HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0560.033 2002-2004 October 18`1°, 2004
From: Mary Brown, R.N.
53 Puuko St.
Hilo, I-Iawaii 96720
To: The County Council Members, I~Iawai'i County Planning Council
Ite. Testimony Regarding The Proposed Zoning Change Of The Property Referred To As
"The University Terrace Project".
I want to go on record as "opposing" the proposed legislative bill requested by the applicant =
"Western United Life Assurance Company"to change the district classification for the 171.504
acres of land TMK:2-3-44:19, 2-3-49:53 & 2-3-37:I to Project Isstrict.
My primary concerns about the proposed University Terrace Project are:
1. The proposal to build this huge, densely populated (estimated approximately 4,000 more
vehicles in dais area) urban development on a well documented flood plain ~c wetlands.
The Hawaii County Cgenerai Plan devotes several pages to flooding ~i states "Present drainage &
flood problems are mainly due to the "Development of Vacant Lands"
"The Flood I-Iazard Mitigation Study conducted by the National Science Foundation that was
submitted to Congress in 1980 states: Floods naay indeed be natural phenomena, but their impact
is often aggravated--if not actually caused--By Man's Unwise Activities ~ Occupation Of
Flood Plains-Such Problems Have Been Exacerbated By Urbanization.
Floods Are the Most Consistently Destructive Natural Hazards In The United States And The
Upward Trend in Damages Continues In Spite of The Nation's Investment In Structural & Non
Structural Measures.
Urbanization Increases Flood Peaks On Small Streams From Two To Six Times. All Levels Of
Government Should Accelerate The Acquisition Of The Most Flood Prone Areas For Open
Space."
2. Bi11248, Draft 2, dated September 21 2004 ~c Bi11248, Draft 3, dated October 6~', 2004 from
the Planning Committee To Members of the Hawaii County Council it states the following:
"Based upon the applicant's representation the intent is to develop a total of 600 residential
units & 150 hotel units".
Now we know what "Transient Accommodations" really yraeans--It's Hotels -Not apartments....
I ask the County Council to tell us the community citizens & the students of our community
-Where is the student housing to be within this project ~i what will be the "affordable"monthly
rate for our students?
~®ana~. tVos
Ref.
Ref. l~ot~
2
I ask the County Council to have the applicant explain to our community as to why the applicant -
Western Unated Life Assurance has never spoken the w®rdS - "HOtels" nor given public notice
that it is I-Totals up until Bi11248 I)ra~ 2 was submitted.
It is important for the public to know that anyone may obtain a free copy of these Bills here at the
County Council mice here in the county building in l~[ilo.
3. I want to see you -our County Council representatives representing this community's highest
uaterests for our future development - meanixag socially responsible - eco-friendly -well thought
out and with public community meetings in the evenings. This project proposal has many issues
of concern that must be thoroughly addressed c4i not rushed through.
4. On May 2004, the Council's Planning Committee voted to defer Bill 248, I3raft2, Univ.
Terrace Project in order to allow Council member Tulang, members of the community & the
applicant time to meet & consider the project. The charette is a method for developers,
government agencies & communities to come together ~ discuss the concerns of all parties ~i try
to come to an amicable agreement. We, the community members are asking for this meeting with
Mr. Tulang, the applicant, the county service agencies involved 8z the community members as we
were not included to the meeting previously held.
In conclusion, I am asking that all of you -our county council ~c planning committee as
representatives of our community ...To think about what is "Pono" when you cast your vote.
Sincerely, Mary Brown, R.N.