HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0862.040 1996-1998
M 1-98 04:07P vonnia lyoea 808 322-8899 P.03
KONA OUTDOOR CIRCLE ---r RECEIVED ~4
7h_6280 Kuakmi HtphwaY 11me___- BY---------
Kaflua-Kona. Haw, n %740 pg1e~__
May 31, 1998 County Coandl;
FAX TO: AARON CHUNG, FINANCE COMMITTE CHAIR
HAWAII COUNT`! COUNCIL
FAX NO: 969-3291.
RE: RESOLU'PioN #'279-98, SOBAY HAWAII
I
Enclosed is testimony presented on behalf of the Kona Outdoor
Circle at the Planning Commission hearing held on February 20
concerning an SMA use permit and Shoreline Setack Variance
Application by SoBay Hawaii for the development. This testimony is
still valid and should be consi<xered in your June 3 meeting to
address Councilman Tyler's resolu'~-ion to effect a land exchange on
this property. I believe you Nava already received a fax in the
last day or so from Kona Outdoai: Circle chairman Kelly Greenwell,
reiterating the fact that KCC strongly objects to development of
this property. However, the enclosed testimony may be helpful in
your decision.
February 20, 1998
To., HAWAII COUN'Y PLANNING COMMISSION
Re: Speciol Managclmen4 Area Use Permit
Application (SMA 97••6)
Shorelin» :es-back variance Application
(SSV 97-2)
Petitioner: SoBay Hawaii, Inc.
TMK: 7-5-018-020
Location: On the makai side of Alii Drive
adjacent (south) to the Kona
Reef Condominium complex in
r:ailua Village.
The objective of the Kona Outdo. --ii: is to keep Kona "Clean,
Green, and Beautiful." We ti,e very concerned with protecting our
environment, our culture. C i(l, otu KQnia way of life.
The Kona Outdoor Circle i~_, not anti--,?ev,alopment, but it would seem
the SoBay project would adversnl)r zCfect all of these concerns.
The site is much too seta l (.7 z;crze) for the present deisgn (4
stories, 21 units). It ,,,ill not only destroy one of the last
remaining white sand beache:a in known as Honl's Beach, it
will block the present open view rya` tP7.e ocean from Alii Drive, and
will effectively ruin a :>lacc, ":,t has become a home for the
families of Kona who hav,=: their children the cultural sport
of surfing in this plat':;.
Some excerpts from ord;.na+.r s: 83-412 the Hawaii County General
Oxkm No. (02.
Flle No. ~LCj J
Ref. Tot Pt'05ented FC
Hef. 1Ma JUN tgou
MaYO31-98 04:08P vonnie lyons 808 322-8899 P.04
Plan, which became effective in November, 1989, are particularly
pertinent to the goals of the Kona Outdoor Circle. For instance,
Section 4 of the Plan is titled "Council Goals, Statement of
Development Objectives, Standards, and Principles" states:
(F) Natural Beauty: Protect, preserve and enhance the quality
of areas endowed with natural beauty, including the quality of
coastal scenic resources; Protect scenic vistas and view planes
from becoming obstructed.
(G) Natural Resources and shorelire: The shoreline shall be
protected from the encroachment of man-made improvements and
structures.
(K) Recreation: The County of Hawaii shall adopt an on-going
program of identification, designation, and acquisition of areas
with recreational resources, such as land with sandy beaches and
other prime areas for shoreline recreation.
Under section 8 Public Lands, one of the goals is to acquire
necessary lands for public use to implement policies and programs
contained in the General Plan, and the standard states that public
lands with unique recreational and natural resources shall be
maintained for public use.
The Kona Outdoor Circle strongly recommends the denial of any
development on Honl's Beach and will exert all efforts in its power
to assure that the land be designated e public park and be acquired
by the state or county for the i^nefit of all the Kona community.
We do not feel any owner/&tveloner ?-too a given right to take this
away from the people.
We are also concerned about the ^afet.y of the proposed structure
itself. In a normal year, winter surf is bound to inundate the
lower level of the building as plarined. This area along Alii Drive
is also a catch basin for heavy resins when runoff from mauka areas
flood Alii Drive. An undiorground parking area for the building
will likely be flooded either From high surf or heavy rains, or
both.
Referring again to the Pswai.i County General Plan, Section 4, D
Flood Control and Drainage: Conserve scenic and natural resources;
prevent damage to man-madr> improvements, prevent damage from
inundation. It further stat^et. In areas vulnerable to severe damage
due to the impact of wave: action, r .;trir_tive land use and building
structure regulations must oP esl2'r.tod relative to the potential for
loss of life and property. "heck page 79 in the telephone
directory and you will see Sot3ayfs property is definitely a
vulnerable area.
The Kona Outdoor Circle strongly urges your careful assessment of
this project and requests that any and all development of Honl's
. a
May-~61-98 04:08P vonn ie lJons 808 322-8899 P.O5
Beach by any party be denied.
Respectfully,
THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
KONA OUTDOOR CIRCLE
cc: Councilman Curtis Tyler