HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0045.018 2002-2004Harry Kim
Mayor
•9R''ei N�+•`
RFC tV FL�hristopher J. Yuen
'03 JUN 20
cou%
(glaln fij of �'attfuttit 000N7Y
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720-3043
(808)961-8288 • Fax(808)961-8742
June 17. 2003
Honorable Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd
Councilperson
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Dear Councilperson Leithead-Todd:
SUBJECT: KOHANAIKI GP MAP CHANGE
Direcior
PI7 3 li
y R. Takemoto
Deputy Dvwo,
HAWAII
Over the years, there has been strong public interest in preserving coastal open space at
Kohanaiki, as well as securing long-term public park use of the area. The coastal area
has been informally used as a recreational area by the public for many years, and it
contains treasured cultural and natural resources.
The present draft of the. General Plan contains two proposed LUPAG map amendments
for the area, G-9 and G-10 on the North Kona -2 map. The amendments called for a
substantial open space area along the coast and a replacement of the existing resort, low
density, medium density, and open areas further from the coast with alternate urban
expansion.
Since that proposal was sent to the Council, the County administration has been involved
in discussions with the landowner and concerned members of the community over the
long-term future of the area. From these discussions has emerged a new master plan,
prepared by the landowner, that incorporates many of the features that the County and
public users of the area want. It includes a large coastal open space buffer that would be
dedicated for public use and open space, as well as a level of development on the
remainder of the proper ty considerably less than that proposed by the prior landowner in
the early `90's.
No. S. 19
Ref. To.
Ref. Dote �L�W_
Honorable Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd
Councilperson
Hawaii County Council
Page 2
June 17, 2003
Although there are details still to be worked out, the administration generally supports
this new compromise proposal. We expect that an SMA permit application will be filed
soon based on the new master plan.
The new master plan does differ from the LUPAG amendments currently before the
Council, primarily in that the coastal open space area is not as deep. Although the SMA
permit will probably be heard and decided under the present LUPAG map before the
Council finalizes the adoption of the new General Plan, we would like the General Plan
as finally adopted to be consistent with the new development concept for the area. We
would also like to demonstrate our commitment to the compromise over the development
of the area that has been worked out with the landowner.
At this point, any new amendments or modifications to amendments proposed by the
Planning Director must be initiated by the Council. Accordingly, I request that the
Council substitute the attached North Kona 2 map for the one contained in the December
21, 2001 draft. Specifically, G-9 still creates an "Open" area along the coast, but it is not
as deep as that in the December 21, 2001 draft. In the "Open" area, an SMA permit
could allow a golf course, and recreational facilities such as a public beach park with
restrooms and camping areas, as well as the small private beach facility proposed by the
landowner. Adjacent to the "Open" area, the landowner plan calls for single-family
homes on one -acre lots. This is consistent with a "Low Density" LUPAG map
designation, hence this area is now shown as "Low Density", and referred to as G -10a.
Finally, G -10b remains as an area of alternate urban expansion. The landowner plans
additional housing in this area, including possibly some multi -family housing.
We would appreciate the Council's favorable action on this suggested change to the
LUPAG map.
Sincerely,
CH2STOPHER J. Yt EN
Planning Director
RR"f:pak
WpwinW/Roy/Kohanafki GP map change doc
Enclosures
Honorable Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd
Councilperson
Hawaii County Council
Page 2
June 17, 2003
cc: Mayor Harry him
Mr. Ray Rutter
Mr. Bill McWorrall