HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0953.006 2004-2006
October 16, 2006
Honorable K. Angel Pilago, Chair
Council Planning Committee
COUNTY OF HAWAI'I
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
RE: Bill No. 305, Rezoning Request - Ivan Mochida
TMK: 2-2-36: 60, 102 and 103
Dear Chair Pilago and members of the Committee:
My family and I own properties in the Waiakea Houselots area. One of these is along
Kalanikoa and Leilani Streets, within a block of Mr. Mochida's proposed townhouse
project. Given its proximity to our properties and as active members of our community,
we do have an understandable interest in the outcome of this project.
There is an extreme shortage of affordable homes. Projects like this help provide
alternative forms of housing. Many can no longer live the traditional American dream of
a single-family residence on a large lot; but we can still help them fulfill the dream of a
home through the creation of smaller lots, condos, townhouses. These types of homes all
provide needed housing alternatives and help strengthen the social fabric of our overall
community.
The Waiakea Houselots area is a good location for such a mixture of homes. At one
point in time, this used to be a vibrant community. However, as families grew older,
many have moved out of this area and chose to either sell or rent their homes. Today,
while there are still homeowners, there are many rentals and increasing commercial and
industrial uses. These changes, if planned well, should help make the Houselots area
more of a cohesive community where people can work and live.
One of the things I would like to see is more home ownership in this area. Projects like
this help achieve that vision. Home ownership creates a greater sense of belonging and
breeds a sense of caring. This is what we need to help make this area function more of as
a community.
At the same time, certain basic infrastructure should be addressed. In this case, the
applicants will be required to construct sidewalks fronting the property. That is good, as
it will make walking a bit safer. Others may say - well, the entire street should have
sidewalks. Yes, it should, ~ aj i4 ! sn fair to make that the sole responsibility of this
applicant. For the most part, most property owners don't want to pay for that cost
fronting their properties for the community good. I think they are doing their share and
more. And maybe we should step up and do our part too, for with or without this project,
the condition will still remain the same.
Comm. No. 61.,_
Ref. 7o-Pre
R,J Vote OCT 18 205
There have been concerns over drainage. However, it is my understanding that any
additional drainage created by this project will have to he contained on the property.
With the sidewalk and drywells they will have to construct fronting his properties, there
should not be any water ponding on the road fronting the site.
Yes, I am supportive of this project. It is needed for the overall community; it is needed
to help make Waiakea Houselots a more vibrant, stable, and caring community.
4MAS 0 o
Landowner: TMK: 2-2-37: 9 and 24