HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PC 053 11/06/2007 2006-2008 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
DATE: November 6, 2007 Re: Comm. No. 759/Resolution No. 386
PLACE: Councilroom
Ben Franklin Building
333 Kilauea Avenue, 2°d Floor
Hilo, 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. 386, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 386, transmitted via Communication No. 759 from Emily Naeole, Council
Member, dated October 23, 2007, transmitting a Resolution urging the Department of Hawaiian
Home Lands and other property owners not to negotiate any commercial leases for big box or
other super stores in South Hilo until an alternate route between Hilo and Puna is established.
Resolution No. 386 states that traffic has become a major concern on the Big Island and has
affected the quality of life for East Hawaii residents. Shopping centers that have been
developed in the area between Lanikaula and Kahaopea Streets attract not only Hilo residents,
but residents from Hamakua, Volcano and Puna as well. Because the outlying rural area of Puna
lacks shopping centers, most Puna residents travel into and out of Puna via Highway 130 and
Highway 11 and thus any more stores, particularly big box or super stores, will compound the
existing traffic problem.
The recommendation of the Puna Community Development Plan, Transportation Working
Group, calls for the extension of Railroad Avenue (in Hilo) to Shower Drive in Kea`au, which
route would help relieve some of the congestion currently occurring on Highways 130 and 11.
Because the alternate Hilo/Puna route is not listed as a project to occur within the next five years
with the State Department of Transportation, Resolution No. 386 urges the Department of
Hawaiian Home Lands and any other property owner considering negotiating commercial leases
for big box or super stores to encourage the State Department of Transportation to expedite the
alternate route between Hilo and Puna.
At the November 6, 2007 Committee on Planning meeting, oral testimony was presented by Paul
Campbell, Chairman of the local Sierra Club, who testified in total opposition to superstores on
Hawaii island, and Mr. Jim Weatherford who stated that competition is good, however, allowing
very large enterprises or big box stores can negatively impact free enterprise.
PC Report No. 53
Communication 759
Resolution 386
Page 2 of 2
Council Member Naeole explained the serious traffic impacts that would result if a superstore
was built in Hilo and stated her position that if Department of Hawaiian Home Lands were to
allow superstores to be built on their lands, then it should be part of the solution and help with
problems it generates. Ms. Naeole also felt that DHHL should be asked to provide some of the
necessary infrastructure as well.
Council Chair Hoffmann stated that regardless of the traffic situation, there is a serious
infrastructure shortfall in Puna which should be addressed and if that was the purpose of the
proposed resolution he supports it as he liked the idea of utilizing every resource possible to
address infrastructure problems.
Council Member Yagong noted there was nothing in the resolution that directs DHHL or big box
stores to help with infrastructure. He further stated there is no relationship between what's
currently being discussed and the language of the resolution and therefore could not support the
measure as he feels this is not the way to solve Puna's infrastructure needs.
Council Member Yoshimoto noted that if one of the things Ms. Naeole wanted to accomplish
was to bring DHHL representatives to the council and to begin dialog, then he said it would be a
good opportunity to see where DHHL stands. If that be the case, Mr. Yoshimoto felt it would be
best to talk with DHHL first and offer them the opportunity.
Committee Chair Pilago stated the resolution was very interesting and demonstrated some
foresight if it triggers discussions with DHHL and the possibility for further discussions.
Your Committee on Planning is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 386 and
recommends its adoption.
and
raves noes nix ex Respectfully submitted,
FORD X
HIGH X COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
HOFFMANN X
IKEDA X ~ ~
JACOBSON X
NAEOLE X K. ANGEL PLLA ,CHAIR ~
PILACO X
YAGONC X PC REPORT NO. 53
YOSHIMOTO X ADOPTED: AFC O 5 1007