HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0019.045 2002-200401/07/2003 14:36 8089677581 MORRISON ARCHITECT PAGE 01
VOLCANO - HAWAII - 96785-0131
Telephone (808)967-7512 FAX (808)967-7581
E- m a l l b o o n e 0 a l o h a. n• t
7 January, 2003
Hawaii County Council
County Building, Hilo
Ladies & Gentlemen of the Council:
I am writing to oppose the above noted application for a number of
reasons that relate directly to Volcano Village, but also to many of
our small communities on Hawaii Island.
The State of Hawaii "Volcano Historic Building Inventory" (1993),
an official document of the State Historic Preservation Division of
DLNR, has identified more than 130 qualifying buildings in the
community - the highest percentage of any jurisdiction in Hawaii.
From this one can see that the historic character of the Village is
largely intact and is therefore worthy of serious consideration for
overall preservation by some means.
A structure such as is proposed by Mr. Thomas will severely impact
this historic character, as well as not being compliant with current
County of Hawaii Planning Code provisions. Warehousing in CV
districts Is not permitted under this Code and the proposed use for
the structure will not meet the Code requirements.
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The scale (size) and character (design) of buildings can be either a
significant contribution to the overall character of the Village, or
can be a severe detriment. The commercial area on Highway #11
outside of Hilo is perhaps an excellent example of the negative
impact such structures to our community.
As the Council has heard, there are no objections to the provision
for the retailing of the proposed products in the Village - it is a
needed and anticipated element which the community needs.
However, warehousing at the scale proposed simply is not in
character with the overall Village, particularly when it is located on
the main road along which many of our historic properties are
located. The commercial needs can well be served with a far less
Intrusive facility.
The Council carries a significant responsibility for the preservation
of the rural character of our island and the built environment is
perhaps the most important consideration involved. Once one
inappropriate structure is in place, little can be done to mitigate it -
just as the demolition of a valued historic property cannot be
undone.
Decisions made now will effect the future of Volcano Village for
years to come and 1 urge the Council to look far beyond the
immediate application to judge the long term effects which will be
the result of such decisions.
As a 30 year resident of volcano Village, and as an Architect
working State-wide in historic restoration, l am deeply concerned
that this seemingly small decision could destroy the character of
one of our Island's unique communities.
Please, consider this carefully.
nn0gRs
Aloha
1_� C? I
I W" StIONAL
No. 6
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Architect