HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0042.040 2004-2006 <<~~i, i>I-1 January 4, 2005
Chair~s0 Pete Hoffman and Angel Pilago and members of the Hawaii County Council
Planning Committee:
We were unable to attend last night's special meeting to provide testimony relating to the
proposed Hawaii County General Plan Drafts 1, 2 & 3 and we are concerned that some issues
are not being addressed.
It is critical that the approved General Plan enable the creation of new ordinances and codes
which are clear, concisely written, and enforceable for consistent implementation.
Attached is copy of our testimony submitted to the Planning Committee on November 19,
2004. It details our experience with County staff in trying to determine County approval of two
5000 square foot houses under construction adjacent to the Waipio Lookout. We pointed out
in this testimony that there may be a need for the following:
(1) An obvious need that improved standards in the form of ordinance and code
need to be created.
(2) Assurance that grading and construction activities not begin until permits are issued.
Extensive grading and grubbing occurred for 2 months while permits were still under review.
Apparently, building without approved permits is a common occurrence on our island.
(3) An apparent lack of staffing to adequately review and inspect new construction projects in a
timely manner.
(4) An apparent lack of coordination and accountability in this situation between the Planning,
Engineering, and Building Department staff.
(5) Inadequate fines and penalties for a contractor initiating work activity without permit. In this
case, the fine was $890 for houses being advertised for 1.8 and 1.6 million dollars.
It is important that policies and laws be implemented in a fair, consistent, and enforceable
manner. Please do not move forward with approval of any of the 3 drafts of the General Plan
until these issues are thoroughly discussed and addressed. This may require additional staff
resources and improved administrative processes to ensure quality implementation.
In addition, it's important to provide the public with a concise summary document of the Plan
and to state the intention for each region/district to create a it's own detailed plan to address
the particular issues of each area.
Joel Cohen and Phyllis Tarail
Kukuihaele
Comm. No. ~ • ~
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