HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0067.006 2006-2008
Testimony - Bi11345
I wish to voice my STRONG OPPOSITION to the provisions of Bi11345 that redefine and increase the
number of individuals who are defined as a "family" for determination of occupancy for residential use.
This measure will markedly denigrate the quality of life for residents of Hawaii in any areas in which its
provisions allow these unreasonably greater numbers of occupants in homes.
I fail to see the need for this measure, other than as an "end-around" for those wishing to conduct
business as care facilities without proper zoning and infrastructure support. It would allow conditions
similar to those that were extant in tenements in NYC at the turn of the 200i century and would likely
result in similar compromises in health ,social services, and safety. The thought of 20 people inhabiting
one property with 2 Ohana houses is ridiculous, yet under this measure this can and will occur. I would
not want to be in such a neighborhood, and no doubt neighborhood opposition to these types of
situations has prompted this measure -AND RIGHTLY SO!
It is duplicitous of the country council to claim to support health care and services for the elderly
through a no-cost tactic such as changing the definition of a "family" to circumvent existing zoning
laws. I defy any supporters of this measure to explain how it will NOT degrade the qualify of life and
delivery of services in impacted neighborhoods -something that council members are elected to protect,
not undermine. If this measure passes, it is yet another example of a county council "sellout" to vested
interests in the name of "growth," with a very predictable, highly negative impact on the life Hawaii
residents.
David Panoff - 519 Kukuau St. -Hilo, HI 96720 - 935-7232
Comm. No. 7~
Ref. 70: p~.,•~ ~ f~1A.
Ref. Uate JAN 4 2007