HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0664.008 2008-2010 ‚' ‚P C
RE: Comm, C,064 I q 4-
James Arakaki
&.; 1 -' ;-
459 Waianuenue Avenue
Hilo, Hawaii 96720 r^
Honorable J Yoshimoto, Chair Donald Ikeda, Chair
and members of the Hawaii and members of the Planning Committee
County Council Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
RE: Letter of support for Bill 194, Amendments To Puna Community Development Plan
Dear Chairman Yoshimoto and members of the Hawaii County Council,
1 have reviewed the proposed amendments to the PCDP, bill 194 and concur, with the Proposed
amendments of the bill.
1. The current PCDP restricts the amount of commercial and Service square footage for a Town Center
to 250,000 square feet. It also restricts businesses to a maximum of 50,000 square feet (table 501).
A. Bill 194 removes this restriction to allow the market and the County Council to decide the required
space for commercial use. Example: The new Safeway Store will have 60,000 square feet and Target
will have 120,000 square feet, all market driven.
B. Bill 194 also adds a commercial site for the Makuu Market.
2. The PCDP requires the use of "Floating Zone" for village centers and "Transfer Development Rights"
for zoning.
A. Bill 194 removes the reference to "Floating Zone" and "Transfer Development Rights" as these do
not exist under State Law and County Law. Zoning, under the County Charter, is reserved for the
Legislative Branch, the County Council, with the approval of the Mayor. No "commission" or
"committee" is authorized to zone under the County Charter.
3. The current PCDP requires the action of the county to: 1. condemn and purchase farm lands to lease
out; 2. make home loans for renovations, 3. provide free high speed wireless; 4. create a Historical
Preservation Commission.
A. Bill 194 removes the above requirement as they are not proper county functions.
4. The current PCDP requires the Pahoa ad Keaau Transfer Stations to be moved; requires expensive
water treatment for DHHL
A. Bill 194 removes the requirement to move the transfer stations because the expense does not
justify the move and these stations are now under renovation.
B. Bill 194 respects DHHL "s authority over its lands. 't .a
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5. The current PCDP takes the stance that dictates specific actions that belong, under the county
charter, to the legislative branch of government.
A. Bill 194 changes that stance to recommend and suggest to the legislative body who has the
authority to create laws under the charter.
The Planning Director concurs with the intent of Bill 194 in her letter to the Planning Commission. 1
would support the passing of Bill 194 in its present form without any further amendments. Other
substantive amendments presented to the County Council should go through the amendment process
that Bill 194 has gone through under a separate bill.
Sincerely,
�
es Arakaki
Retired Council Member
July 19,2010