Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0099.014 2002-2004 MAR-18-2003 15:13 FROM: REG.B GOUT. qFF. 546-6400 T0:808 961 891x2 ~P.001~004 1/ ~ pp ~~~~,1 Verizon Hawall Inc. FAX COVER SHEET PATE: 3/18103 TIME: 3:31 PM - TO: County Clerk's offloe PHONE: 8618255 FAX: 961-8912 FROM: JoAnn Yosemorl PHONE: 546-3888 FAX: 546-8900 Message I apologize for the lateness of this testimony. Faxed is testimony from Paul Oshiro, Verizon Hawaii on Bill 265 Draft 3 to be heard by the County CounGl tomorrow at 8:00 AM. Mr. Oshiro will regretfully, not be able to deliver his testimony in person-submitting written only. Number of paw iacluding cover aheec ,_4_ o~. x 9. Fu. x0. liar. >k~ MAR 19 2003 MAR-18-2003 15:13 FROM:REG.& G0~'T. RFF. 546-6400 T0:908 961 8912 P.002~004 BILL 265 DRAFT 3 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 25 (ZONING CODE) OF THE HAWAI'1 COUNTY CODE, REWTING TO SCENIC CORRIDOR OVERLAY DISTRICTS BY PAUL OSHIRO DIRECTOR -GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS VERIZON HAWAII MARCH 19, 2003 Chair Arakaki and Members of the Hawaii County Council: I am Paul Oshiro, submitting testimony on behalf of Verizon Hawaii on Bill 265 Draft 3, "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 25 (ZONING CODE) OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE, RELATING TO SCENIC CORRIDOR OVERLAY DISTRICTS." SUMMARY This bill adds a new division to Chapter 25 (Zoning Code) of the Hawaii County Code m address Scenic Corridor Overlay Districts (SCOD). Its passage would enable the Hawaii County Council to place segments of public roadways that are at least three miles in length, into a SCOD by ordinance. ' Although Verizon Hawaii supports the general Intent of this bill we are concemad with the overall ambiguity of the bill. 1g,AT1Q.dB,LE Verizon Hawaii appreciates the overall intent of Bill 265, Draft 3, which provides for the enhancement of the scenic, historic, recreational, cultural andlor natural features within an area adjacent to a transportation corridor. However, we have reservations on Rs passage in Its present form due to the overall ambiguity of the bill: 1. "Sectloo 23-S-61. Criteria for eaurbliatttttq a 9cettic Corridor Overlay Dtatrtct": Criteria is not specific to the establishment of a SCOD; Present proposed criteria for the establishment of a scenic corridor includes the following s MRR-18-2003 15:13 FROM: REG.& GOVT. RFF. 546-6400 T0:808 961 8912 P.003~004 requirements: "...(c) will enhance Hawaii County's signiScant natural, visual, recreation, historic and/or cultural qualities, (d) will protect and enhance the attractiveness of Hawaii County to make it a better place to live, work, visit, sect play; (e) will improve Hawaii County's economic vitality by enhancing and protecting our unique natural, visual, historic, cultural, and recreational resources..." Although the general Intent of this criteria is honorable; it is also very subjective. Specific criteria is needed to identify a true SCOD and those areas that will qualify as one. 2. "Section 2s-6-62. Minimum corridor length." The minimum corridor length for a SCOD is three (3) miles; however, it is not width specific. 3. "Section 25-6-63. Permitted nses. The Scenic Corridor Overlay District is superimposed upon the existing zoning classifications and may encompass one or more underlying zones. Witbin the Scenic Corridor Overlay District, all uses, conditions and standards permitted by the underlying zoning classification sha11 be permitted unless otherwise established by the conditions and standards contained in the Corridor Management Plan (CMJ?) for the Soenic Corridor Overlay District and in. the Overlay District enabling ordinance. In a case where the conditions and standards contained in the CMP for the SCOD and in the Overlay District Enabling Ordinance differ fom those within the underlying zone, the Overlay District conditions and standards shall apply." Language Is ambiguous as to whether existing zoning (and requirements for existing applicants) will change as a result of a SCOD designation. 4. "Section 25-6-66. Review and approval of appltcadon." No date of oomplianca for owners and lessees affected by 5COD designation noted. 5. Related to item #4, if owners and lessees affected by the SCOD designation need to make changes to their affected property or infrastructure as a result of the designation, would the permitting and easement application processes be expedited in order to meet compliance by a certain time allotment? CpNCLU,$IOy Verizon Hawaii supports the general intent of f3ill 265 graft 3; however. we believe that the overall ambiguity of the bill prevents crttleal and conscientious z MqR=18-2003 15:13 FROM: REG.& GOVT, qFF. 546-6400 T0:808 961 8912 P, 004004 comments from both businesses and residents who will be Impacted as a result of this legislation. Specific concerns to Verizon Hawaii include a lack of speck criteria In determining a SCOD, no clear language on the impacts to axis#ing zoning requirements, and compliance Information. We acknowledge that there may be specific impacts to Verizon Hawaii and ks customers as a result of the establishment of a SCOD; however, the general ambiguity of this bill currently prevents us from taking a more specific position. We thank you for the opportunity to testffy on Bill 265, Dreft 3. 3