HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0927.032 2004-2006
07/17/06 HON 14:37 FAX 808 988 8522 WH SHIPMAN 11001
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W.H. Shuman
2006 JUL 17 PM 2 ti l.in- ted
COUN I ` Date: July 17, 2006
Couneilmember Stacy Higa, Chair and Presiding Member
County of Hawaii, County Council
County of Hawaii Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Resolution 381-06 to postpone actions on rezoning in North and South Kona
Dear Councilmember Higa,
My name is Bill Walter and I am President of W. H. Shipman, Limited, a land owner in
Keaau, Puna District, Island of Hawaii. The above referenced resolution proposes to
freeze all zoning in North and South Kona until completion of the Community
Development plan for that district - now being worked on.
The intent of the resolution is to improve the overall planning process, among others, and
the proposed delay is set to be no more than six months. The intent would appear to be
appropriate and the delay benign in the long run. However, all legislation takes place in a
context. Depending on the context what appears to be benign can often be significantly
destructive.
The context of our zoning process is complex, as you know, including:
• State of Hawaii zoning changes start at the State level with State land use
classifications. Following State classifications are County General Plans and
finally zoning itself. With few exceptions all levels must be in alignment.
Moving land through this process averages more than seven years according to
recent studies. A seven year lag time between when demand is registered and
land use comes in line with that demand explains no small part of the high cost of
property in the State.
• Affordable and moderately priced housing are in serious deficiency in the State.
On the Island of Hawaii this is more so in Kona than in other districts, although
all districts suffer from prices higher than most residents can afford.
• Additional services at most government and non government organizations are
struggling to keep up with demand. Those primarily affected by resulting
16-523 Keaau-Pahoa Road Keaau, HI 06749
lei.: 808-966.9325 • fax: 808.966,8522
www,whshipman.com Comm. No. 9 L7. 3t
Ref. To: Pre•eaW
Ref. Uate JUL 19 2006
07/17/06 MON 14:57 FAX 808 988 8522 WH SHIPMAN fa002
W.H. Ship"
LImitcd
shortages are typically those least able to withstand the shortage - those least able
to pay for them.
As the community moves to resolve these issues it is not unusual for changes in zoning to
be a part of the resolution process.
While some believe that stopping zoning will allow us to "catch our breath" and fix the
process - the more likely restdt is that disruptions in needed housing and services for
those most needing them will be further delayed. This may well be a case of the
perceived "good" being a victim to the perceived "perfect"
In short, we really cannot afford such a freeze on zoning changes. The community will
not stop and its needs will not ease while we wait for a process, good or bad, to be
completed. Where we see errors made previously we need to take them into account with
more careful zoning and attention to expected and unexpected consequences. But we
cannot simply stop the process. The world. will not stop and wait for us.
e
Siin~nccereel~ly
Bill Walter
President