HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP HSEDC 005 09/06/2006 2004-2006 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
DATE: September 6, 2006 Re: Comm. No. 1030/Bill No. 326
PLACE: Council Chambers
TIME: 9:38 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Human Services and Economic Development, to which was
referred Bill No. 326 reports as follows:
Bill No. 326, transmitted by Council Chair Stacy K. Higa, via Communication
No. 1030, dated August 20, 2006, proposes the establishment of a University special
district by adding a new definition of "University" to section 25-1-5, "Definitions,"
chapter 25, Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005 Edition, as amended), and a new division
entitled "UNV, University District," to article 7, "Special District Regulations", in the
Zoning Code.
The intent of Bi11326 is to create a new zoning definition that would allow
institutions of higher learning to apply for cone-time zoning change, if required, rather
than have to apply for a myriad of separate and distinct zoning changes. This is due to the
fact that these institutions would most likely develop educational, business, housing and
other components all on one piece of property. The "University District" would thus
serve as a mixed-use zoning class with provisions set forth specifically for university
needs.
Overall, the intent of Bi11326 was very well received by the members of Your
Committee. There was some question as to why Bill 326 was being heazd in Your
Committee rather than the Planning Committee. The reasons for that decision are as
follows:
1. It was requested that Bill 326 be placed on a Planning Committee agenda for
9/6/06, however the chair of said committee determined there were not sufficient
items requiring committee consideration to call a meeting of the Planning
Committee For that date.
2. The concern that waiting for Bill 326 to be placed on a future Planning
Committee agenda would delay the overall process, which could be detrimental to
time-sensitive funding issues.
3. The fact that the University system within Hawaii County does in fact have
significant economic impact on the County, thus making this issue appropriate for
the Human Services and Economic Development Committee.
4. The fact that the University system within Hawaii County does also play a large
role regarding human service and societal issues, thus making Bill 326
appropriate for the Human Services and Economic Development Committee.
Chancellor Rose Tseng, University of Hawaii at Hilo (UHH), Gerald De Mello,
Director of University Relations (UHH) and Chancellor Rockne Freitas, of the Hawaii
Community College (HCC) all spoke in strong support of Bill 326.
In particular, Chancellor Tseng and Director De Mello referred to the expansion
plans of UHH, and specifically a 55-acre pazcel of land available for said expansion, and
how a new zoning ordinance implemented for mixed-use capabilities would facilitate any
and all of their current and potential future expansion plans. They emphasized that UHH
has become, and is eager to continue to further develop into, acommunity-based
educational institution with strong ties to the people of the communities UHH invariably
touches. It was stated that Bill 326 would facilitate this development tremendously. It
was also stated that in 10 years, UHH will evolve to the point that it may in fact come to
define Hilo, much as the sugar plantations defined many areas of this Island in the past.
Another important sentiment relayed was that a communication to the Governor
of Hawaii detailing the intent of Bi11326 could facilitate the process of releasing much
needed funding for expansion of HCC. It was also stated that said communication should
be initiated by the Chair of Your Committee. Council Chair Stacy Higa stated that the
first step to demonstrate to the Governor the County's level of commitment to UHH and
HCC would be to pass Bi11326 from Committee. The details as to what form such a
communication will take and any timelines were not developed within Your Committee.
Your Committee on Human Services and Economic Development is in accord
with the purpose and intent of Bi11326 and recommends its adoption with the
understanding that Bill 326 will be referred to the Planning Department and Planning
Commission for further review, which will include input from the public.
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noes Noes A&e ex Respectfully submitted
ARAKAKI X
HIGA x COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES
HoFFmANN x AND ECONO DEVELOPMENT
HOLSCHUH X ~
IKEDA X
ISBELL X
JACOBSON x FRED C. HOLSCHUH, M.D., CHAIR
elLACO X HSEDC REPORT NO. 5
SAFARIK X ADOPTED: SEP Z O 2000