HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0739.371 2016-2018 P/Counol
(AMR 151
From: Ohara,Eileen
To: Council Testimony
Subject: FW: Bill 108 DRAFT
Date: Monday,October 29,2018 3:02:42 PM
P/COUNCIL BILL 108 (COMM. 739)
From:Alan Kaufman, DVM [mailto:alankaufmandvmlagmail.com] �
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2018 2:21 PM
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To: Poindexter,Valerie<\Valerie.Poindexternhawaiicountv.gov>; Chung,Aaron — o—<
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<Aaron.Chun �hawaiicountygov>; Lee Loy, Sue<Sue.leel.o « hawaiicounty.gov>; Ohara, Eileen
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<Eileen.Ohara( hawaiicounty.gov>; Ruggles,Jennifer<Jen.Rug,glesDhawaiicountv.gbv>; David, a
Maile<Maile.Davidlthawaiicounty.gov>; Kanuha, Dru <Dru.Kanuha a hativaiicounty.gov>; Eoff, Karup
<Karen.Eoffl hawaiicounty.gov>; Richards,Tim <Tim.Richardshhawaiicountv.gov> cr. —
Subject: Bill 108 DRAFT
Dear Council Members,
After moving to the Big Island in 1977, I purchased land at Kaimu. Coming from Pahoa, when
you reach the coast highway make a right toward Uncle Roberts and it is the first house on the
right. We built the home ourselves, recycling windows from a Puuanahulu home under •
demolition, tile from the abandoned Parker Ranch Dairy in Waimea and koa milled from
Keauhou Ranch.
After building our home, circumstances changed which necessitated my move to Maui. The
Peleholani's, my immediate neighbors, offered to caretake our home and do vacation rentals.
This arrangement worked well for over 2 decades. My neighbors at Kaimu knew that should
they have gatherings, there was a nearby home for family. Whether for Boogie Kalama's 60th
birthday, for Oahu halau coming to the Merry Monarch, or when the Keliihoomalu ohana
gathered, I was pleased to share our home.
I became aware of draft Bill 108 this past weekend. As the bill is written my Kaimu home
might not qualify for a non-conforming use permit. Most recently the property was in long
term rental use. While we had intended to return to vacation rental use this spring,the recent
eruption changed those plans. We thought the best immediate use was to provide housing for
one of the families evacuated from Leilani Estates. We were glad to help. We did not know
that by doing so we might no longer be permitted to do short term rentals.
Within Bill 108 there is reference to Section 25-4-62 which states, "If any non-conforming
use ceases for any reason for a continuous period of twelve calendar months, or for one
season if the use be seasonal, if the use be seasonal, then such use shall not be resumed and
any use of the land or building or both thereafter shall be in full conformity with the
provisions of this chapter." (italic, bold added).
I suggest that to make an exception for volcanic activity would be reasonable. Such a change
would enable the continued use of our home not only for ourselves but also for our neighbors.
If this described modification is not possible, I hope Council members and staff will work with
me on suitable wording to the proposed BIll to address the concern expressed.
Mahalo nui,
Alan Kaufman, DVM
PO Box 160
Haiku, Hi. 96708
808 419 2924
Comm. No I
Ref. To: P[Co Unci
Ref. Dote NOV 0.1 2018