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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP HSSSC 002 2016/06/15 (2014-2016) REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SERVICES DATE: June 15, 2016 Re: Comm No. 897/Res. No. 534-16 PLACE: Council Chambers Kailua Kona, Hawai`i TIME: 11:16 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawai`i County Council Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 Your Committee on Human Services and Social Services, to which was referred Resolution No. 534-16, reports as follows: June 2, 2016: Resolution No. 534-16, transmitted by Council Member Maile David, via Communication No. 897 dated May 16, 2016, authorizes the exemption of certain code requirements, pursuant to Section 201H-38 and section 46-15 of the Hawai`i Revised Statues for the proposed Hualalai Kai Senior Housing Project in Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i, Tax Map Key (3)7-5-010:061. This resolution requests exemptions from application fees, use permit fee, grubbing and grading permits, certain zoning classifications, and certain conditions in Ordinance 03-69, to reduce the cost of constructing affordable housing units proposed by Presbyterian Retirement Communities Northwest for the Hualalai Kai Senior Housing Project. There were no statements from the public. Maile David, Chair of the Human Services and Social Services Committee, commented with regard to Communication 897 dated May 16, 2016. She also stated that in August, 2015 a similar proposal came before the council and it was withdrawn because of pending legal issues that needed to be resolved between developers of the proposed project. She further noted that on April 18, 2016 Judge Ibarra granted an Order for Stipulated Dismissal With Prejudice and that all issues and claims of the parties were settled. Present to speak on the project were Liz Heiman, Jerry Youngblood, and Jim Bennett. Alan Rudo, Housing and Community Development Specialist with the Office of Housing was also present. Council Member Valerie Poindexter expressed concerns that the poor will be pushed out and wanted assurance that projects such as this satisfy the needs of the poor who require these kinds of services. She also suggested that the developer engage in discussions with labor organizations. Danny Paleka stated that his priorities were benefits and pay rates for potential employees. HSSSC Report No. 2 HSSSC-2 Page 2 June 16, 2016 Margaret Wille questioned the necessity of the exemptions and was assured that grubbing and grading permits although exempt, are still subject to inspection. It was also clarified that the left turn pocket exemption allow for construction to be completed before occupancy and not at the start of construction as required. Dennis Onishi questioned the breakdown of the different types of units and total number of units in the project. Ms. Heiman stated that the proposed project provides approximately 291 units and will also provide 350 full time jobs with a goal of employing local residents. The project will consist of assisted living units, memory support (Alzheimer units), skilled nursing and long term care units. Given the discussion and information requested by certain council members, a motion to postpone this Resolution to June 14, 2016 was made by Greggor Ilagan and seconded by Dennis "Fresh" Onishi. A vote was taken with 7 ayes, no by Dru Kanuha, and absent was Danny Paleka. Motion postponed to June 14, 2016 was approved. June 15, 2016: There were 4 people who provided testimony in support of Resolution 534-16. A motion to amend Resolution 534-16 with the contents of Communication No. 897.1 was made by Ms. Eoff and seconded by Mr. Kanuha. Richard Taaffe testified in support of the project as it provides a facility in the Kona area for the aging population. He noted Kona does not have a long-term facility that provides various levels of care and that this is an opportunity to keep people on island and in the State. It will also open the doors for employment and bring in the necessary expertise which is much needed. Testimony by Susan Akiyama, Office of Housing Administrator, clarified the number of units and that 56% of the project will be affordable units in accordance with Section 201H-38 of the Hawai`i Revised Statutes. Several Council Members expressed their support of Resolution No. 534-16 and noted that some concerns expressed at the June 2, 2016 meeting were addressed, such as contacting labor organizations and the need to exempt the requirement of the left turn pocket. Following a comment by Council Member Kanuha, Ms. David explained that removing the exemption regarding Ordinance 03-69 Condition G (left turn pocket lane) did not exempt the developer from constructing the left turn pocket, rather it exempted the requirement that it be built prior to construction of the project. There was discussion regarding median income numbers appearing high and an explanation by the Housing Director that these numbers are based on the census bureau and apply to households as opposed to individuals. With regard to the 35 workforce units, if employees live in the Kona HSSSC Report No. 2 HSSSC-2 Page 3 June 16, 2016 area and don't need to utilize the workforce units, then the units will then be affordable units available to the community. Mr. Bruce Beard, developer of the project explained that exemptions will assist them in reducing costs for the amount of beds proposed. He also explained that the value of the permit fees exemption is dependent on the cost of the project and the preliminary estimate of fair share amount. Council Member Kanuha questioned how often these requests for exemptions come up. He understood that it is common practice to request exemptions but does not recall seeing a lot of projects coming before the council. Ms. Akiyama explained that they have recently come before the council numerous times with different projects requesting various exemptions. It is the call of the developer depending on the individual project, its location, and zoning issues among other things. She noted that the developer does go before various county departments throughout the 201H exemption process for review prior to coming before the council. Mr. Kanuha stated that it is good to know that every project has their own standards and that he is in total favor of this project and appreciates the need for a facility such a this to benefit the community. There being no further discussion, Chair David thanked the department heads and the applicants for their collaborative effort to bring this proposal before the council and requested that a vote be taken on the motion to approve Resolution No. 534-16, as amended with Communication No. 897.1. Seven council members voted in favor, one council member excused and one council member absent. Your Committee on Human Services and Social Services is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution 534-16, as amended to Draft 2, and recommends its adoption. AN ES NOES »s Ez Respectfully submitted, CHUNG X DAVID x COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES EOFF x AND SOCIAL SERVICES ILACAN X KANUHA X � ONISHI X � 01111 PALEKA X MAILE DA P, CHAIR POINDEXTER x 1ISSSC REPORT NO.: 2 WILLE X ADOPTED: JUL 0 7 2816