HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0941.004 2022-2024July 23, 2024
Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions
c/o Hawai'i County Council
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25 Aupuni St.
N3
Hilo HI 96720
Re: Support for Resolution 561-24
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Aloha Mr. Chair and members of the Committee,
When considering purchase of this property, the committee should consider and apply the
policies and actions in the Kona Community Development Plan. These were the basis for the
Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee opposing the extension of time for the
rezoning of this property and supporting the property being maintained as open space.
KCDP Chapter 4.3.2.b., Turning Storinwater Management into an Asset, states: "If the mauka
lands are able to mitigate some of the surface stormwater runoff, there is still a challenge in
managing stormwater runoff because of Kona's steep topography and undefined drainageways.
The objective is to identify the drainal~eways where the maior stormflows would be directed.
provide a buffer to these draina ewa s to account for our imperfect knowledge, and to design
these draina ewa s to function as recreational or open sace amenities e.g., linear parks)."
KCDP Policy ENV-1.7, Flood Corridors, states: "The County's Central Environmental
Resources Inventory (see Policy ENV- 1.1) should include the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) 100-year floodplains, as well as planned
natural flow ways identified by the Stormwater Management Program (see Policy PUB —4.7),
where redevelopment offsite runoff from existing and future development will be directed.
Collectivelv, the FIRM floodplains and the nlanncd flow ways may serve as onen snace
amenities such as linear parks and/or reenbelts between urbanized areas.
Action ENV-1.7c states, "Identify corridors to be recommended for public open space
pursuant to Policy ENV-2.2 Open Space Network Program (PD, DPW, 3-5)
In addition, KCDP CR-1.1, "Cultural Resources Commission (CRC): "Cultural Resources
Commission (CRC). The Action Committee should work close/ with the CounLy. of Hawaii
Cultural Resources Commission to implement the Kona CDP's goals, and actions for
Kona, along with the General Plan..."
As a result of this work, the KCDP and the county Cultural Resources Committee both support
this property being maintained as open space.
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Finally, it was learned from the Department of Public Works Director during the county council
public meeting on Bill 169 D2 that at some point in time the two FEMA floodways were
surveyed, mapped, and TMKs were apparently created. It was not clear from the testimony, but
it appears the county actually owns these TMKs. However, the latest FEMA snapping shows
that the floodways now extend beyond these TMKs and into the adjacent properties, If true, this
creates the potential for massive county taxpayer liability should this property be developed and
the inevitable future flood event occurs.
For these reason, HIG urges this committee to support Resolution 561-24.
Mahalo for this opportunity to testify.