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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PC 034 06/19/2007 2006-2008 REPORT OF THE COMMTTTEE ON PLANNING DATE: June 19, 2007 Re: Comm. No. 472/Besolution No. 235 PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa 78-128 Ehukai Street Kailua-Kona, Hawaii TIME: 2:30 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Resolution No. 235, reports as follows: Resolution No. 235, transmitted via Communication No. 472 from Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann, dated June 1, 2007, transmitting a Resolution requesting that the Planning Director initiate an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 25, Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005 Edition, as amended) Relating to Zoning. Communication No. 472 requests that the Planning Director initiate an ordinance to amend Chapter 25, article 5, division 16, section 25-5-162(b), Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005 Edition, as amended), be amended to permit wind energy facilities in the Open zoned district, provided that a use permit is issued for each such use. Resolution No. 235 states that power rates in Hawaii County are among the highest in the nation and that private initiatives to enhance energy efficiency and renewable power generation closer to customer load centers should be encouraged. The Resolution also states that the Waikoloa Village Association in exploring energy self-sufficiency through photovoltaic and wind power generation is considering a 250-acre parcel of land it owns in the Open zoned district as a potential wind power generation site. At the June 19, 2007 Committee on Planning meeting there were three members of the public who presented oral testimony. Mr. Rodney Piedvache and Ms. Kathlyn Richardson offered comments regarding Resolution No. 235 and Mr. Ralph Roland presented testimony in opposition. Council Chair Pete Hoffmann stated the Resolution was an outgrowth from suggestions of the Waikoloa Village Association and that there are approximately 10,000 acres surrounding Waikoloa Village zoned Open. Chair Hoffmann stated one of the things proven successful in the Waikoloa area is wind farming and that the Association was moving forward to find reasonable uses of its Open zoned lands. Chair Hoffmann stated that currently within the Open zone category, wind energy facilities are not a permitted use and that as the result of discussions with the Planning Director he was PC Report No. 34 Communication 472 Resolution 235 Page 2 of 3 advised that if a category for wind energy facilities is desired then a Use Permit for each specific use should be included. Chair Hoffmann noted that including a Use Permit process ensures that a number of people would be involved in its review and assures appropriateness of the proposal. Chair Hoffmann also stated that forwarding reasonable energy related resolutions and ordinances assists the county with future energy self sufficiency. Chair Hoffmann also noted that the proposal as outlined in the Resolution is just a small step towards energy self sufficiency. Council Member Jacobson noted that in the past there was no real process but that the proposed Resolution would clarify and allow transparency to local residents and better inform the community about what's going on. Mr. Jacobson also stated this measure goes a long way in honoring energy sustainability, better planning, better information and alternative fuel possibilities. He noted his full support. Council Member Brenda Ford confirmed that if wind energy facilities became a permitted use in Open zones it would require a Use Permit which in turn would generate a public hearing. Ms. Ford wanted it noted on the record that the public would have involvement in the Use Permit process. Council Member Yagong stated that one of his concerns was that while this may make sense for the Waikoloa Association, he likens this to the cell tower situation which generated real public involvement in certain communities. Mr. Yagong said that when it came to matters involving aesthetics within a community he did not want to give away decision-making powers of the Council. At this time Mr. Yagong stated he supports the Resolution but noted that giving away decision-making powers of the council may be an issue for him. In reference to Mr. Yagong's comments, Council Chair Hoffmann stated that in the past the Council's absence in decisions of this nature generated much dissatisfaction within the community. Chair Hoffmann noted that in a prior Resolution submitted to the Planning Director the Council did ask that it be involved in decisions at the subdivision level and that this Resolution was a part of that effort. Chair Hoffmann stated it's important that the public not be excluded from these types of decisions and hoped that everyone recognizes there is a responsibility of the Council to weigh-in on behalf of the people who elected them. PC Repon No. 34 Communication 472 Resolution 235 Page 3 of 3 Your Committee on Planning is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 235, and recommends its adoption. and axes roes Aa.e Ex Respectfully submitted, FORD X HIGA X COMMITTEE ON PLANNING HOFFMANN X J/ II~DA X ~f _ ~/L- JACOBSON X ~c~ NAEOLE X K. ANGEL PII, O, CHAIIt PII.AGO X YAGONG X PC REPORT NO. 34 YosxmzoTO x ADOPTEn: ~jJJI 1 0 2007