HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0492.004 2010-2012 July 18, 2011
Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd
Director of County Planning Department
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, HI 96720
Re: Rezoning application for TMK(3) 2-2-48:10 - Panaewa Farm Lots
Dear Director Leithead-Todd,
My name is Trent Hata, and I reside at TMK (3) 2-2-48:98 located at the Panaewa Farm Lots. Sonomura
Rentals recently posted signage for rezoning of parcel TMK (3) 2-2-48:10. Last year, my neighbors and I
strongly opposed a previous rezoning application for the same parcel; therefore, it was very surprising to
see the developer initiating another request so soon especially since the County Council overwhelmingly
agreed to deny their previous application. In addition, although there is only one lot between my parcel
and the parcel belonging to Sonomura Rentals, I have not received any official notice from Sonomura
Rentals.
I strongly oppose rezoning Panaewa Farm Lots to anything smaller than 3 acres. Keeping the Panaewa
Farm Lots as it exists is consistent with the county and state goals of supporting diversified agriculture in
the State of Hawaii. Panaewa is situated in an advantageous location for farming, a short distance from
shipping points and does not contain rare or endangered species or archaeological sites. Panaewa Farm
Lots is listed in the 2006 Hawaii agricultural statistics as a major agricultural area on the Big Island.
In my opinion, Sonomura Rentals proposed rezoning is not consistent with the intention of HRS Chapter
165 of the Hawaii Right to Farm Act. The Hawaii Right to Farm Act was enacted to protect farming
operations in agricultural districts when adjacent land is reclassified. Granting Sonomura Rentals
rezoning application will make it difficult or impossible for myself and my neighbors to continue our
farming and livestock operations. Urban development at such close proximity will increase our liability
which can result from noise, flies and odors from livestock, pesticide sprays and increase agricultural
theft.
Additionally, Sonomura Rentals proposed project may also violate land use commission rules, more
specifically, Act 183 which states that when considering an area for reclassification, land contiguous with
existing urban areas shall be given more consideration that non-contiguous land, particularly when
indicated for future urban use on state and county general plans. The proposed project is not contiguous
to urban designated land. The parcel belonging to Sonomura Rentals along with all surrounding land is
designated agricultural.
Although the county general plan classifies TMK (3) 2-2-48:10 as low density urban, there are numerous
references reiterating the counties responsibility to protect and support existing agricultural lands.
Comm. No. sZ•LI
Ref. To:
Ref. Date JUL 3
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Page 2. Rezoning application for TMK(3) 2-2-48:10
For example, 1) The county general plan states "to protect existing agricultural operations from urban
encroachment, a buffer area, or uses which are compatible with agricultural operations should be
considered before allowing any type of rural or urban development into the area". Sonomura rentals
proposal does not include a buffer zone, 2) The county general plan states "important agricultural lands
will not be rezoned to parcels too small to support economically viable farming units". Half to 1.0 acres
is not a viable farming unit, 3) The county general plan states, "The county discourages speculative
residential development on agricultural lands". To my knowledge, Sonomura never lived on the parcel
and now plans to rezone to possibly establish rental units; therefore, it may be interpreted as
speculative. Please be aware that the majority of the current residents are in their retirement years.
Our children, grandchildren or newcomers to our community can carry on and preserve the
farming way of life, 4) A stated goal of the general plan is to "accommodate growth without congestion."
Sonomura's proposed project will have a negative impact on traffic. It is impossible for residents of
Panaewa Farm Lots to exit Malalika, Lama or Mamaki Streets in the morning. Residents take the
back roads to the Kawailani street traffic light and double back if necessary, and 5) the general plan will
"designate, protect and maintain important agricultural lands from urban encroachment".
Also of concern is the impact on our environment. The proposed development neighbors the Panaewa
water wells. Although the farm lots have all basic utilities' it is not connected to a urban sewer system.
Until the county finds a solution to relieve the traffic congestion resulting from Puna commuters and
installs the infrastructure such as urban sewage systems capable of handling half or 1 acre densities,
installs fire hydrants, sidewalks, street lighting, we respectfully request that urban rezoning or lots smaller
than 3 acres not be considered until the proper infrastructure is in place.
As director of the county planning department, I can appreciate your responsibility in supporting projects
to stimulate our economy and keep up with community growth. However, it is the responsibility of
government officials to protect the county from liability, protect the counties land and resources and the
rights of its citizens. The county general plan stated purpose is to 1) identify, protect and maintain
important agriculture lands on the island of Hawaii, 2) preserve the agricultural character of the island,
and 3)preserve and enhance opportunities for the expansion of Hawaii's agricultural industry.
When making your recommendation to the County Council, please consider those of us who actually live
at Panaewa and invested our lives when we purchased our land, built our homes and want to raise our
families in an agricultural community setting.
If you have any questions regarding this request, please feel free to email me at trent @hawaii.edu. Thank
you very much for your time.
Sincerely,
Trent Y. Hata
cc. The Honorable Dennis "Fresh" Onishi, County Council
The Honorable William Kenoi, Mayor