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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0095.004 2008-2010 P/caumn To: Hawaii County Council From: Trent Y. Hata ?n q MBR 16 Nil 11 54 Subject: Opposition to Sonomura Rentals Inc. request to amend lanU(us. fporri''i .41r'`"' f ll agriculture to urban and change in zoning from agriculture -3a to residential/agriculture -0.5a. Keeping the panaewa farm lots as is, is consistent with the county and state goals of supporting diversified Ag in the State of Hawaii. Panaewa is situated in a advantageous location for farming, a short distance from shipping points and does not contain rare or endangered species or archaeological sites. The location of the farm lots is listed in the 2006 Hawaii Agricultural Statistics as a major agricultural area on the big island. The following are the concerns of the panaewa community: 1) Hawaii Right to Farm Act, HRS Chapter 165 HRS Chapter 165 of the Hawaii Right to Farm Act was enacted to protect farming operations on land in an agricultural districts when adjacent land is reclassified. The fact that urban use is proposed next to Mr. Bronco and my existing agricultural operation will increase our liability which may result from noise, flies and odors from livestock operations, pesticide sprays and increased agriculture theft. Mr. Sonomuras representative did indicate prospective land owners will be notified that they cannot interfere with our existing operations however; it will not indemnify us of liability. 2) Land use commission rules, Act 183 Act 183 states that when considering an area for reclassification land contiguous with existing urban areas shall be given more consideration that non-contiguous land, particularly when indicated for future urban use on state and county general plans. The proposed project is not contiguous to urban designated land. Mr. Sonomura's parcel along with all surrounding land is designated Agriculture. 3) Inconsistent with the County General Plan: There are numerous references reiterating the counties responsibility to protect and support existing ag lands. The more pertinent ones are as follows: 1) The county general plan states that commercial agricultural operations will not be discouraged from or penalized for utilizing lands considered "marginal". Many commodities including macadamia nuts, papaya, anthuriums and orchids are now produced on such lands. To protect these existing agricultural operations from urban encroachment, a buffer area, or uses which are compatible with agricultural operations should be considered before allowing any type of rural or urban development into the area. Mr. Sonomuras proposal does not include a buffer zone. 2) The county general plan states "Important Agricultural lands will not be rezoned to parcels to small to support economically viable farming units. 0.5 acres is not a viable farming unit, 3) The county general plan Comm. No. ~ Ca w Ref. To:Preteated (Ll Ref. Date MAR 18 2009 states "The county discourages speculative residential development on Agricultural lands" Being that Mr. Sonomura never lived on the parcel or farmed there and now plans to subdivide and rezone to urban it seems to fall under this category. The county needs to be made aware that the majority of the current residents are in their retirement years. Their children, grandchildren or new comers to our community can carry on and preserve the farming way of life. 4) A stated goal of the general plan is to accommodate growth without congestion. Mr. Sonomura's proposed project will have a negative impact on traffic. As all residents can tell you it is impossible for residents of Panaewa Farm lots to exit Makalika, Lama or Mamaki in the morning. Residents take the back roads to the Kawalani Street Traffic light and double back if necessary, and 5) It is the county's responsibility to designate, protect and maintain important agricultural lands from urban encroachment. Also of concern to our community is the impact on our environment. The proposed development neighbors the panaewa wells. Although the farm lots have all basic utilities it is not connected to a urban sewer system. Until the county finds a solution to relieve the traffic congestion resulting from puna commuters and installs the infrastructure such as urban sewage systems capable of handling half or ag 1 densities, installs fire hydrants, sidewalks, street lighting we respectfully request that urban rezoning or lots smaller than Ag 3 not be considered. In closing I would like to remind you of the goals stated in the draft of the revised county general plan. They are: 1. Identify, protect and maintain important agriculture lands on the island of Hawaii. 2. Preserve the agricultural character of the island. 3. Preserve and enhance opportunities for the expansion of Hawaii's Agricultural Industry. Thank you for your time.