HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0438.025 2002-2004 Testimony
March 8, 2004 Public Hearing on Rezoning Request
Nani Kona Aina
Mr. Chairman, members of the County Council and members of the public, I
am Maureen Lu„ a resident of Kailua View/Kona Heights area which will be
impacted by the Nani Kona Aina Development and proposed rezoning.. My
concern is that the proposed development fails to address the resultant
negative impact on the area's infrastructure such as: ~r~-~1VCfl
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1) Traffic on Nani Kailua and Aloha Kona ~°--""~,y~,~-~,o„~i
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Problem
The stop sign on Nani Kailua has not slowed down the traffic. It has only
served to divert it to Aloha Kona where speeding cars now present a
hazard to keiki walking to bus stops as well as joggers and bicyclists. The
projected total number of houses to be constructed from Queen K to
Hienaloli Road exceeds 100. This will result in over 200 additional cars
travelling on these 2 major roads causing even more congestion and
hazard .The developer's proposed alternate access road south of Nani
Kailua is not a reasonable or workable solution to reduce traffic because
it is too far from the said development and for those coming from the
north, it will require backtracking to reach their destination.
Proposed solutions:
1. Build another connector road from Queen K to Hienaloli on the North
side of the developments or extend Hienaloli to Palani Road.
2. Reduce traffic by reducing the density of the development to RS 20, the
same size as the two parcels already approved.
2) Water
Problem
A recent article published in West Hawaii Today (WHT), states that the
water pressure in the area is low and insufficient and the developer is
looking for an alternate source, Another article in WHT indicates a
general problem with insufficient water in Kona. How can we knowingly
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allow development and additional housing construction in the face of an
inadequate supply of water?
Proposed Solutions:
1. Require more wells before approving more development.
2. Reduce the density requested in the application to one, which can be
better supported by the existing infrastructure, e.g. water and roads for
access and egress, especially if needed for emergency response or
evacuation.
Storm drainage
Problem:
The northern boundary of the site is a water channel to accommodate
run-offs from major storms. Since we are in the sixth year of a drought,
there has not any recent flooding in the area and we are now complacent
to the possibility of. such an event. When the next big storm hits Kona
and floods the newly built houses, who will be liable? The builder, the
county or the tax payers?
Solution:
1. The request to rezone should be denied due to the potential of future
flooding in the area.
2. If the county council is determined to approve this application, the
density of the rezoning should be decreased to avoid building close to the
water channel.
In conclusion, it can be said that there is little general disagreement with the
assertion that Kailua Kona is fast becoming an area of urban blight. This is
evidenced by traffic congestion and pollution resulting from miles of idling
cars, increased driver frustration and road rage as well as incidents of
aggressive and reckless driving behavior which are becoming common.
Anyone, in doubt of this observation is invited to take a drive in the area,
especially on Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway, Kuikini, or The Mamalhoa
Highway on any weekday early morning or afternoon..
The question is what to do to remedy the situation before Kailua-Kona
becomes the next Kihei, Maui. I have offered some specific suggestions,
which can be related to several general planning concepts. They are:
1. Officially adopt a General plan for the Kailua-Kona area and require that
all proposed projects are realistically evaluated for adherence to it. This
means no "loopholes" which allow for construction of projects which will
have a detrimental impact on the environment and infrastructure without
having to complete a process for evaluating such negative impacts, e.g.
avoiding a necessary traffic study.
2. Balance the density of proposed projects with the realities of existing
infrastructure by requiring either reduced density or provision for the
necessary infrastructure needs, e.g. roads, water, drainage, etc before project
approval.
3. Plan and construct necessary connector roads while we are still in the
early stages of development.
I doubt that anyone at this hearing opposes development as some kind of
"evil" process intended to despoil our aina. People must have jobs and
homes to live. Development must and will take place. The important thing is
to consider the implications of continued growth, plan for it and most
importantly, require that future development be consistent with thoughtful
and prudent land use. Examples of failures in this respect abound, from
Oahu to California and need not be cited here. The important thing is to act
while we still have time.
Thank you for your attention.
Maureen Lu
75-310 W. Kakalina Pl
Kailua Kona, Hi 96740
(808)326-4708