HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0042.046 2004-2006 CLAUDIA WOODWARD-RICE
P.O. Box 186. Honomu. HI 96728 M
(808) 963-6123 phone/ 963-6889 fax
email: ricesofhiCrDhilobav.com
January 3, 2005
COUNTY OF HAWAII
County Council- Planning Committee
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Re: General Plan
Dear Planning Committee Members:
The General Plan includes a proposal for massive residential development in Honomu:
B-4 Low Density Urban to Medium Density Urban 35 units per acre)
Location: Honomu Village
Rationale: The area could be developed as a possible retirement community and related
commercial activities.
As you can see from the attached map, the development of this 130 acre area at the proposed density
would dramatically change the character of Honomu. The 20+ acres of this parcel alreadv zoned RS
7 5 could arovide a more than adequate expansion of our Village without destroying its viability Our
existing business center is sufficient for our needs and the traditional center of Village life.
There are also infrastructure problems that make Honomu a poor choice for residential expansion:
• Unlike Papaikou and Pepeekeo, Honomu does not have a sewage treatment system.
• Akaka Falls Road, bordering this parcel, cannot be widened beyond 2 lanes.
• Honomu residents have restricted access to Highway 19: the one entry is already congested.
• Construction mauka of the Mamalahoa Highway (Old Gov't Main Road) could increase
drainage and flooding problems which already exist.
The community is largely unaware of the change proposed by the General Plan. The only discussion
held three years ago was about an assisted living center, not residential development.
Honomu is a stable rural village with strong agricultural roots. Many residents work in diversified
agriculture in the surrounding area. They want affordable housing for their children, not upscale
suburban sprawl.
Sincerely,
Claudia Woodwa?d=R/ice
Comm. No. Z
Ref. To: reseal/
Ref. Uate
PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL GROWTH FOR HONOMU
Honomu Land-Use: Current County ZoNng Designations
~ccq,
i:;
'
s~~~
!tr`
t.
i
COH Zoning
ZONE
- A40r
CV-10
~J RS-10
83.7.5
Akeke FYIS LLG
TMK Pe~Cels
Rep~M lyQ 6dt~CC Poa Mellso~~H~~9e.Wxbtb I-]-06
B-4 Low Density Urban to Medium Density Urban 35 units per acre)
Location: Honomu Viddage
Rationale: The area could be developed as a possible retirement community and
related commercial activities.