HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0766.014 2004-2006
WALT & PAT HOFFMAN
75-251 Malulani Dr. Kailua-Kona, Hi. 96740, Voice 808-329-6575, Fax. 808-329-8587, e-mail walt(dzcs.net
2001 Dry Hollow Rd. The Dalles, OR 97058 Voice 541-296-8541 e-mail walt a zcs.net
May 12, 2006
Stacy Higa, Chair and Council Members
Hawai'I Council Members
25 Aupuni St., Suite 209
Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
Re: Proposed Development of Ag. Property, "Kona Coffee Estates"
Dear Council Members,
I write to give reasons for my opposition to the planned development of "Kona Coffee Estates" for the
following credible reasons:
1. Any change of zoning should with the change, record conditions for potential development
that would provide neighborhood compatibility. Once a simple change of zoning has been approved,
later Councils may feel obligated to accept any different make up of development that complies with the
new zone, no matter what impact it then has on adjacent existing property. Ideas presented at this
zoning hearing may seem reasonable as is, but there is potential for serious negative impact that must be
considered before granting a change based on the present suggested scheme.
2. Traffic in general, in and around Kailua-Kona, must be considered before any zone change
that will increase that burden is approved. Every developer must contribute to the mitigation of that
problem, not exacerbate it.
That said, the number of day-trips likely from any future development in the new zone should be
limited to that considered at the time of the zone change approval. That is, if the zone change is granted
based on thoughts of all one acre, single family lots, future changes to higher density use should be
prohibited, by recording that consideration now.
3. Traffic and Safety within Malulani Gardens must not be negatively impacted by future
developments that might later be permitted due to the re-zoning adjacent property. Malulani Gardens is
a gated community. This design of our development was granted and approved by this County. Our
streets and gate are maintained by our association. It should be made a part of the record in considering
any change of zone, that there will be no intrusion of traffic from adjacent developments onto the streets
of Malulani Gardens.
4. Traffic and Safety entering and exiting Malulani Gardens is difficult and dangerous at
present. The traffic signal at Queen K. and Malulani dr. will help to a degree. Future development of
property within this proposed Kona Coffee Estates however, could make our problem much worse.
Comm. No. ~(0 • 1
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Rc+f. Data
Before granting a zone change, a requirement must be recorded now, that will route traffic directly to
Palani, not down to Queen K. past our gated entrance.
Our gate timing could hold up a series of residents or trades people entering Malulani Gardens,
when controlled by the new traffic signal. Any additional traffic from future development above Lowes
would add to that line entering. Exiting Malulani Gardens would become more dangerous and difficult,
as others trying to make the signal would tend to rush past our exit, or block our exit while waiting for
the light.
A chained gate, emergency-vehicle-only access could be maintained, with an unimproved road
into the back of that future development. This could meet fire marshal concerns without impacting our
existing property.
Having served ten years as a Planning Commissioner in a mainland city, I realize land use planners are
concerned with trying to please both developers and existing property owners, while complying with
existing laws and regulations. Sometimes suitable compromises can be reached.
I have found that petitioners for zone changes and developers have the burden of demonstrating that
their changes will not adversely affect existing restrictively zoned properties. Land use regulators are
required to consider reasonable concerns of affected property owners. Traffic and Safety are legitimate
concerns.
I could support the proposed zoning change, if it were approved, subject to a recorded mandate that
traffic from future development on that property would not and could not be routed into or past the gate
of Malulani Gardens. A zone change without such a binding requirement would be a change made over
the objections of concerned parties.
Respectfully submitted,
d~
Walter A. Hoffman
75-251 Malulani Dr.
Kailua-Kona Hi. 96740