HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1120.001 2004-2006
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Murashige, Laura
From: Bob Ward [rgward007@hawaii,rr.com] i-;
Sent: Monday, October 16, 2006 9:36 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Finance Committee - RES 484-06
Attachments: CC-Walua.doc
1 would like to offer the attached written testimony.
Robert Ward
Comm. No. "20•
Ref. To:°ros fft*
C.
10/17/2006 Ref. tea!-~1 7 Zpp
TESTIMONY - COUNTY COUNCIL - FINANCE COMMITTEE - Resolution
484-06 (Communication 1020) - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF
TAX MAP KEY: 76-013-017 AS A REMNANT PARCEL (between Kailua-
Keauhou Road and Kailua-Keauhou Middle Road at Holualoa, formerly
intended for use by the Hawai'i County Fire Department).
Prepared by:
Robert Ward
Kailua Kona
It is important to consider that our resources are limited while our
infrastructure lags behind the desired level of service. Converting dormant
assets to better serve the taxpayers of Hawai'i County is desirable. The
sale of this surplus parcel should proceed, however the conditions to
provide facilities to support the Wailua Trail that were originally proposed
by Resolution 104-03 must be included and not merely superseded.
The current use of the parcel as a repository of solid municipal waste is not
acceptable. This offers no benefits to the community at large or local
residents. The fact that this parcel has been virtually ignored has resulted
in several additional problems and historical complaints.
o A transfer of ownership that lends itself to a more active use can
mitigate these, but other problems associated with neglected property,
as well,
? A sale of the parcel could meet anticipated public needs including those
under consideration by the Hawai'i Department of Transportation. DOT
has reached an agreement with their consultant to commence an
Environmental Impact Statement next year for the third phase of the
Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway expansion project that will abut and may
require a portion of this parcel.
Perceived adverse impacts associated with a conveyance can be easily
mitigated. In reality, many potential problems may even fail to develop due
to the unique character and location of this parcel.
? ZONING. The parcel is being conveyed as agricultural with no
entitlements to changes in zoning. The impact of zoning changes (if
any) can be examined and mitigated when alternative uses are
proposed.
? NOISE. The potential for increased noise attributed to the recreational
amenities that were required under the original resolution or use of any
extension to the trail is minimal. The proximity to arterial highways and
mauka-makai collectors with increasing traffic volumes will marginalize
increases (if any) in noise levels.
While the ultimate use of the property has not been determined, a sale can
result in several additional benefits to the community.
? RECREATION. Improving access to the parcel would also provide a de
facto extension to the Walua Road trail. This could provide future
connection to an improved under-crossing or over crossing of Kuakini
Highway and tie into Walua Road remnants, the bike path (required by
Condition K in the Pua'a rezoning) and Kuakini Highway on the makai
side of the Queen Ka'ahumanu Extension. This could also connect to a
path along the mauka side of the future Queen Ka'ahumanu Extension
improvements.
? COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. Either option or both will help meet
community desires of improving walkability and connectivity within the
community.
? SAFETY. Providing improved recreational facilities can enhance the
public safety by creating a corridor for recreational use that is separated
from higher speed vehicular traffic.
? PROPERTY VALUES. Locations adjacent to trails from the Appalachian,
to the Fox River, and on to the Pacific Crest have seen an increase in
value due to the direct access to recreational facilities.
? CRIME. Converting property from the appearance of abandoned land to
active use is almost always an impediment to crime. Easy access,
lighting, security fixtures and regular human presence all act to reduce
the likelihood of unlawful activity. Maintaining the status quo would only
allow perpetuation of problems that have occurred in the past.
Enhancing the recreational opportunities and commuting options is of
great value to the community. The sale of this remnant parcel and
completion of needed trail facilities will help fulfil these objectives.
Requiring the trail facilities in the transaction may be the first time in the
County history that providing a "Park" is a condition of sale. It is welcome
to see the County's desire to provide open space that the entire public can
enio .
Placing trail facilities on private property that can be secured with limited
hours of operation would be superior to a location on public property
without restrictions.
Thank you for your consideration,
Robert Ward