HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PC 038 04/01/1997 1996-1998 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
DATE: April 1, 1997 Re: C-216
PLACE: Councilroom
TIME: 2:35 p.m.
Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Planning to which was referred Bill No. 64, transmitted by Mayor Stephen
K. Yamashiro per Communication No. 216, dated March 13, 1997, regarding the planning
director initiated General Plan amendment, reports as follows:
Bill No. 64 amends the County of Hawaii General Plan as adopted by Ordinance No. 89-142 and
as amended by Ordinance Nos. 90-71, 91-48, 91-72, 91-131, 92-115, 93-10 and 93-11. The
purpose of the amendment is Co redesignate approximately 3.4± acres of land, identified by Tax
Map Key: 2-2-34:67, 68, 69, 76, 77, 104 and 1061ocated at Waiakea, South Hilo, Island of
Hawaii from "Low Density Urban Development" to "High Density Urban Development."
The subject properties are owned by S. K. Oda Trust, S. Russel Oda, Sam H. Oda, Aki Sadamoto
and Hatsumi Arita. All landowners have given written authorization to Sidney Fuke, Planning
Consultant, on behalf of Big Island Candies, Inc. to file the necessary request Change of Zone
application. Allan K. and Irma K. Ikawa have an agreement to purchase the subject property and
would lease the property to Big Island Candies, Inc.
The subject properties are located within the Waiakea House Lots ] st Series, approximately 100
feet to the north of Kekuanaoa Street and borders Hinano and Laukapu Streets. Orchids of
Hawaii, a floricultural business comprised of commercial offices, retail and storage/packing
areas, was established by the Landowners Isom 1945 to 1985. The business was oriented to the
visitor industry as well as the residents of the County and operated under the nonconforming
provisions of the 'Coning Code. An architectural office and Paradise Plants Home and Garden
Center was also established on the site as a nonconforming ttse. However, Paradise Plants has
moved to a,iother location.
Big Island Candies, (nc., a Hawaii corporation, intends to develop a new facility and relocate its
existing retail and production operation to the subject properties. Big Island Candies, Inc. has
been retailing deluxe cookies. baked products and candies to visitors and island residents since
1977. Its present facilities, located on the mauka side oC Kalanianaole Street within the
Kalanianaole Industrial area since 1989, is not readily suitable to allow for expansion of its
existing and planned operations.
Big Island Candies, Ina, proposes to construct a main two-story building, approximately 29,700
square feet, which will have the ground level for retail and production activities and the second
level will be for offices, storage and employee facilities, including a fitness room. A 4,000-
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PC- 3$ Page 2 Apcil 1, 1997
square foot auxiliary building, connected by a courtyard and covered walkway, will
accommodate four-1,000 square foot retail bays for other types of products.
Concurrently, Big Island Candies, Inc. is requesting a Change of Zone from an RS-10 to CG-20
zoned district.
Primary access for the proposed development of the subject properties will be provided by
Hinano Street, a county maintained roadway having a 40-foot wide right-of--way having a 16 foot
wide pavement with gravel/grassed shoulders. Access from Laukapu Street will be limited to
employee parking.
Surrounding uses near the subject properties are single family residences, multiple family
residences, retail stores, bank institutions, offices and restaurant establishments, and the Atebara
Potato Chip Factory located along the east side of Manono Street which is operating as a
nonconforming use.
The requirements of Chapter 343, HRS, relating to Environmental Impact Statements, were met
upon the completion of the Final Environmental Impact Statement which assessed the potential
impacts on the proposed development. The EIS was accepted and filed with the Office of
Environmental Quality Control and published in the January 8, ] 997 OEQC Bulletin.
From 1971 through November 1989, the subject properties and the major portion of the Waiakea
House lot area were designated as Medium Density Urban Development. The perimeter portions
of the Waiakea House lot area between Kanoelehua Avenue and Kalanikoa Street, and from
Kawili Street to Piilani Street were designated as Industrial area.
During the 1989 GP Comprehensive Review, the area along Mililani Street, between Kekuanaoa
Street and Waiakea Pond, was redesignated from Resort to High Density Urban. The area
bounded by Kinoole Street, Lanikaula Street, Mililani Street and Mohouli Street was also
redesignated tram Medium Density Urban to High Density Urban. These areas were considered
as extensions of the Milo Shopping Center node.
In 1992, Ordinance No. 92-115 redesignated a major portion of the Waiakea House lot area from
Medium Density Urban to Low Density Urban due to concerns raised by the residents relating to
the encroachment of industrial and commercial uses.
Your Committee concurs with the following reasons by the Planning Commission and the
Planning Director for recommending a favorable consideration for the amendment to the General
Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide Map:
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PC- 38 Page 3 April 1, 1997
l . The proposed amendment conforms to the goals, policies and standards of the
General Plan.
2. The proposed amendment is consistent with the Land Use Element of the General
Plan. All essential services and utilities, including water, wastewater and
roadways wil I be provided.
3. The High Density Urban Development designation would allow appropriate urban
lands for commercial development, thereby contributing to the growth and
economic vitality of Hilo and the surrounding community.
Public testimony by one of the Waiakea House Lot organizations supported the General Plan
amendment because the proposed development would beautify, enhance, and provide stability in
the area.
Your Committee also supported the proposed development and commended Big Island Candies,
Inc, for becoming a shining example of a successful entrepreneurship for Hawaii.
Your Committee on Planning is in accord with the intent and purpose of Bill No. 64 and
recommends that it pass first reading.
CES
AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted
LEiTnEAO-ronn X COMMITTEE ON PLAN
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