HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0560.022 2002-2004 Planning Committee of the Hawaii County Council
OCTOBER 5, 2004
University Terrace is the first master planned mix use community in Hilo in over 30
years. The project is designed to create a community that is pedestrian friendly with residences
in close proximity of employment and services. The proposed project site conforms to the
General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) Map which designates the property
as medium density and urban expansion area. The Urban Expansion Area designation allows for
a mix of high density, medium density, low density, industrial and/or open designations in areas
where new settlements may be desirable. There are presently 5 existing pazcels which are zoned
RS 7.5, RS 10, Ag 1, Neighborhood commercial - 40,000 sq. ft. and Open. Under present
zoning approximately 160 homes and approximately 100,000 sq. ft. of commercial space could
be built.
The Planning Commission at its duly held public hearing on February 6, 2004, reviewed
and acted on this application recommending an approval of the application. The Planning
Commission conditioned its recommendation by limiting the project district to 172 acres, a
maximum number 750 residential units which includes a maximum of 150 transient
accommodation (short term rental) units and a maximum of 350,000 sq. ft. of commercial space.
University Terrace, the project, is planned as a mixed use community incorporating
design concepts intended to promote a more livable and pedestrian friendly community that will
support and enhance the growth of the educational complex centered around the University of
Hawaii at Hilo. The educational complex, University of Hawaii at Hilo, University Technical
1 Comm. No. L
Ref. To: Pretentsd p~i
Ref. Uate (1('T S 7nnn
pazk, Pacific Basin Agriculture Reseazch Center, U.S. Forrest Service, and Hawaii Community
College will grow on both sides of Komohana Street and have a potential population of 7,000 to
10,000 people. University Terrace will provide residential opportunities and services to support
this population in a manner which will minimize the need to travel outside the community for
employment, goods, services and entertainment. The overall design theme provides generous
open space with active and passive type recreational uses. This open space azea will consist of
approximately 49 acres. The proposal is to improve the banks of the drainage way for use as a
linear pazk with the provision of bicycle and pedestrian pathways.
The applicant is in agreement that it should mitigate any adverse impact that this development
may create. The level of mitigation should be based on the latest and best information. The
Departments charged with imposing the mitigation plan should be allowed some flexibility in the
imposition. The County Council should have a means of making policy changes which comply
with existing ordinances. Based on this principal the following comments are presented for your
consideration.
K. It should be made cleaz that if required improvements aze bonded for completion
within the time required that certificates of occupancy can be issued for projects
where the improvements aze complete.
L. The Council acting by resolution should have the ability to approve a project that is
in compliance with the County Code but not allowed under this ordinance.
P. This condition is covered by Condition R which provides that all accesses to the
property shall meet with the approval of the Department of Public Works. This
can be deleted.
2
Q. The exact requirements for these roadway improvements should be negotiated with
DPW after the final traffic study is completed, prior to the design of these
improvements. These conditions can be covered by Condition W which provides
for a revised Traffic Impact Analysis Report, Planning Director and DPW should
decide if some streets do not need curbs, gutters and sidewalks.
Thank you for your consideration. On behalf of the applicant I request your favorable
action on this application.
3