HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0494.001 2008-2010
Page 1 of 1
Murashige, Laura Co m M ~ 4 P R
From: Bob Ward [rgward007@hawaii.rr.com]-
Sent: Sunday, August 30, 2009 7:20 PM
To: Council Testimony "i ,UG 3
Cc: planning@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Testimony - Planning Committee
Attachments: PC-Palamanui.pdf
Aloha,
I have attached my testimony before the Planning Committee for Bill 136
and Bill 137 and the new zoning changes for Palamanui. IF certain changes are
made, I would be in favor of the request.
Thanks,
Robert Ward
CORMi ft '/?4'./
Ref. To,.
Re
8/31/2009 f. QQ V
TESTIMONY - HAWAII COUNTY PLANNING COMMITTEE
RE: PALAMANUI GLOBAL HOLDINGS LLC- TMK: 7-2-5:1 - Bill 136 & 137
1 have reviewed the Planning Director's and Leeward Planning Commission's
perspectives on the proposed zoning condition changes for Palamanui. Deferring actual
construction of both on-site facilities and off-site roadways may well be justified by the
current constraints on financial resources, however I believe that additional changes are
warranted. I would be happy to discuss these recommended changes further and how
they will impact implementation of the Community Development Plan.
Delaying actual construction of the Mamalahoa connector road (actually a Minor
Arterial) might be reasonable in a shrinking economy; HOWEVER, delaying indefinitely
the Planning, Engineering, and Right of Way acquisition is not acceptable or necessary.
The developer should have adequate resources to advance the off-site road projects to
the pre-construction stage (or `shovel ready' in the current vernacular). Consequently, I
RECOMMEND that the developer provide the County with all design plans, bid
specifications, meets and bounds surveys, legal descriptions and other necessary
documents for the County to acquire sufficient right-of-way and advertise bids (if
necessary) for construction. This route remains a crucial component, and must provide
for both the Arterial capacity and the Switchback (meandering, to conform to AASHTO
and ADA guidelines) Shared-Use Path required in the Kona CDP. These should be
delivered to the County before the original construction deadline.
Active recreation facilities may, or may not be required until the project is actually
occupied; HOWEVER recreation is still needed by clients, customers, students, workers,
faculty, patients, and other guests of the project. The developer should have adequate
resources to provide the County with passive recreation facilities, again relying on in-
kind resources. Consequently, I RECOMMEND that the developer should provide (at a
minimum) 10-foot paved Shared-Use Paths (conforming to AASHTO and ADA
guidelines) along the HELCO utility easement adjacent to the proposed park site as well
as University Drive and Kamanu Street as valuable components of the Kona CDP. It
would be reasonable to expect the developer to complete the park Master Plan (with
public input) as well. These should be completed on a defined schedule and prior to the
original park completion deadline.
Changes in the zoning structure may be justified; HOWEVER, the original
requirements for providing mixed-use development was a crucial component of meeting
community goals The Developer should have sufficient capabilities to provide enhanced
mixed-use development. Therefore, I RECOMMEND that the developer warrant a
minimum of 20-percent of all commercial, retail, wholesale, and distribution parcels will
contain mixed-use residential units as well. This is a cost effective means of achieving
the goals delineated in the Kona CDP. This should be achieved on a cumulative annual
sales basis.
Thank you.
Robert Ward