HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0048.001 2010-2012 Ka`Umeke KWeo
Hawaiian Immersion Public Charter School
I N K F. A U K A H A
February 1, 2011
Chair and Councilmembers
Hawaii County Council
Committee on Planning
RE: Comm: 48 (Bill 14) An ordinance amending Chapter 25 (Zoning Code), Article 2 and
Article 5 of the Hawaii County Code, 1983 (2005 Edition, as amended), relating to Use
Permits and Schools.
DATE OF HEARING: Tuesday, February 1, 2011
3:30pm
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Aloha my name is Olani Lilly and I am the Facility Planner at Ka `Umeke Ka`eo Hawaiian
Immersion Pubic Charter School. I am here to testify in support of the proposed amendment to
Chapter 25 Zoning Code, Article 2 and Article 5 of the Hawaii County Code relating to Use
Permits and Schools.
Like many other charters school located on Hawaii island, Ka `Umeke Ka`eo program is based
on the community in which it exists. Having the option to locate our programs in appropriate
facilities in Resort zoning would allow us to stay in our community and provide appropriate
facilities for our students. This amendment would mean a big step forward in creating a solution
for facility issues that charter schools face. For Ka `Umeke Ka`eo;s our home is in the coastline
community Keaukaha. With the ocean on one side and the airport on the other, we have very
little room to locate our constantly expanding enrollment. Currently our enrollment is a 272 for
students in grades K -9. Most of our students are co- located at Keaukaha Elementary School
where there is very little room for expansion.
Since we are a community located on the coastline many of the existing buildings that could
easily accommodate a school are located in Resort Zoning. By amending the permitted use
under Resort and Hotel Designation, our school along with others will at least have an
opportunity to submit an application for use. The determination of appropriate placement in a
particular case will still be within the discretion of the Planning Department. Without this
amendment we are left with no recourse.
Ka `Umeke Ka`eo is asking you to support the proposed amendment to Chapter 25 Zoning Code,
Article 2 and Article 5 of the Hawaii County Code relating to Use Permits and Schools. This
action will provide Hawaii island charter schools with the opportunity to submit a Use
Application and then for the Planning Department to decide appropriateness.
Mahalo for this opportunity to testify
Olani Lilly
222 Desha Avenue. Hilo. Hawaii. 96720 p
www.kaumeke.org Comm No. -o
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