HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0068.001 2012-2014 Statement to the Planning Committee of the County Council
January 22, 2013
The Keanahalululu subdivision is consistent with the intent of the County General
Plan and the original reasons for approval, and consistent with the North Kohala
Community Development Plan or "CDP". The density of the surrounding area is mostly
three acre zoning. Additionally, Kohala Estates contains fifty or so "CPR" parcels of
approximately one acre size not shown on tax maps.
Rural infrastructure recommended by the CDP has been incorporated, including
contour land planning and numerous retention basins to prevent erosion, along with
underground utilities.
Investment in subdivision infrastructure has been extensive, including culverts,
headwalls, road grading, and utility trenching. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have
been expended "on the ground".
Events beyond our control have delayed completion. In 2007, we submitted our
current engineering construction plans, receiving plan approval in 2009. An economic
recession has been in full swing. Presently, in 2012, the economy has been showing
signs of recovery, increasing our project's feasibility.
Archaeological surveys prior to 2003 now require at least a "field inspection", a
one page statement verifying the previous study is valid and the change of zone
application will have no effect on archaeological sites. If any sites are found, an
assessment will be needed. A State approved archaeologist has recently visited the
site in preparation for an updated study. Discovery of new archaeologic sites is not
anticipated.
We understand the drainage concerns and will work with the Public Works to get
the plans re-approved. Before our bridge was put in, we had an approved drainage
study. Several river flows since the 2006 storm, including a flow on October 24, 2012,
have been at the historically normal levels with no problems encountered with our
culverts and bridge drainage system.
Our construction has been mostly in spurts as plan approvals, permits, funding,
parts and equipment availability have aligned. As the economic climate continues to
strengthen, our project's feasibility will improve and we look forward to completing the
subdivision improvements.
Sincerely,
Susan Wells Fischer for Keanahalululu
Comm. No. ek 3, 1
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Ref. Dote JAN 2 2 2013