Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PWPRC 051 10/04/2011 2010-2012 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE DATE: October 4, 2011 Re: Comm. No. 385/Res. No. 167-11 PLACE: Council Chambers Hilo, Hawai`i TIME: 3:30 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawai`i County Council Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 Your Committee on Public Works and Parks and Recreation, to which was referred Resolution No. 167-11, reports as follows: Resolution No. 167-11, transmitted via Communication No. 385, from Councilmember Angel Pilago, dated September 22, 2011, requests the Department of Public Works to establish minimum requirements for owners/builders of rural dwellings on agricultural parcels, through waiver or exemption from existing codes, which will allow the use substitute materials, procedures and alternatives, to the extent that a reasonable degree of health and safety is provided. There were five testifiers in support of this resolution. James Weatherford with Hawai`i Sustainable Community Alliance spoke on behalf of the resolution and informed Your Committee that the group's first concern when drafting the resolution was to address the importance of relieving the government of any liability if this resolution is passed and an ordinance is implemented. He assured everyone that the resolution and resulting ordinance would apply to owner/builders and on agricultural lots in rural areas only. He also stated there were many protections built in to ensure only one individual can develop only one lot at a time under this ordinance that include prohibitions on the sale, lease or renting of the structure. Council Member Ford supports the concept of alternative building materials and appreciates the need for affordable housing in the county. However she cautioned that minimum standards must be maintained for safety. Councilmember Ford also felt that the use of efficiency units with traditional materials could be an alternative means of affordable housing. Deputy Director Brandon Gonzalez shared his concerns with Your Committee and also cautioned members about maintaining standards for safety and legal reasons. He informed members that County ordinances can not be less restrictive than State laws and that our County Code must follow State Statutes. Brandon also expressed his concern with the "Be it resolved clause" in the resolution requesting the Department of Public Works to establish minimum requirements for a Sustainable Habitat Ordinance. Council Members Pilago, Hoffmann and Ford requested the "Be it resolved clause" be removed from the resolution. Council Member Hoffmann also expressed his concern with the definition of"rural areas" and asked if County Zoning laws will allow for this. PWPRC Rept. No.: 51 October 4, 2011 Page 2 October 4, 2011 Your Committee on Public Works and Parks and Recreation is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution 167-.11, and recommends its adoption. bl AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted, BLAS X FORD X COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS & HOFFMANN x PARKS AND RECREATION IKEDA X ONISHI X PILAGO X SMART X FRED BLAS, CHAIR YAGONG X PWPRC REPORT NO. 51 YOSHIMOTO X ADOPTED: OCT 1 9 2011