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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PC 096 10/07/2008 2006-2008REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PLANNING DATE: October 7, 2008 Re: Comm. 1470/Bi11369 PLACE: Councilroom Ben Franklin Building, 2nd Floor 333 Kilauea Avenue Hilo, Hawaii 96720 TIME: 3:00 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Bill 369, reports as follows: Bill 369, transmitted via Communication 1470 from Mayor Harry Kim, dated September 22, 2008, presents the Draft South Kohala Community Development Plan as submitted by the South Kohala Community Development Plan (CDP) Steering Committee. Communication' 1470 reports that the Hawaii County Planning Commission, as required by Chapter 4, Sec. 6-4.3(C), Hawaii County Charter, considered the above request and conducted public hearings on August 22, 2008, September 4, 2008, and September 19, 2008, to review the Prefinal Draft of the South Kohala Community Development Plan. The Planning Team for the North Kohala CDP consisted of the Consultant, Townscape, Inc., the County of Hawaii Planning Department, the Office of the Mayor, and the Department of Research and Development. Over the past three years, a number of activities oriented azound the Community Readiness Project and the South Kohala CDP were provided to inform the South Kohala community about the CDP program, develop capacity in the district, and gathering input from community members. Community meetings were held on August 29, 2007, February 12, 2008 and May 20, 2008. An estimated 500+ people attended the three pairs of meetings. Focus Groups were formed for four communities in South Kohala: Waimea, Waikoloa Village, Kawaihae, and Puako. Eighteen Focus Group meetings were held from October 2007 through May 2008. On June 25, 2008, the South Kohala CDP Steering Committee approved sending the Prefinal Draft of the South Kohala CDP to the Hawaii County Planning Commission. The Planning Director recommended that the Planning Commission send a favorable recommendation to the Hawaii County Council for adoption by Ordinance. At the October 7, 2008 Committee on Planning meeting, public testimony was presented by the following persons: Margazet Wille, Fred Lau, Joseph Kealoha, Mel D. Macy, Marc Melton, PC Report No. 96 Communication 1470 Bi11369 Page 2 of 3 George Robertson, Alice Tinsman, Bob Hunter, Lisa Yee, Dr. Billy Bergin, Pohaikalani Kirkland, Thomas M. Kelly, Hugh S. Lovell, April K. Lee, and Lester Seto. Council Chair Hoffmann expressed appreciation to the Planning Director, Alan Salavea and the South Kohala CDP Steering Committee for their combined efforts in developing the South Kohala CDP, particularly noting the diverse communities that are involved within the South Kohala District. Councilmember Ikeda expressed support of the CDP concept but had concerns whether the subsequent Action Committee is justified and how would the CDP affect timeshares. Director Yuen stated the CDP contains language regarding timeshares which basically would not change an existing permit for timeshazes. With respect to the Action Committee, Mr. Yuen explained that during the CDP process, desire was expressed for continuation of local-based involvement with the CDP and that the Action Committee was the resultant compromise of that expressed desire. Mr. Yuen said that the Action Committee was definitely worth trying due to overwhelming grass roots support for it, but reassured Mr. Ikeda that the County Council would still have the final say and be the authority with respect to land use matters. Mr. Yuen addressed Councilmember Naeole's concern regarding the proposed Mamalahoa Bypass through Department of Hawaiian Homeland property by stating that the final decision regarding the bypass road is to be made by the State ofHawai`i and although there aze disputes regarding alignment, the CDP Steering Committee was not attempting to settle those disputes. Ms. Naeole stated her total support of the South Kohala CDP and that the bypass was her only issue of concern. Councilmember Yagong expressed his concern regarding the buffer zone issue and its affect on regional pazks. Mr. Yagong stated that the integrity of generations of farmers in the area and their recreational needs must be protected and balanced. Director Yuen agreed that buffer zones are important and that the issue of pesticide drift would affect the proposed bypass as well as the regional park, both of which aze located downwind. Mr. Yagong stated it was important to raise the issue here and apprise the Action Committee of the situation as a positive effort towazds compromise and balance between the two important issues. Mr. Yagong advised he would like to discuss with the Department of Hawaiian Homelands what language would be acceptable and would work with them because of the importance of getting everyone onboard. Chair Hoffmann noted that anything Councilmember Yagong could do with respect to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands issue would be appreciated. PC Report No. 96 Communication 1470 Bill 369 Page 3 of 3 Your Committee on Planning is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill 369, and recommends it pass first reading. and AYES NOES A&E EX FORD X HIGA X HOFFMANN X IKEDA X JACOBSON X NAEOLE X PILAGO X YAGONG X YOSHIMOTO X Respectfully submitted, COMIvIITTEE ON PLANNING i l~ i K. ANG PII, ,CHAIR PC REPORT NO~c ~ 96 ADOPTED: lR.l / L !11118