HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0042.066 2004-2006
DONALD IKEDA Phone: (808) 961- 8261
C'ouncilmember ~ FAX: (808) 961-8912
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C'ounry of Hawaii
Hawai `i Counry Building
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 209
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
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January 18, 2005
MEMORANDUM
TO: Gary Safazik, Chairman
K. Angel Pilago and Pete Hoffmann, Co-Chairs,
Committee on Planning
and Members of the Council
From: Donald Ikeda, Councilmember
Re: Bill 163 -General Plan
I am requesting that the proposed LUPAG Map amendment, B-13, be deleted, and the land so
designated be kept at its original designation, Low Density Urban. The proposed amendment
would change the designation of the area from its current designation of Low Density to
Important Agriculture Land. The stated rationale for the change is that the lands in the area are
considered to be important agriculture land, and that there are ample lands in the immediate
vicinity for future residential use.
The property owners affected by the proposed change in designation have communicated their
concerns to me. Their property is in the Puueo-Amaaulu azea. A section of the lower portion of
the land is currently designated Medium Density Urban, while rest remains in the current Low
Density designation. They planted a large portion of their property with fruit trees, and remain
committed to the farming of these trees. However, the majority of the parcel is not in
agricultural cultivation or production. The owners aze currently working with planners to
develop portions of the property into single-family and ag lots of varying size. There are also
tentative plans to develop elderly and/or multi-family housing to address the needs of the
growing population.
The property owners feel that the suitability of an area for agricultural use needs to be balanced
with the area's appropriateness for development, taking in to consideration the surrounding land,I
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use, available infrastructure and corresponding need for housing expansion in the Hilo urban
area.
I agree with the property owners, and therefore, I cannot support Bill 163 in its present form.
'T'hank you for your consideration in this matter.