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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0953.023 2004-2006 i RE: Bill 305, Rezoning Request (RS10 to RM 1.5) By Ivan Mochida TMK: 2-2-36:101, 103 I am Victoria Saito Abe and I cannot forget the Houselots neighborhood I grew up in at 757 Laukapu Street directly across the proposed development. It was a multi-cultural neighborhood with the Masons next door, Carvalhos in the back, Wongs and Yabes in the front, Chings on the side, Kekunas a few houses down and Mimakis and Uratanis across. There was a mixture of owner occupants and renters quite similar to what it is today. The renters were accepted as part of the community because we did not discriminate between renters and owners. I am here to speak against Bill 305, rezoning for Laukapu Street. I am against this for several reasons of which among them are the following; 1. It has been stated that if Mr. Mochida does not receive his rezoning application for 24 townhouse units that 12 Ohana type rentals will be built. It has also been stated that the 12 Ohana rentals will bring in low end renters. Walking the neighborhood on Nov 4 & 5 we encountered some Ohana units and found their residents were like you and me, with the same concerns. Is it fair to assume that 12 Ohana rentals will attract renters of lower quality? This is unfairly based on the assumption that the quality of renters is determined by socio-economic status. I for one would welcome these Ohana units as an addition to our neighborhood since they would be in line with the present low density zoning. 2. On July 31 the Planning Committee postponed their vote to allow the parties to come to a compromise. Mr. Fuke made contact with us and met on September 22 with my husband and on October 4 with my husband and me. He offered to bring the number of units from 25 to 24 units and to build sidewalks fronting our properties only. We asked Mr. Fuke "What about the others in the neighborhood?" He replied "Don't worry about the others. It's only for your two properties." We then reiterated that our concern has always been the density and that 12 units or houses would be acceptable. We expressed to Mr. Fuke that lowering the density would benefit everyone in the neighborhood. Mr. Fuke informed us that the numbers would not come out at anything lower than 24 units and that there is only one and a half acres to work with. We pointed out that for that very reason the area was too small for such a project. We also expressed an interest in sitting Comm. No. 9k S 3 Ref. To: Ref, Date NO~ U_ 1_ 4 06 t RE: Bill 305, Rezoning Request (RS10 to RM2.5) By Ivan Mochida TMK: 2-2-36:101, 103 down with W. Mochida to discuss the compromise. Mr. Fuke said he did not think he would. We then inquired "is there a compromise between 12 and 24"? Mr. Fuke did say that he would talk to Mr. Mochida and get back to us. Mr. Fuke informed my husband a few days later that he couldn't compromise. We are disappointed that no compromise was reached and that not all interested parties were brought together as a group to discuss possibilities. 3. Bill 305 has been amended to provide sidewalks on one side of the street only. We were shocked on October 18 at the Council Planning Committee Meeting, when Mr. Puke offered sidewalks for the entire block on only one side of the street opposite our properties. It has been said that this is a good start. Is it really? This is similar to building one half of a house, and leaving the other half unfinished. For every good start there is a finish - we do not see one in this. A good start in this case should include everyone affected by this rezoning. The sidewalks will not lower the density, nor lower the traffic or on street parking, nor maintain a peaceful and tranquil neighborhood. 4. We have repeatedly heard from individuals supporting this rezoning that Houselots is an area in transition. The areas West of Kekuanaoa have commercial developments, apartments and may be in transition. These areas are on the fringes. However, the area east of Kekuanaoa which includes the area in discussion is still single family dwellings. This proposed development is in the "heart" of this Houselots Community and I quote Planning Commissioner Graham, who voted against the rezoning, "the first in that area, and it has kind of parachuted in that one place. And the neighbors are not happy with it." There is no justification for crowding up the heart of our community and I feel that this proposed development is like a stab in its heart. I want to speak of the quality of life of the people in the neighborhood and community. These proposals disregard long time residents like Mrs. Yabe, Mrs. Tachibana, Mrs. Kodama and the others who are here this evening. I cannot forget Mrs. Kaya who is not here tonight but also signed in opposition and is the property owner of the first house on Laukapu Street going back to 1927 - living, breathing, humble human r RE: Bill 305, Rezoning Request (RS10 to RM2.5) By Ivan Mochida TMX 2-2-36:102, 103 beings who want only to live out the remaining years of their lives in a peaceful and safe neighborhood. The General Plan through its goals, policies and standards reflects what you, the County /Council believed promotes the best interests of the community as a whole, all communities, including ours in Houselots. We ask for your support in doing what is right - right for this neighborhood that will be adversely affected by any premature approval at this time. The General Plan has above all not forgotten the people - we ask that you do not forget us too. Please deny this rezoning application.