HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0608.010 2000-2002 August 27, 2002
Honorable James Y. Arakaki, Chairman REc".~r~v'
Hawaii County Council ,~t~aa,,..~,....,,~_~
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25 Aupuni Street i9ar~w__~r_____~:~~~~%?~~:_...,.,.,.,.,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720 court+y Co~~~~I
RE: Ordinance amending Charpter 23 of the Hawaii Code relating to Pre-Existing Lots
Dear Chairman Arakaki and Members,
One of the ordinances before you today may negatively impact my client, Dr. Paul
Brennan, awell-respected minister and a retired anthropologist who is currently pastor at
the First Chinese Churh of Christ in Honolulu. In 1991, he and his wife purchased a
large parcel of farmland in Ninole. Their intention is to reside on a portion the property
and to donate the balance to a consortium of agencies that provide agricultural training to
foster children. These agencies include the Salvation Army and family courts. The
Brennans presently lease the entire property to the consortium.
The property is bisected by a flume right-of--way which created two separate lots. The
Brennans need to do a consolidation/resubdivision in order to create a lot for themselves
and the other for the consortium of agencies serving foster children. The new ordinance
does not make it clear what is considered apre-existing lot. If the bisected portion is not
recognized because of the new ordinance the Brennans will not be able to do what is
necessary to achieve their goals of living on the property and donating a portion to a very
worthy cause. Therefore, I urge you to send the ordinance back to the Planning
Department for further revision to clarify the definition ofpre-existing lot under Section
23-118, which should specifically state that this section shall not affect the recognition of
pre-existing lots which were created by the separation of lots by railroad right-of--ways,
roadway lots, flumes, etc. Changes to existing rules and policies should only be made
with the utmost care and consideration as to the consequences to small landowners such
as the Brennans.
Sincerely yours,
> ~ ~ ~
Karen B. Clarkson
P.O. Box 1396
Honokaa, HI 96727
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