HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0003.002 2006-2008
' SidneyFuke, Pian~ing consu)tant
100 Pauahi Street, Suite 212 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • Planning • Variance • Zoning
Telephone: (808) 969-1522 -Fax: (808) 969-7996 _ - • Subdivision • Land Use Permits
' ~r_! ~ y_-~~`; •Environmental Reports
E-mail: sidiuke@verizon.net ~ i"t-.-',. ~
January 10, 20+31 JflP~ 17 P~1 2 , c
r....
Honorable Pete Hoffmann, Chair and ',C1i~i'~,: r
Members of the Council
HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL
333 Kilauea Avenue
Hilo, HI 96720
Dear Honorable Chair Hoffmann and members of the Council:
Subject: Comm. No. 3, Bill 1
Rezoning Regaest (C&R Development, LLC)
TMK: 7-3-51: 14
It is my understanding that at its meeting of January 4, 2007, the Council deferred
action on the subject matter. This deferral was to enable the applicant to respond to a
proposal to require the installation of curb, gutters, and sidewalk along Maiau and
Kamanu Streets fronting the subject property. We appreciate the opportunity to respond
to this proposal.
After duly considering the proposal, the applicant does not believe that it should
be required for a number of practical and equitable reasons. For one, there are no curb,
gutter and sidewalk in this area. If required, this would be the first, and only for a very,
very small section of this subdivision. Relatedly, none of these improvements were
required and/or being contemplated in the existing and expansion of the Kaloko Industrial
Park. The expanded area, which is located mauka or east of the subject site, is zoned
MCX-la, similar to the applicant's requested rezoning. This azea also already received
final subdivision approval without any curb, gutters, and sidewalk.
Furthermore, the function of sidewalks is for the safety and convenience of
pedestrians. While there may be limited foot traffic in this area, this area is vehiculaz-
oriented. People drive to this area and move about from establishment to establishment
by vehicles rather than walking. If there were supportive residential communities within
reasonable walking distance of the Kaloko Industrial area, then, one may see a little more
pedestrian activities. However, there are no existing or planned residential subdivisions
adjacent or proximate to this area.
It should also be noted that the basic improvements to the site are nearing
completion. These include not only the basic structures by the significant site work and
retaining walls along the frontages of Maiau and Kamanu Streets. The installation of
curb, gutters, and sidewalk may necessitate relocating these retaining walls at significant
costs to the applicant and delay the occupancy of the buildings. As discussed earlier, the
Gomm. Ivo.
Ref. To: Pt°srs
~9f. wale JAN
1,~-
1
Honorable Chair Hoffmann
and Members of the Council
January 10, 2007
Page 2
primary reason for this rezoning request is to enable more medically-oriented uses on the
property. The potential occupancy delay, plus the increased cost associated with any
curb, gutter, and sidewalk requirement (which may have to be regrettably passed on these
tenants), may result in the loss of these important tenants.
In addition, proposed condition 5 requires an additional 10-foot future road
widening setback along Kamanu Street and its possible dedication, at no cost, to the
County. The applicant has no objection to this condition and notes that if and when that
occurs, the existing structures will not be affected. However, any curb, gutter, and
sidewalks within the existing right-of--way would have to be relocated at future costs to
the County.
Finally, the applicant wishes to emphasize that this request is not tantamount to a
new development, as the subject property is already zoned for industrial (ML-la) uses.
The request to MCX-la is designed to allow more medically-related and other office uses
within the project. If it were a new development and in areas where pedestrian traffic is
feasible, then, the matter of examining the necessity of curb, gutter, and sidewalk may be
more appropriate.
In view of the above, the applicant respectfully requests that curb, gutter, and
sidewalk not be made part of this rezoning action. Thank you very much for your
consideration on this matter.
Sin~cerely,~
SIDNE~~ M. FUKE
Planning Consultant
Copy - C&R Development, LLC