HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0560.036 2002-2004 y'r~~~ 1 ,
DAY-LUM RENTALS & MANAGEMENT, INC.
DA~°~,~-7M R~~~'~.~ Phone (808} 935-4152
2 I<amehamehaAvenue Fax (808) 961-2459
Ewaarawrm Hilo, Hawaii 96720-2830 ~~=~~3 f%(;~ 13 n e-mail: rentals@daylum.corn
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August S, 2003 -
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Mr. Chris Yuen, Director ,
County of Hawaii
Planning Department
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, HI. 96720
In Re: University Terrace
TMK 2-3-44:19, 2-3-49:53 & 2-3-37:01
Dear Mr. Yuen,
Our firm is the association manager for Ka Waena Lapa'au, which is the large office
complex located at the comer of Ponahawai Street and Komohana Street. As you are
aware, the complex consists of medical and medical related offices.
The association membership has requested that we contact you to express the deep
concerns that are held, regarding the proposed University Terrace project. This concern
is over the potential for flooding that the project may create, which couki have a very
substantial, negative effect upon the Ka Waena Lapa'au complex and the ability of the
many medical offices to provide care to our residents. The loss of the complex's ability
to provide medical services would not only be disruptive, but also possibly pose a
danger to public health in the event of a major flood.
The November 1, 2000 storm caused a substantial amount of damage to Komohana
Street and flooding occurred in many parts of Downtown Hilo. tt has been proven time
after time that drainage and flood problems are mainly due to development of vacant
lands, where sufficient drainage systems were not constructed with the capacity to
handle the amount of water produced in a heavy rainfall.
The Alenaio stream bisects the proposed project and it's attendant flood plain covers a
substantial portion of the project. While the Corps of Engineers flood control channel is
in place, it's Mauka entrance is below Komohana Street, leaving an exposed natural
channel between Komohana Street and the entrance.
The Association's deep concerns have been expressed over this exposure, as well as
the danger posed by the capacity of a new channel created by the proposed
development. Since the geographic area feeding Alenaio stream is quite large and
extends quite a distance Mauka of the project, the amount of water entering the drainage
system would seem to be extremely high. vu
E^n1Hs~ Comm. No. ~`o
Ref. To; ~ L
?crf. Uate
Chris Yuen
August 8, 2003
Page 2
With the flooding that occurred during the November 1, 2000 storm, it appears that the
Corps of Engineers flood control channel was not able to handle the speed and volume
of water generated. Since development of the proposed project would generate even
more runoff, the Association is also concerned over the ability of the existing channel to
handle the additional drainage.
The membership does not object to the development of needed affordable housing,
which is in short supply and supports the continued growth of Hilo. The concerns
expressed are from a safety standpoint only.
Thank you for taking the time to understand our concerns, as expressed herein.
Sincerely,
Ka Waena Lapa'au Association
Nancy Cabrifl, B
Association Manager