HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PC 026 07/21/2011 2010-2012 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
DATE: July 21, 2011 Re: Comm. No. 257/Bill No. 66
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 10:30 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Bill No. 66, reports as follows:
Bill No. 66, transmitted by Mayor William P. Kenoi, via Communication No. 257 dated
June 27, 2011, is an Ordinance amending Section 25-8-11 (Lalamilo—Pu'ukapu Zone Map),
Article 8, Chapter 25 (Zoning Code) of the Hawai`i County Code 1983 (2005 Edition), by changing
the District classification from Agricultural—Forty Acres (A-40a) to Agricultural —Five Acres
(A-5a) at Pu'ukapu, South Kohala District, Hawai`i, covered by Tax Map Key: 6-4-017:042.
Mr. Sidney Fuke, representing the applicant Ms. Cynthia Foster, explained that the applicant
wants to divide the parcel into three lots, two for her family and one to sell to cover the costs of
infrastructure. He also stated that the Planning Commission and the Planning Department had no
negative input regarding the application.
Council Member Ford stated that she has some concerns and asked if this property was rezoned
in 2005.
Mr. Fuke replied that it was the adjoining parcel on the Honokaa side that was rezoned.
Council Member Ford expressed further concerns about the access road width being only 14 feet
due to public safety issues regarding the Fire Department access. She stated that per the Fire
Department, 20 feet wide is a minimum for paved roads to allow access for equipment and
personnel. She also wondered if this road should be 25 feet wide considering the possible future
development of surrounding parcels.
Mr. Fuke responded that the property to the east is already rezoned to 5 acre lots with a condition
to widen the road easement if they request smaller lots. He also stated that 14 feet is the current
standard for 2-3 lot subdivisions and this is only for 3 lots and the property behind this property
is State owned so it won't be developed.
Council Member Yagong expressed appreciation to Ms. Ford for her forward thinking, however
if a rezoning is requested, the width of the road will be addressed to meet those needs. He stated
the standard is 14 feet and that is adequate. He further stated that Waimea is agricultural oriented
but this is not prime agricultural land so he supports this application.
PC Report No. 26
PC-26 Page 2 July 21, 2011
Council Member Pilago stated it is clear this road is substantial enough for current plans and he
supports this application.
Committee Chair Hoffmann explained that this is a District Classification change, there is no fair
share requirement and it seems consistent with the area plans. However, he has concerns
regarding flooding and in the past there has been flooding over the Mamalahoa Highway and as
development paves over the land there will be more. The County Council should have addressed
this when the adjacent Inaba Development was before them approximately five years ago. He
further stated that the area is known to flood currently-and there are "holding ponds" built as a
temporary solution. He is not against this application but is concerned with the flooding issue
and wants it on the public record that it needs to be addressed.
Mr. Fuke stated that the area is used for grazing and pasture and there are no plans to increase
agricultural use that would cause more runoff. The building permit process will allow the
Department of Public Works to address any possible runoff or flooding issues and requirements.
He stated that drainage associated with the driveway will be handled by dry wells and he will
share Mr. Hoffmann's concerns with the applicant and possibly bring some suggestions to the
next reading at Council.
Council Member Pilago requested that he please take into account the quality of life issue and
build good communities.
Council Member Ford noted that this is outside the 500 year flood zone and that if drywells are
needed, the current County of Hawai`i standard is for a 10 year rainfall. She further stated that a
100 year rainfall is the standard in most of the mainland areas she has researched.
Council Member Pilago stated this discussion is not meant to be a negative comment to this
application but it offered an opportunity for the Council to discuss the need to visit the County
Code and make corrections.
Council Member Ford voted kanalua twice.
Your Committee on planning is in accordance with the purpose and intent of Communication
No. 257/Bill No. 66 and forwards it to Council with a positive recommendation.
mkh
AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted,
BLAS X
FORD x COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
HOFFMANN X �.--_-
IKEDA X —
ONISHI X A P...-INAiks I
PILAGO X
SMART x PETE HOFFMANN, C A
YAGONG X ____YC-REPOR 4.
YOSHIMOTO X ADOPTED: 'UG 0 3 am