HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0908.006 2014-2016 PIwuMtn.
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Murashige, Laura BILL 217
From: Arlene Kimata <arlenekimata@aol.com>
Sent: Friday, July 15, 2016 4:34 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Testimony for Jul 19, Council Meeting
Attachments: Written testimony 7.19.16.pdf
Any questions, please contact me. Thank you!
Arlene Kimata
548 Hinano St
Hilo HI 96720
cell: 808-935-4745
CP
Gomm: No. O o
Ref. To:
Ref. Dote 8 2Q+ ___
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July 15, 2016: Emailed to counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov
To: Hawaii County Council Members
Re: Written Testimony Against Bill 217
July 19,2016 Council Meeting,
To change classification of Three (3) Lots from Single Family Residential to
Neighborhood Commercial in Waiakea House Lots (Applicant: James Ishii)
Once rezoned,residential and agricultural properties are forever removed from these uses.
Consider that the two most important land use issues on this island are preservation of affordable
housing and preservation of agricultural land.
Rezoning pressures from commercial developers must be carefully considered for timing (is it
needed now?),location (is it needed here?),and community character (does it fit with adjoining
uses,the County General Plan and other planning directives?).
This application would convert not just one,but THREE lots,on a street that is currently
residential.Although Manono Street is allowed Neighborhood Commercial zoning,this
particular strip has not been commercialized. Changing the zoning of such a large portion of the
immediate neighborhood will likely result in higher property taxes for adjoining neighbors and
further pressure to convert to commercial use.Just because rezoning is allowed does not make it
inevitable.
Numerous multi-unit commercial developments exist a short distance away. Council has recently
rezoned nearby lots for commercial use (e.g.,two properties on Kanoelehua Street for medical
offices and commercial buildings). Existing nearby developments have many units that remain
vacant,demonstrating that there is no pressing need in this area at this time.
On the Rezoning Application,the applicant did not answer Question#4"Has there been a study
to demonstrate need for the proposed development". In the absence of testimony at the Planning
Commission or Planning Committee of Applicant's plans,the public has no idea what's being
planned other than speculation for personal gain.
It seems a shame to change the character of this area with an un-needed development.
In June,this section of Manono Street was greatly improved with sidewalks and bikeways,to
serve as a conduit from the University of Hawaii,Hilo and Hawaii Community College area to
the Civic Auditorium,Hilo Bayfront,Hilo downtown,and wharf area.All are part of the
connectivity plan for Hilo Bayfront Trail project that would create walking,biking,public transit
modes of transport.
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The location of the 3 properties makes it ideal to keep it in residential use. Consider the urgent
need to preserve affordable housing in the community. It is just blocks away from UH Hilo and
HCC which needs affordable housing for students and staff—not to mention housing needs in the
greater community.
The older housing stock and affordable prices in the Waiakea House Lots area makes it a perfect
target neighborhood for preserving affordable housing.The County offers property tax incentives
with the Affordable Rental Housing program. Other communities offer incentives such as low
interest loans to maintain and rehab older housing stock. Property owners need such incentives to
counter the financial pressure to convert to commercial use.
I ask the Council to take these actions:
1. Deny application to rezone the 3 lots:
a. Rezoning is not needed right now.There is no demonstrated need for additional
commercial properties -- of this size and in this area-- of Hilo.
b. Preserve residential land use.The location of the 3 properties makes it prime for
residential use that encourages walking,biking,and public transportation in lieu of auto
traffic,and in a neighborhood with older,affordable housing stock.
2. Promote preservation and rehabilitation of residential properties. Offer homeowners attractive
financial incentives to maintain,renovate,and restore dwellings as affordable housing rental
properties or primary residences.
Mahalo for thoughtful consideration of my views,
Arlene Kimata
548 Hinano Street
Hilo HI 96720
Ph: 808-935-4745
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