HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0067.033 2006-2008 January 11, 2007 •
Mr. Pete Hoffinan `uu~ 1~ 1~ c'~'
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street Suite 209 ~~U t+
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Deaz Council Chairman Hoffinan,
As president of the Keaau Agricultural Lots Community Association Board of Directors,
I not only speak on behalf of the 300-plus owners in the subdivision but as an individual resident
of the Big Island. We humbly ask that the proposed revision to the zoning code, Bill 345, not be
allowed to pass. This proposal, no matter what terminology is included, will have far reaching
effects for all the neighborhoods on the entire island.
No one is disputing the fact that caze for these patients is needed, that there is a shortage
of beds available, and that the help they receive can indeed be alife-saving matter. But to modify
the zoning code in this manner to accomplish the desired results is nothing more than a short
term 'band-aid' remedy to benefit a few special interests. Preventative measures have proven to
be a more cost effective solution than applying band-aids over and over again.
In a time when government is trying to slow down, if not halt growth, to allow
infrastructure to catch up with demand, touting lower densities, this only increases density and in
areas that aze zoned for residential uses. No one can dispute the increase in traffic, noise, security
concerns, and police involvement if increased density is allowed to expand in this way. The
County's general plan specifically addresses where residential, commercial, agricultural,
industrial, etc. zones are established.
Mayor Hany Kim has stated "For programs to be assured the highest success possible for
the clients, the community supporting it is an essential part of the program." With the passage of
this bill, community input will be eliminated. No prior notification will be required for a facility
to commence operations. Every house in a neighborhood would have the potential to become a
treatment facility without requiring any input from the surrounding residents.
The County's "smart-growth" policy of "preserving quality of life, natural beauty, and
rural character" is in jeopardy if this bill is allowed to pass. Changing the zoning code is this
manner will NOT allow the county to continue growth as they wish nor as the communities wish.
All control will be given to the Department of Health to implement and monitor such programs
and facilities all from an entirely different county. How well can a different county know and
understand the needs and desires of our great island?
The ability for a treatment facility to house eight patients currently exists. With the
application for a Special Use Permit, surrounding residents are notified, have the opportunity to
voice their concerns, recommendations or disapproval of such an increase based on the prior
performance of the established program. If this bill passes, no one will have an opportunity to
offer input regarding the increased impact of a program in the community.
Comm. No.
Ref. Tox~O" 2001
Ref. Uate
If this proposal is based on the issue of cost-effectiveness, perhaps more funding is
needed to make the programs viable. Perhaps state lands should be made available to house such
programs. Perhaps the financial track records of treatment programs should be more closely
monitored. Perhaps travel time to required programs and functions should be at a minimum to be
effective by having the facilities close to required services rather than spending three or four
hours out of a day just in time to get 'from here to there.' In ten, twenty yeazs, will it once again
not be cost effective and a change to twelve or fifteen in a family be proposed? Let's not `jump
on the band-wagon' simply because other counties have done so without fully reviewing all the
options.
I believe there are numerous ways to afford the assistance these patients need without
taking away the voice of the people who will also be greatly impacted. In a time when less
government intervention and control over people's individual rights is a concern, this proposed
change to the zoning code will only take away the ability for the people to be heard. Do not
undertake this issue with a closed mind, only hearing a few...rather listen to your constituents
and realize the effort people are putting forth trying to make their government better for all. The
issue is not that of a 'not-in-my-backyard' but an issue of changing the zoning to benefit a few
while taking away the peoples voice in such matters. Clearly, it should be evident that people are
interested and are making a sacrifice in their personal lives to be heazd on this issue.
Thank you for your time and consideration in understanding what the real impact of this
proposed change in the zoning code will have, not only immediately but also in the future of this
island and its people.
Respectfully submitted,
Ronald P. Shoemaker, AM-AIA
President, Board of Directors
Keaau Ag Lots Community Association