HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0088.036 1998-2000 0
Testimony Before the County Council Regarding Bill 250
Zoning Code Revisions
RECEIVED ^
By Kathy Dorn —. By �.
PO Box 323 Date— 7tt./99
County Council /P
Keaau, HI. 96749
I strongly urge the Council to delay approval of Bill 250 due to several
controversial aspects. I am especially concerned about the "automatic
approval" clause that would not allow Council members or the public the
time necessary to review complex development plans. This is an obvious
attempt to bypass public oversight and violates the spirit of democracy.
I am also deeply concerned about the revisions that center more power in the
administration and less with the actual Council, that eliminate contested case
hearings in certain situations, that could lead to the destruction of historic
sites, and that allow siting amusements parks in land zoned for agriculture. I
am also confused about the true significance of the new "Project Districts."
I wish to thank the staff members who finally got the zoning code in the
libraries, however, there has not been enough time for public review. It
seems to me that the Council should value and encourage as much public
participation as possible in order to insure that the final document truly is a
beneficial one that serves the public interest.
I am aware that scare tactics are being used to pressure Council members
into quick adoption of the present code. Please resist those pressures for
they may indeed be hollow and groundless. A comprehensive review is
needed in this situation. I feel it would be an excellent idea to hold zoning
code workshops in each district and to provide the public with a clear list of
all but the most minor changes.
The former Council tried to bypass the democratic process. Due to the
admirable tenacity and commitment of concerned citizens, order has been
restored and the people's right to know has been reestablished. Please
support democracy in action and do a comprehensive review of the zoning
code over the next several months.
Thankyou $ 9
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Ref. To: Present d
Ref. Date
MAR 2 1999