HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0687.051 2004-2006 Soriano, BJ
From: Murashige, Laura
Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2006 8:51 AM
To: Soriano, BJ
Cc: Aiello, Jeanette
Subject: FW: TESTIMONY: Hiluhilu & public school requirements
-----Original Message-----
From: Elizabeth Cole [mailto:cole@kohalacenter.org]
Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2006 7:46 AM
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Cc: Pilago, K. Angel; petehoffmann@hawaii.rr.com; Copman, Linda
Subject: TESTIMONY: Hiluhilu & public school requirements
Dear Council Members:
I wish to provide testimony about Bill 224, which requests changes to
land classification from Ag.3 and Open to Project District for the
Hiluhilu development.
It is my understanding that the State Land Use Commission Decision and
Order for Hiluhilu stated: "Petitioner shall contribute to the
development, funding and construction of public school facilities as
determined by and to the satisfaction of the DOE. Petitioner shall enter
into an agreement with the DOE covering the specific terms of such
contribution prior to final subdivision approval and file such agreement
with the Commission and the County."
it is also my understanding that the proposed County rezoning ordinance
for Hiluhilu makes no mention of public K-12 schools or the need to file
an agreement with the Department of Education prior to final subdivision
approval.
I urge the County Council to amend the zoning ordinance to include a
requirement that proof of a DOE agreement be filed as stated in the LUC
decision. PLEASE CONSIDER THE YOUNGER RESIDENTS OF OUR ISLAND.
Creating housing without regard to its effect on our pre-K to 12th grade
educational system seems negligent. On the other hand, creating
attractive, quality schooling options within a community is part of the
"smart growth" concept that is capturing the imagination of the Island
public.
Educational research suggests that smaller school settings which
encourage parental and community involvement are most effective in
promoting academic achievement. Offering families an opportunity to
have their children and youth educated as close to home as possible not
only benefits the school-community connection, but limits the growth of
school-related traffic. Perhaps the DOE could occupy space adjacent to
the proposed university buildings, allowing for charter school
development or satellite programs to the larger Kealakehe complex.
While the Council and the DOE have the opportunity, please work with
developers to contribute to the character and quality of our education
for younger students, not just those at the community college level. We
need improved educational infrastructure for all ages. f A .~I
Please think about development and growth in a new way, with concern 28~nS' No• I
families as well as for houses and cars. Since children can't easilyRef. To:
advocate for themselves in the public arena, please advocate for them[tgf,
EI. ut~Je~ Cole..
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