HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0690.002 2004-2006 yyMtY^Of ry
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Harry Kim Dixie Kaetsu
Mayor
• Managing Director
o;•d:+`~ Barbara Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
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25 A°puni 5[ae[, Room 215 • I lilo, Hawaii 96720-4252 • (808) 961-821 I • Fos (808) 961-6553
KONA_ 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 103 • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
(808)329-5226 Fax (808)326-5663
April 13, 2006
The Honorable Stacy Higa, Chairperson, and _
Members of the Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Bill Nos. 226 and 227
Lava Kuakini, LLC
Dear Chairperson Higa and Council Members:
It is understood by this administration the valid and tremendous concerns of all regarding the
traffic situation in Kona. We recognize this concern as the primary reason for nonsupport of
this project by residents. This correspondence will address that concern and other reasons
why this project is strongly supported by the administration.
the reasons for support are as follows:
1. The developer has committed that a minimum of 50% of the units will be sold in the
affordable range. As we know, the requirements for affordable units for new
rezonings is 20°/n. In discussions with this developer, it was clear from the onset that
the major incentive of these individuals was to respond to the appeal made to
developers to be partners in resolving the housing crisis of this island. It has been
obviously clear in discussions with this developer that they are aware of the
involvement of developers as partners in addressing the housing crisis and the
importance of this involvement. This developer is sincerely trying to do whatever
possible to provide housing to people of this island and attempting to be part of the
efforts of providing housing.
2. The location of the project is consistent with the placement of homes for people in
close proximity to where they work, play, go to school, and shop. In past planning, we
have developed a community where our dependency on vehicles for almost everything
has created tremendous problems for roads and highways. This project will be located
in an area where the amenities of community living are but a short distance from
where people will live.
Comm. No. ~
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Hawaii County is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
April 13, 2006
The Honorable Stacy Higa, Chairperson, and Council Members
Page 2
3. The knowledge that people's homes are being placed in an area already congested
must be balanced with the simple awareness that if the very same number of homes are
placed elsewhere, highway usage may be greater because vehicles must be used for
work, play, or shopping.
4. The commitment to address highway infrastructure improvements in the Kona area has
been and will remain a high priority in County funding, County priorities, State and
County highway projects, and working with private developers in assisting
infrastructure improvements.
5. The commitment by this administration in regards to a concurrency policy did
specifically identify an exception for housing. Of all the projects this administration
has dealt with in the last five years, only a few have come forth with the kind of
commitment shown in this project.
We also recognize that the Engineering Division of the Department of Public Works has
expressed concern over this project being located close to the future Ali`i Parkway. Public
Works is concerned about the effects of noise and other traffic issues on future residents. We
believe these concerns have been adequately addressed in the proposed conditions of
approval.
Thank you for your consideration.
Alo ,
Harry Ki
MAYOR
ce: Christopher Yuen, Planning Director
Bruce McClure, Director of Public Works