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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PC 058 06/03/1997 1996-1998 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PLANNING DATE: June 3, 1997 Re: C-328 PLACE: Councilroom TIME: 2:45 p.m. Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Bill No. 93, transmitted by Mayor Stephen K. Yamashiro per Communication No. 328, dated May 20, 1997, regazding the amendment to Condition I of Ordinance Nos. 84-42, 88-4, 90-62, 91-96, 93-26 and 94-34 by Gamrex, Inc. (Formerly Gamlon Corporation), reports as follows: Bill No. 93 amends Ordinance No. 84-23, as amended by Ordinance Nos. 84-42, 88-4, 90-62, 91-96, 93-26 and 94-34, which reclassified approximately 103 acres of land from Unplanned to RS-15 and approximately 70 acres of land from Unplanned to RM-5 zoned district at Holualoa 1 and 2, North Kona, Hawaii, TMK:7-6-21:4, 9-13 and 15-17. The subject properties are located neaz the Kuakini Highway/Queen Kaahumanu intersection and mauka of the Kilohana Subdivision where the applicant proposed a 215-residential lot subdivision with 15,000 square foot lot sizes and a 475-unit multiple family residential development within two increments. The first increment would consist of 59.5 acres of rezoned lands and 42 acres of the RM-zoned lands. The purpose of the request is to amend the performance requirements of Ordinance 84-23, as amended by Ordinance Nos. 84-42, 88-4, 90-62, 91-96, 93-26 and 94-34 to ensure that the applicant is not in violation with the time conditions. The applicant must construct at its expense a flood control system through the RM zoned azea within the subject properties to comply with the conditions of Change of Zone Ordinance No. 93-26 and conditions of its Affordable Housing Agreement. The applicant stated that work at Gamrex's expense has been on going on the flood control system for over seven years. The drainage improvements required run from Gamrex's mauka (east) boundary along the abandoned railroad right-of--way down through the RM zoned area on lands owned by Gamrex and the County of Hawaii. The improvements then pass under both Queen Kaahumanu and Kuakini Highway through existing culverts and run makai (west) down through lands owned by Gamrex to existing improvements which start at the Kupuna Street bridge (culvert) in Kalani Makai subdivsion. In addition, Gamrex has experienced a very slow yeaz which sales were well below projections and mazket activity was at its lowest ebb. Gamrex undertook a complete project review which included extensive market analysis and project orientation. All model home and vacant lot inventories were repriced and a mazketing program was developed and is presently in operation. PC REPORT NO. 58 PC-58 Page 2 June 3, 1997 The applicant has continually worked to secure the necessary approvals from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Public Works for the required drainage improvements within and beyond the boundaries of the project site. The applicant's ability to secure Final Plan Approval of the RM zoned lands is subject to the approval of drainage improvements. The applicant has shown perseverance in managing the many requirements which they have had to deal with. Your Committee concurs with the following reasons by the Planning Commission and the Planning Director for recommending a favorable consideration for the amendment request: 1. The result of conditions which could not have been foreseen or are beyond the control of the applicant. 2. The amendment conforms would not be contrary to the General Plan nor would it be contrary to the original reasons for granting the change of zone. 3. The applicant has either complied with, or initiated the process of compliance with other conditions of approval within the subject ordinance. Your Committee raised some concern regarding the connection of Lako Street between the makai end of the Iolani Subdivision and the mauka end of Unit 1 B in the Kona Vistas Subdivision which would provide a connection from Hualalai Road to Kuakini Highway. The connection is still in the preliminary planning stages and details relating to construction and funding of the connection still needs to be worked out with affected agencies. Maryl Development who is the developer of Iolani Subdivision has expressed concerns to the connections. Your Committee on Planning is in accord with the intent and purpose of Bill No. 93 and recommends that it pass first reading. CES AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted LEITHEAD-TODD 7{ COMMITTEE O PLANNING TYLER ~J ~~L~![;!% ~ CHUNG J{ ~ ~ LG REYNOLDS X O Y JEAN L ITHEAD-TODD, CHAIR SANTANGELO SMITH X PC REPORT NO. 58 vacoNC X ADOPTED: ..!'I" `gyj ARAKAKI E.O.M.