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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PC 044 08/21/2007 2006-2008 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PLANNING DATE: August 21, 2007 Re: Comm. No. 568/Resolution No. 285 PLACE: Councilroom Ben Franklin Building 333 Kilauea Avenue, 2"d Floor Hilo, Hawaii TIME: 1:30 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Resolution No. 285, reports as follows: Resolution No. 285, transmitted via Communication No. 568 from Emily Naeole, Council Member, dated July 26, 2007, transmitting a Resolution to delay Council action on upzoning in the district of Puna until the Puna Community Development Plan is Adopted by Ordinance, or until September 1, 2008, whichever shall occur first. Resolution No. 285 states that starting in 1946 with the Mauna Loa Estates, rampant unplanned subdivision of large tracts of native forest have resulted with over 50,000 house lots, many of which are still vacant. It also notes that residents have repeatedly expressed frustration with the lack of infrastructure and the loss of open space and agriculture. The resolution notes that such rapid urbanization and build-out of previous subdivisions will lead to loss of community, culture and place within the district of Puna. Resolution No. 285 also states that the Puna Community Development Plan Steering Committee has requested that upzoning in the district of Puna be delayed until the Puna Community Development Plan is adopted by ordinance or until September 1, 2008, whichever shall occur first. The Resolution also provides that the temporary delay shall not apply to all Federal, State and County community-based and/or self-help housing projects. The August 14, 2007 Committee on Planning meeting in West Hawaii was cancelled and rescheduled to August 21, 2007 at the Hilo Council Room. At the August 21, 2007 Committee on Planning meeting public testimony in support of Resolution No. 285 was presented by Renee Saracusa (representing 4,450 members of Malama o Puna), Kim Tavares (in support) and Stephanie Bath (in support). Testifying in opposition to Resolution No. 285 were Kimo Lee (representing W. H. Shipman, Ltd.) and David Fukumoto (representing Fuko Bonsai). Council Member Naeole noted her recognition and honor of the CDP Steering committee's hard work, and also expressed her understanding of the vision for Keaau of W. H. Shipman, a large PC Report No. 44 Communication 568 Resolution 285 Page 2 of 3 landowner in Puna. Also, at the start of her council term, Ms. Naeole stated she did meet with W. H. Shipman representatives to discuss the possibility of another road out of Puna due to Puna's traffic situation. Ms. Naeole made note that in her discussions with Mr. Bill Walters, she was informed that Director Yuen and Andy Levin told Mr. Walters he could not be part of the Puna CDP Steering Committee. Director Yuen stated Mr. Walters did apply and, based on his recommendation to the mayor as to who should be on the steering committee, he felt it was not a good idea to appoint someone who had a fiduciary obligation as well as being a major landowner who would be affected by the CDP for Puna. Mr. Yuen stated that one point against appointment was that it may represent a conflict of interest when voting on proposals that affect W. H. Shipman property. On the other hand, there would be some benefit in appointing a large landowner to the steering committee. Director Yuen stated that even though Shipman was not selected, their input is certainly welcomed and can nonetheless be expressed at the community meetings as a participant. Director Yuen assured Ms. Naeole that should the Resolution be approved, applicants could still submit applications for rezonings but that it was Council action that was being delayed through the resolution. Mr. Yuen did note, however, that the practical effect of passing this resolution is it's a signal that the council doesn't want to see rezoning applications. Council Chair Hoffmann noted that similar resolutions were passed some time ago and there have been no real adverse affects. In fact it provided the steering committee an opportunity to mature the plan and put the plan on the table without being unduly influenced by any new or potential types of developments being thrust at them while in deliberations. Mr. Hoffmann expressed support of Ms. Naeole's resolution. In response to Mr. Ikeda's inquiry as to how far along the Committee was with the Plan, Mr. Olson stated final reports from the planning consultants have been received and these reports will be taken to the public segment for comments, followed by deliberations. He anticipates being ready to go to the Planning Department around October or November. Mr. Yoshimoto stated because Puna falls within both Ms. Naeole and his districts, he is of a different perspective and therefore has difficulty with accepting and supporting the resolution. Mr. Yoshimoto noted that this type of resolution sends a strong message from the council. He said he is confident that any rezoning request coming before the council will be reviewed and decided thoughtfully. Mr. Yoshimoto stated he doesn't want to preclude or discourage these kinds of applications coming forward to the Council and wishes to give anyone who wants to apply an opportunity to do so. He stated he is not anti-development, but he is for smart development. Ms. Naeole expressed that having been part of the 200 community meetings she noted the hard work the people from the community have done and wants to acknowledge the months and months of giving their time inputting this plan together. Ms. Naeole said that when the Kona Districts came forward with their resolution she did not step up at that time. However, having PC Report No. 44 Communication 568 Resolution 285 Page 3 of 3 heard the mana'o at all the meetings she attended in her district she felt she had to help the Puna district and asked for council support. Mr. Yagong, stated he would feel a lot better in supporting this resolution if he heard the concurrence of other representatives of Puna, but said he will support the resolution because Ms. Naeole, representative of the majority ofthe Puna district, supports the pause. Your Committee on Planning is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 285 and recommends its adoption. and AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfiilly submitted, FORD X HIGA X COMIvIIT'fEE ON PLANNING HOFFMANN X HCEDA X O`er) JACOBSON X NAEOLE X IC ANGEL PIL q CHAIR PII,AGO X YAGONG X PC REPORT NU. 44 YOSHIMOTO X ADOPTED: SEP o~~n7