HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0872.009 2010-2012 Good morning Council members,
My name is Cheryl Reis and I live in the city of Hilo. Although I
appreciate that Councilman Ikeda is well intentioned in this proposal, I
believe that it still bears much more research as to its impact on
neighborhoods and our infrastructure.
If this amendment to the zoning code were implemented
1. would there be a permitting process. Please also consider that
every individual who wants to raise chickens should be required
to apply for a permit. There should not be a grandfathering of
subsequent property owners continuing under the original
permit.
2. would there be an inspection by the County as to meeting
specifications of the setbacks, coop construction, noise, odor,
waste disposal, types and health of chickens, etc. for each
applicant prior to granting the permit;
3. would there be periodic and random inspections of the
permitted coops as to compliance with conditions - particularly
public health, sanitation and neighbor issues associated with the
raising of chickens.
4. would there be education for the public as to the scope of the
amendment and County Department or person(s) responsible for
the enforcement of violations (24/7/365) so that other agencies
such as police would not be burdened. Would additional
personnel be added to supplement a possible increase in
workload for the County department;
5. would there be any avenues of relief for any existing property
owners who found themselves unwillingly surrounded by
neighbors raising chickens;
6. would there be a new zoning classification for residential areas
that allow for the raising of chickens since some of us choose
non-agricultural land to be "city slickers" and might not want to
live in an area which allows chickens;
7. would the Council consider enacting an ordinance specifically
against the feeding of feral chickens/roosters on any residential
properties in addition to this amendment, if it's approved, to
prevent or prosecute those who will continue to circumvent the
existing rules and laws for their own purpose and against public
good.
I grew up with my grandparents raising chickens, vegetable gardens,
fishing, etc. for food. I have nothing against sustainability, but with
sustainability comes responsibility and some people aren't responsible.
Comm. No. 0 Z
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Ref. Date ■ 1
Please consider this as you deliberate and make the process very tight
and educated so it can contribute rather than detract from the unique
living environment of our Big Island home.
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