HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PC 025 03/17/2009 2008-2010
REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
DATE: March 17, 2009 Re: Comm. 149Bill No. 35
PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa
78-128 Ehukai Street
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 3:15 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Bill 35, reports as follows:
Bill 35, transmitted via Communication 149, from Mayor William P. Kenoi, dated
February 3, 2009, presents a Change of Zone Request by Hawaiian Rainforest Water Co, LLC, at
Kea`au, Puna, Hawaii, covered by Tax Map Key: 1-6-003:018 and 023. The property is located
on the southeast corner of the E. Milo Street-Railroad Avenue junction, in the vicinity of the
current HELCO Kea`au, Puna, Hawaii.
Bill No. 35 seeks to amend Section 25-8-22 (Puna District Zone Map), Article 8, Chapter 25
(Zoning Code) of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005 Edition), by changing the District
Classification from Agricultural - 20 Acre (A-20a) to Light Industrial - I acre (ML I a) at
Kea`au, Puna, Hawaii.
There were concurrent applications for amendments to the State Land Use district classification
from Agricultural to Urban at Kea`au, Puna, Hawaii, for approximately 10.373 acres of land,
covered by Tax Map Key: 1-6-003:018 and 023 to allow the development of a water and tropical
fruit beverage bottling facility and industrial space for lease or rent.
The Planning Director recommended favorably on this request based on the following:
• The approval of the reclassification from the State Land Use Agricultural to the Urban
District will not be violative of Section 205-2, Chapter 205, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
It is also consistent with the Land Use Commission Rules and the County General Plan.
• The Urban District request would be consistent with the goals and policies of the Land
Use element of the General Plan. The reclassification action would be consistent with the
goals, objectives and policies of the Hawaii State Plan and Puna Community
Development Plan by providing future employment opportunities and improved living
standards and stimulating the development and expansion of economic activities.
PC Report 25
Communication 149
Bill 35
• The urban reclassification also conforms to the standard that the development is within
reasonable proximity to centers of trading and employment and to basic services such
as schools, police and fire protection, transportation systems and water.
• The property has no severe geological or topographical problems which cannot be
properly rectified or which would render the land unstable. The U.S. Federal Emergency
Management Agency Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) designates the property as Zone
"X", areas outside of the 500-year flood plain. Any improvements to the property must
comply with Chapter 27 of the County Code relating to Flood Hazard Control.
• While the project site is situated within the State Land Use Agricultural and County's
Agricultural (A-20a) zoned district, it has not been used for active agricultural purposes
for at least 80 years. The project site consists of two parcels containing eight abandoned
warehouses which have historically been used for industrial purposes. Surrounding areas
include Shipman Industrial Park.
• There are no severe geological or topographical problems which cannot be properly
rectified or which would render the land unusable. The U.S. Federal Emergency
Management Agency designates the properties as Zone "X", areas outside of the 500-
year flood plain. The properties are located over three miles from the shoreline, at an
elevation of about 300 feet above sea level and are fairly level with less than a 5% slope.
All project generated runoff will be disposed of on-site, so as not to impact surrounding
properties.
• There is no evidence of any traditional and customary Native Hawaiians rights being
practiced on the site, nor existence of any known valued cultural or native resources in
the area. Thus, it is believed that the project would have no adverse impact relative to the
cultural and historical resources of the area.
At the March 17, 2009 Planning Committee meeting, there was no public testimony. Discussion
regarding Bill 35 was combined with its sister-bill, Bill 34. See Planning Committee Report No.
24 for summary of discussion.
PC Report 25
Communication 149
Bill 35
Your Committee on Planning is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill 35 and recommends
it pass first reading.
awm
AYES NOES A&E Ex Respectfully submitted,
ENRIQUES X
FORD X COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
GREENWELL X
HOFFMANN X
IKEDA X
NAEOLE X DONALD IKEDA, CHAIR
ONISHI X
YAGONG X PC REPORT NO. 25
YOSHIMOTO X ADOPTED: APR TO