HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0465.001 2006-2008 Page 1 of 1
Murashige, Laura
From: Ralph Portmore [Portmore@group70int.com]
Sent: Monday, July 09, 2007 2:51 PM
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Cc: Michelle Nelson; Steve Lettau; Bryan Mamaclay; Cheryl Soon; Dean Minakami; Gene Yong;
George Atta; Jerilyn Hanohano; John Valera; John Whalen; Kimi Yuen; Leah Rothbaum;
Marissa Harman; Mark Tawara; Michelle Jaffe; Mike Murphy; Paul Luersen; Peter Flachsbart;
Ralph Portmore; Ramona Mullahey; Robyn Loudermilk; Scott Derrickson
Subject: American Planning Association, Hawaii Chapter Testimony on Bill 112
Attachments: APAHI_Testimony_Bi11112.doc
Aloha,
We respectfully request your consideration of the attached testimony.
Thank you,
Ralph E. Portmore, AICP
Chapter President _
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Ref. Dote
7/9/2007
1 ~ July 9, 2007
The Honorable Pete Hoffman, Chair
Hawaii County Council
hawal'1 chapter 25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
o(the
americanplanning Subject: Bill No. 112. An Ordinance Amending Chapter 11, Article 1
association of the Hawaii County Code Relating to Affordable Housing
p.o. box 557
nonoWN Deaz Mr. Hoffman:
hawa7i
ssaos The Hawaii Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA) wishes to
www.hawaiiapa.org express its concerns regarding Bill 112. We are awaze that the availability of
affordable housing is a serious issue in the County of Hawaii, however, we feel
that there are alternative policies that may more appropriately and effectively
address this problem.
As you are aware, Bill 112 would extend the County's affordable housing
requirement to apply to residential subdivisions and condominium
developments. However, rather than increase the supply of affordable housing,
Bill 112 would adversely affect the development of new housing, including
affordable housing, as it diminishes the incentive to pursue residential
development, and increases uncertainty in the realm of local government
regulation.
Rather than mandate the construction of affordable housing, we advocate that
the County provide incentives to promote the development of affordable
housing. These incentives may include density bonuses, zoning exemptions,
tax incentives, public-private partnerships, flexible subdivision requirements,
expedited permitting, and waived or reduced permit and development fees.
Affordable housing incentives reduce the cost and risk of development, thereby
encouraging the private sector to develop more affordable housing. APA
stands ready to assist you and the County if necessary to amend legislation that
enables such incentives.
In closing, we acknowledge the County's desire to promote the development of
affordable housing but strongly recommend that the County Council consider
the alternatives that we have proposed.
founded in 1962, the Very respectfully,
hawa~
i chapter has over
300 members, including /
planning officials, public ~ ~
and pdvate sector planners, C? r',- (-L„~ C/~~---
andcommunity advocates,
on the major islands Ralph E. Portmore, AICP
across the state Chapter President
e m8lama pono ! ka '81na;
n3n3 mal ke ola
take good care o/ the land;
it grants you life