HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0267.021 2006-2008 PAL,AMANUI
November 20, 2007
Mr. Pete Hoffman, Chairman
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, HI 96720
Re: Bill 79 -Proposed Revision of Hawaii County Parking Requirements
Deaz Chairman Hoffman & Members of the County Council,
My name is Roger Harris. I am chief planner and project manager for the Palamanui project now under
construction 1 mile north and mauka of Kona Airport. Just this past Saturday I spent the day with the
Director of "The Center for Smart Building and Community Design" from the University of Hawaii at
UH Manoa, Honolulu. This is a federally funded program that provides research and design support
services to various projects. As you know, the University of Hawaii is engaged in near term and long
term planning for 500 acres of state land adjacent to Palamanui. Director Stephen Meder, Dr. Darren T.
Learner, Dr. Gordon Grave, and others from this program will be assisting us and the University planners
on smart growth and green principles that may be applicable to Palamanui and the University's plans.
Palamanui is constructing infrastructure to service the 500 acres and constructing the first West Hawaii
Center complex of community college buildings as required by our project district zoning conditions.
After touring the site and reviewing our current plans, the Center for Smart Growth people said "My Gad,
why do you have so much pazking?" and "We feel you should strive to increase your living unit count
near the community college so the homes and apartments could be more affordable and residents could
walk to school and the village center." My response was "You think we are showing a lot of parking
now, wait until you see the new plan that we are drawing up right now to conform to the county council's
proposed Bi1179."
The required revisions aze substantial. For example: On our F1 multifamily site we aze currently allowed
70 homes with 80 parking stalls. Under the proposed ordinance before you, we would be allowed 56
homes with 112 parking stalls. This is an area on which we intended to locate some "affordable units."
Across the property line, at the new community college building, the parking lot will be required to grow
from 64 stalls to at least 74 stalls. Since we are capped at a cost of $5 million, should we spend our
money on more parking stalls or more classroom space and landscaping?
Your votes today will impact these things. I urge you to vote against this Bill. The pazking ratios we
have in the code now are OK as is. Does Hawaii County want to go in a direction opposite from what any
"smart growth advocate group" feels is the right direction?
Sincerely,
` ~Y"`~ Comm: tQo. 2°7.21
Ref. To•~t~
Roger Harris Ref. Date wrni 2 0 2007_
P.O. ISox 9007 • Kuilua-Kona, I lawuii 96745 • P6nne: (SOS) 325-0700 • Facsimile. (808) 443-0701