HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PC 157 11/05/1998 1996-1998 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
DATE: November 5, 1998 Re: C-1038/Resolution No. 342-98
PLACE: Councilroom
TIME: 1:52 p.m.
Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Resolution No. 342-98, transmitted by
Council Member Joe Reynolds per Communication No. 1038, dated October 16, 1998, regarding
the "Kona Coffee Belt", reports as follows:
Resolution No. 342-98 requests that the Planning Director conduct a feasibility study within 120
days from the date of the resolution's adoption. It also specifies that once the study is completed,
the Council would conduct a public hearing in Kona, and that the hearing's findings would then
be incorporated into the General Plan update.
Mr. Reynolds explained that he would like the specific area described in the first paragraph of
Resolution No. 342-98 to be known as the "Kona Coffee Belt" in order to retain this area for the
exclusive use of orchards and coffee production. Because Hawaii has some of the most unique
coffee farm lands, and Kona is known for its "Kona coffee", we should preserve this area as part
of our heritage while trying to preserve its culture, history and rural lifestyles.
Your Committee recommended to amend the resolution by deleting the "Now Therefore, Be It
Resolved" paragraph, and that the heading "Be it Further Resolved" also be deleted and replaced
with the "Now Therefore, Be it Resolved."
Your Committee further recommended that the above mentioned paragraph be amended so it
does not restrict the "Kona Coffee Belt" to orchards and coffee production, but that it be open to
all types of agriculture and be denoted as a special agricultural district.
Your Committee then asked a Planning Department staff member about the feasibility of the
study, and Your Committee was told that he does not know who would be able to conduct the
study since they are understaffed and have other assignments to complete. It was also noted that
because they are currently in the process of updating the General Plan, there would not be
sufficient time to work on the study. Your Committee then agreed with the suggestion to bypass
the study and incorporate the "Kona Coffee Belt" into the General Plan, and all references to the
study were deleted from the resolution.
PC-157
PC-157 Page 2 November 5, 1998
Your Committee also questioned the name of "Puuhonau" as to whether it should be Puuhonua
or Puu Honaunau. Your Committee will verify the correct narne and incorporate it into Draft 2 if
necessary.
For informational purposes only, on the final vote, Committee Member Curtis Tyler voted
"Kanalua" twice.
Your Committee on Planning concurs with the intent and purpose of Resolution No. 342-98, as
amended to Draft 2, and recommends its adoption.
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AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted,
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ARAKAKI E.O.M. X ADOPTED? NOV I H 1988