HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0176.037 2006-2008
04/30/2007 11:47 8083229880 KIT:.4ELL CDNTRA~TDRS PC~GE
AY-~t'_--~-V,
Master Planned Communities
April 26, 2007
The Honorable Brenda Hord, Chair
Committee on Public Works & Intergovernmental Relations
Members of the Hawaii County Council =
333 Kilauea Avenue (Ben Franklin Building)
2nd Floor, Council Room =
Hilo, Hi 96720 -
Re: In Consideration of Bill No. 51
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 27, Flood Control, Hawaii County Code 19R? '
(2005 Edition) as Amended, Relating to Stormwater Management
Aloha Chair Ford and Members of the Hawaii County Council:
1 have been monitoring Bill 51 as it pertains to Chapter 27 Rood hazard azeas. h i., rty
understanding the intent of these revisions and updates is to increase the prcr:ccticn of
personal property and reduce loss of life due to flooding. I atn concerned this rtuy' mtt 5e
accomplished with the language proposed.
Without getting too specific, there are several proposed changes in the definit ars that
make flood prone azeas too broad and open to interpretation. Many section:; b~;corne
vague and appear to place land that is currently not a problem into a ca:r,€ory [tat
prohibits future development. 1'he proposed section 27-18 speaks of tfslri~;.i_tg
development on slopes greater than 10 percent. Much of Hawaii County lies .n slopes
greater than 10 percent and this most certainly place a hardship on mauka oc~r~ers who
aren't necessarily causing a flooding issue. "Phis section also request certificat ar. ty a
Professional L'ngineer. Many consultants possess errors and omission insur:cr.ce ahi:h
would prohibit a certification with the proposed language.
1 agree witlt the concept of reviewing the ordinance to address problems in Ilrnd prose
areas. However many of the flooding issues in the past have been caused by < lac F: of
engineering design, and construction that has ignored the already delineated zones. I
strongly recommend that Bill No. 51, as proposed, be tabled until the author; t.a~e a
chance to consult further with Professional Engineers and obtain a clearer wuh:rstznding
of language that can be used to protect the public from }boding.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Kitc~he~lljC^ontracto rs
/ri~-t`
Bryan Smith, P.E.
Engineering Manager
Gomm. No. ~ •
Ref. To:~~
Ref. Dates.--