HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0019.050 2002-2004 ~I
~ ~ 1,:..
3 ~l
P.O. Box 342 ~
Volcano, HI 96785
January 2, 2002
Mr. Gary Safarlk
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Stret
Hilo, HI 96720
Dear Mr. Safarlk,
I am attaching my previous testimony in opposition to the application by Maurice
Thomas for a lumber warehouse and equipment rental business in Volcano Vilage.
I would only add that it is questionable whether a lumber warehouse and
equipment rental business Is legally allowed In this type of commercial zoning.
Ace Hardware In Hilo has a small
am- ount o~umber available for the weekend do-
it-yourself folks. Something along this Ilne, which Mr. Thomas could do on the
portion of his property that is already zoned commercial, would be more
appropriate to this small community. It is unlikely that Mr. Thomas will be able to
compete with the larger operations such as HPM, Honsador, Argus, and Pierson
that deliver larger amounts of lumber to Volcano for free. Since Mr. Thomas
would have free reign down the road ff commercial zoning were granted, there Is
cause for concern, given his history of not being completely forthcoming about
his plans.
I urge you to DENY this application, as it represents a major change in direction
for commercial development in Volcano Village. Once something of this nature is
allowed, it cannot be reversed.
Yours truly,
Jeffrey Mermel
Comm. No.
Fi,e No. Z N G 1~ N
Ref. To
Ref. Date
August 12, 2002
To: Chris Yuen, Planning Director
and
Members of the Hawaii County Planning Commission
As a resident of Volcano Village for 26 years, I urge you to DENY the application by
Maurice Thomas for a lumber yard and equipment rental in the heat of Volcano Village for the
following reasons:
I) THESE TWO TYPES OF BUSINESSES ARE NOT NEEDED IN VOLCANO
As a supplier of building specialty items myself for 23 years, I know lumber to be a
highly competitive commodity. When someone plans a building project involving lumber, one
usually gets quotes on a material list From Honsador, Argus, Pierson, HPM, etc., some as close as
Keaau. There is no way a relatively small rural supplier can compete on selection and price with
these big, established companies.
2) THE PROPOSED ACTIVITY DESTROYS THE RURAL AND PEACEFUL SETTING
The present hardware store sits in a residential neighborhood, where people have chosen
Volcano for its peace and quiet. To bring in the noise of lumber trucks, plus compressors, chain
saws and other rental equipment being test fired is not compatible in my opinion.
We've chosen a rural lifestyle in Volcano. Are we becoming more lazy? Do we need to
bring all the so-called "conveniences" of Hilo up to the native rain forest or can we be more
selective on what we truly need?
3). THE CONSTRUCTION WILL DESTROY NATIVE FOREST AND DESTROY
WILDLIFE HABITAT.
The construction will take out a native forest over 300 feet long and destroy the homes of
native birds and other wild life. This loss is not justified for the so called "benefits."
4) TRUCK TRAFFIC WILL INCREASE IN A SCHOOL ZONE
With the Volcano School of Arts and Sciences just up the street, more and more people
use the walking/biking lane that runs along the front of the proposed expanded use azea.
Increased truck traffic could endanger the children biking and waling to the neighborhood school.
I understand the applicant convinced some Volcano Community Association Boazd
members to write a letter of support on false VIA stationery without the consent and due
process of the VCA President and full board. The applicant does not have a history, in my
opinion, of being completely truthful about his long term plans.
5houid you decide to approve the application, then I would urge you to limit other
ativities in that space (i.e., auto repair, etc). if and when the lumber yard fails.
As a past President of the Volcano Community Association, I have noticed the County
approving permits in Volcano Village after the fact. This flies in the face of the planning process!
I urge the Planning Commission to respect the Volcano 2020 Plan and undertake any community
planning process that involves all stakeholders.
Yours truly,
Jeffrey Mermel
P.O. Box 342
Volcano, HI 96785