Department and
hopping from Commission to Council, all with the Planning Director's positive recommendation,the quote of
Planning Director Zendo Kern in West Hawaii Today 8/15/22, is technically correct: `Bill 194 reflects past and
current practices with the Council and Planning Director,"Kern said. "I look forward to discussion at the Planning
Committee."
What is missing in Mr. Kern's statement and the Bill's language are firm deadlines and expiration dates for
completion. If a zoning request is made, if a SMA is approved, if a development is authorized, then it needs to be
completed in the original time allotted. If it hasn't even broken ground,then it is void. Clarifying this in the language
of Bill 194 would be helpful.
Mahalo for your consideration.
janet Matlock
Kailua Kona
Comm. No. %q%'9
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