HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0953.015 2004-2006
RE. Bill 305, Rezoning Request (RSZO to RM2.5)
By Ivan Mochida TMK.-2-2-36:102,103
Patricia Saito Toyama
757 Laukapu Street, Hilo
7251 Alakoko Street, Honolulu
I am testifying against Bill 305, Mr. Mochida's application for rezoning from
RS 10 to RM2.5. The properties are directly across the street from the property
which has been in our family for 75 years.
I previously testified at the Planning committee meeting, and I'm here to remind
you of our concern with flooding problems during heavy rainfall, and concern
about the density of the 25 unit town house proposal which will drastically increase
the traffic in the area. I know that change is in the air for Waiakea House lots,
from the number of zoning change requests for the Waiakea Houselots area.
Change can be good if done in a thoughtful and wise way, with consideration of
residents' "quality of life". Many Hilo people we've talked to who know this area,
agree that 25 units on 1.5 acres are too dense on narrow Laukapu Street. I'm
usually one of those who won't speak out in public, but after the first shock of
seeing the sign on a townhouse development proposed for the site directly across
our property, my sisters and I became concerned of the impact on the
neighborhood "quality of life".
A number of years ago when the county planned to change the zoning for Waiakea
Houselots from single family dwellings, the Houselots kumiae mobilized, and our
mother was one of those neighbors who appeared before the County council in
opposition to the change in zoning. The County council agreed with the ki miae
and designated that the Waiakea Houselots area should remain low density. If the
Waiakea Houselots kumiae still existed I know they would mobilize against this
rezoning. That's one of the reasons my sisters and I decided to publicly oppose
this bill, to speak for "quality of life" of the homeowner who has told her adult
children: "You can do what you want with the property when I'm gone, but I want
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Ref. Dote OAT 3 1 2006
RE: BW 305, Rezoning Request (RS10 to RM2.5)
By Ivan Mochida 7W.2-2-36:102,103
to live here in peace."; for the resident who expresses concern that his children
won't be able to afford to buy a home elsewhere and wants to hold on to the
property for his children.
We want the neighborhood to be developed in a way that our children will want to
live here and have a good "quality of life". An increase in density will increase the
traffic, social and safety problems. Decreasing the density would enhance the
project, allowing room on site for guest parking, and more green areas for the
development residents. Less density will help the developer's project to be more
attractive to potential buyers. (Condominium and townhouse developments
usually offer amenities such as a clubhouse or meeting area, picnic tables,
swimming pool in common areas to make up for the density.)
Many of those testifying for the development rezoning are interested in developing
their properties. You, as Councilmen, have the opportunity to influence the
direction that Houselots will be developed. Will it be a welcoming gateway to
Hilo for the residents and visitors? Or will it be a crowded blight to be avoided?
The General Plan states that it is "geared toward achievement of a higher
quality of life for residents." We are against this rezoning and ask you to
support our position.
October 31, 2006
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