HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0019.059 2002-2004 Testimony Requesting Denial of
Mr. Maurice Thomas' Application
for Zone Change, Bill 4
by Stephanie K. Grout RECEf'Y~
P . 0 . Bo x 15 9 gY;...~
Volcano, HI 96785-0159 'ls
County Coundl
January 23, 2003
Please deny this application for zone change.
This request reflects the desire of a number of Volcano Village
residents, besides myself, who are not afraid of change, nor are
members of an elite group. These are people who have worked Yrard
for years to gain whatever they may have, people who have come to
the public hearings on this issue, even though it wasn't
convenient or easy to do so; some made the first three hearings
but could not be here today. They don't come en masse, they don't
wear matching t-shirts, nor do they want change for the sake of
change. They appreciate that they are indeed °haves," that all of.
us who are lucky enough to live in Volcano Village, as it is now
and has been for many years, are "haves." And they realize that. if
this precedent setting, peace disturbing project is approved, we
will all become "have Hots," because we will lose something
essential to the Volcano we love. Once you purchase convenience at
such a high price, it's too late to get back what you've lost.
The supporters of this project are sincere people. I can only
imagine, then, that they rnust not realize what the impact of such
a large enterprise will be. I have drawn building plans for some
years. It's often the case that, even though people have given me
the dimensions of the house they want and have approved of. the
drawings I've made, they are suprised at the size of the actua_
structure after it has been built.
Beyond the physica]. si:ee of these structures, it's the noise
about which I am moat concerned. Several hundred yards of forest
might buffer the noise of a small equipment rental business run in
an uninsulated metal building, but this proposal only offers a
fraction of that buffering. That noise will be a factor in Volcano
Village's life from now on, if this rezoning is approved. That's
not desirable change.
Light industrial uses do not belong along the main street. of a
small, forested community, where many residents' incomes,
including mine, are derived from tourism, where visitors come to
enjoy the peace and quiet of the upland rainforest (as do its
residents). The proposed development is inappropriate and entirely
out of scale for the area.
Thank ycu again for your patience and genuine concern.
Gomm. No.
File No._
Ref. TobV~~'
xer. Hate aAN 2 3 2003