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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0945.001 2006-2008 Page 1 of 1 Murashige, Laura P/PC From: Bob Ward [rgward007@hawaii.rr.comj Sent: Monday, February 04, 2008 9:23 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Planning Committee - Resolution 499-08 &041N- 0145 Attachments: PC-Forest Setback.docx I would like to provide the attached testimony for the Planning Committee. Bob Ward 77-6526 Ho' olaupa' i St Kailua Kona, HI 96740 Comm. No. S. / Ref. To. G Ref. Dote DEB K_ n_ 2/5/2008 February 5, 2006 TESTIMONY - PLANNING COMMITTEE Hawai'i County Council - (Communication 981) Resolution 517-08 TMK 62-001-009 et.aL Parker Land Trust Submitted by: Bob Ward Kailua Kona Thank you Committee Chair Pilago and Council Members. I appreciate the opportunity to provide this testimony. While time has not been sufficient to thoroughly review and confirm all the details, I shall be brief. The original Ordinance was very specific mandating that the applicant provide 30 acres of land outside the project area. The accord between parties clearly dictated that land area was the determining factor, based on the needs of the community. This has not changed. Accepting less than 8 an a half acres does not appear to be reasonable at this time. While delivering far less land then needed, the proposed value of the trail easement is perhaps far higher than warranted. A non exclusive, limited use, easement commands far less value than fee simple fair market value. To the contrary, Recreational Trail Easements have a documented reputation of actually adding value to adjacent parcels. This often leaves the remainder land more valuable once public funds have improved the trail. With much of the conveyance unbuildable or laying within floodways, the value of the easement may be reduced further. Allowing for the acreage already defined, it would be reasonable to consider an additional 6 miles of 30-foot wide trail easements as one of several possible equitable solutions. Thank you. Bob Ward