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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PC 043 11/08/2005 2004-2006 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PLANNING DATE: November K, 2005 Re: Comm. No. 495/Res. 192-OS PLACE: Councilroom TIME: 130 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii Your Committee on Planning to which was referred Communication No. 495 and attached Resolution 192-05, reports as follows: Resolution No. 192-05, transmitted by Communication No. 495 from Mayor Harry Kim, dated October 17, 2005 presents a Resolution Adopting the "Envision Downtown Hilo 2025: A Community-Based Vision and Living Action Plan (August 2005)" as a Community Visioning and Planning Process that can Serve as a Model for the County of Hawaii. As rcyuired by Chapter 4, Sec. 6-4.3 (C), Hawaii County Charter, Communication No. 495 transmits Resolution 192-OS and attached draft Plan entitled, "Envision Downtown Hilo 2025: A Community Based Vision and Living Action Plan (August 2005)". The Planning Commission, at its duly-held public hearing on October 7, 2005, voted to fi~rward a favorable recommendation to the County Council for the adoption of the draft Envision Downtown Hilo 2025 Plan. Communication No. 495, transmitted by Mayor Harry Kim, commends the Friends of Downtown Hilo Steering Committee for their hard work and dedication to create a Vision to guide us to sustain Downtown Hilo, and ensure that it remains a special place where we can live, work and play. Mayor Kim also notes that various departments within the County of Hawaii have been identitied as Lead Solution Partners in the Vision Action Plan. Mayor Kim states, "'T'here is still work to be done and requests the Councilmembers to support the Plan by also making a commitment." At the November K, 2005 Plamiing Committee meeting, Councilmember Ikeda recognized Alice Moon, Community Liaison from the Friends of Downtown Hilo Steering Committee and Susan Gagorik, Liaison from the Planning Department for their fine work and noted these two ladies were in the forefront of this project. Co-Chair Pete Hoffinann stated it was an outstanding document and also thanked Ms. Moon and Ms. Gagorik. Virginia Isbell stated that the Kailua-Kona Business Improvement is basically a new vision also and that the members may be calling on them for ideas. Ms. Moon was tlattered and wanted to call on them also because part of the Envision Plan is to look at a Business Improvement District Plan for Hilo. PC REPORT NO. 43 Communication 495 Res. 192-OS Page 2 Ms. Moon commented that the community came forward with a list of values in developing the Plan. They were "sustainability", "clean environment", "carrying capacity" and "community based planning". She thanked Councilmembers Ikeda, Arakaki and Chairman Higa tier their participation and support and encourages government partnerships. Susan Gagorik of the Planning Department stated it was an exciting process to be involved in and that this is,just the beginning. Wants collaboration in implementation and will be looking for people for the Implementation Committee to move the Plan forward as a living action plan. She also reyuested that they be allowed to make non-substantive changes to the Plan. Co-('hair Pilago thanked Ms. Moon and Ms. Gagorik for all the good work and asked how they see this plan moving up to legislation. Co-Chair Pilago asked, "How do we enable this Plan so that it does not sit on the shelf?" Ms. Moon stated she's not familiar with the legislation process, however she strongly feels the community won't allow this plan to sit on the shelf. Ms. Moon expressed concern that if the Plan were made into a law or an ordinance, would it allow for changes to the Plan. Councihnembcr Arakaki stated he was impressed with the Plan, especially the map depicting the SMA area, tidal and tlood inundation area and the area covered by the Plan. Stated maybe an ordinance is not necessary, because all agencies are already working together. Chairman Higa thanked them for their hard work and was very impressed. Was happy to have contributed discretionary funds to get the work done as most of the area lies within his district and therefore gives his support. Co Chair Hottniann asked how much did it cost to get this done, actual money, and Ms. Moon stated between $40,000 and $50,000. Ms. Moon also stated that she strongly encourages hiring of a professional planning consultant to work with the community gROUp. If they had a planning consultant at the beginning the project, the Plan would have been even better. Susan Gagorik stated the enornnous amount of data involved in this project was compiled entirely by volunteers. PC REPOR"T NO. 43 Communication 495 Res. 192-OS Page 3 Public testimony was given by Mr. Mark McNett, who supported the Plan. Your Committee on Planning is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 192-OS and recommends its adoption. and nvrs Hors na,r: r:x Respectfully submitted, ARAKAKI Jt Hlcn X COMMITTEE N PLANNING HOFFMANN--- X ~ - - ~ IIOISCHUH X \ IKF:D:~ - X- ~~T~ IsBba.L_ X Pete Hoffina , Co-Chaff ~ I11 JACOBSON X _ tiA F~ARIK K. Angel Pilag , Co-Chair I'C REPORT NO. 43 ADOPTED: NOVA