HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0045.008 2002-2004 CLAUDIA WOODWARD-RICE
P.O. Box 186
Honomu, HI 96728
(808) 963-6123
email: ricesofhi(~ttilobav.com
February 6, 2003
Dc Fred Holschuh, Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Re: General Plan proposed changes Medium Density Urban expansion in Honomu
Dear Dr. Fred:
Since the end of the sugar industry, the Hamakua coast has seen many rapid changes
due to large amounts of real estate changing hands, and the development of many new
diversified agricultural activities.
Honomu is primarily an agricultural village, with a small number of storefronts and retail
businesses that serve the community and tourists on the way to Akaka Falls.
Akaka Falls Road is already burdened with the tourist traffic. This road, which has no
sidewalks or shoulders marked for pedestrians, has a steady flow of foot traffic
throughout the day. It is a special and important part of our community character that
many of us walk to the store, to the Post Office, or to visit neighbors in town.
The proposed change to future land use of 130+ acres bordering this road above the
village raises serious questions.
• With this zoning more than 400 homes could be built. Commercial use is also
mentioned. With Akaka Falls Road at its' current capacity, what additional road
would be built to handle the new traffic?
• Does this doubling or quadrupling of the population of Honomu match the "vision"
and strategic planning currently underway by Honomu residents?
• How would a second commercial center affect established businesses?
• Would Honomu become a divided village, with upscale development on one side of
the road and "quaint" Honomu on the other?
An assisted care development for seniors (as proposed) cannot possibly require such a
large land base. Since so many questions remain unanswered, 1 ask you to reject this
change to the General Plan so that any development must go through regularly required
hearings and receive the benefit of community participation.
Comm. No.
File No.
Ref. To:
$et. Datc~,y,1 g )
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Sincerely,
y~~(
Claudia Woodward-Rice
cc: Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd
Planning Committee
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street, Hilo 96720