HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-03-05 Windward Planning Commission MinutesWINDWARD PLANNING COMMISSION
COUNTY OF HAWAII
MINUTES
MARCH 5, 2020
The Windward Planning Commission met in regular session at 9:02 a.m. in the County of
Hawaii, Aupuni Center Conference Room, 101 Pauahi Street, Hilo, Hawaii, with Chairman
Thomas Raffipiy presiding.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Gilbert Aguinaldo, Dean Au (from 9:06 a.m.), Joseph
Clarkson, Donn Dela Cruz (to 11:09 a.m.), Thomas Raffipiy (to 2:16p.m.), John Replogle.
ALSO PRESENT: Michael Yee (Planning Director), Malia Hall (Deputy Corporation Counsel
for the Windward Planning Commission), Jeff Darrow (Planning Program Manager), Maija
Jackson (Planner), Alex Roy (Planner), Jessica Andrews (Planner), and Sarah Hata-Finley
(Commission Secretary).
A quorum was present. Chairman Raffipiy introduced the Windward Planning Commissioners
and staff to members of the public, went over the procedures for public testimony, and asked that
cell phones be silenced.
At 9:04 a.m., Chairman Raffipiy announced that Commissioner Dela Cruz's term on the
Commission had ended and thanked him for his dedicated service. Director Yee presented
Commissioner Dela Cruz with the Mayor's Certificate of Appreciation, and Ms. Jackson
presented Commissioner Dela Cruz with a lei.
STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC — No statements were presented under this section of the
agenda.
1. APPLICANT: SILENT OWL, LLC (SMA 20-000075)
Application for a Special Management Area Use Permit to construct a 2 -story office
building with parking and related drainage, utility, and access improvements on 16,582
square feet of land within the Special Management Area. The subject property is located
across from the intersection of Mohouli Street and Kilauea Avenue at Waiakea, South
Hilo, Hawaii, TMK: (3) 2-2-053:006.
The Commission took this item up at 9:05 a.m. with 14 members of the public in attendance.
(SEE EXHIBIT A)
This item ended at 9:26 a.m.
Chairman Raffipiy called a recess at 9:26 a.m., and the meeting was reconvened at 9:36 a.m. At
that time, Chairman Raffipiy reminded the public that they may sign up to provide testimony at
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the front desk; to limit their testimony to three minutes; to direct all testimony to him; and that
all testimony should be relevant to the respective agenda item.
2. APPLICANT: NEW LINGULAR WIRELESS PCS, LLC DBA AT&T MOBILITY
(USE 19-000081)
Continued hearing on an application for a Use Permit to allow the construction of a non -
manned telecommunication facility consisting of a 180 -foot tall monopole and related
equipment within a 2,500 -square foot portion of a 9.65 -acre property situated in the
County's Agricultural zoning district. The subject property is located north of Kua`aina
Road, approximately 0.5 miles from the intersection with Volcano Road (Highway 11),
Kea`au, Puna, Hawaii, TMK: (3) 1-7-031:031.
The Commission took this item up at 9:37 a.m. with 30 members of the public in attendance.
Chairman Rafpiy called a recess at 11: 09 a.m., and the meeting was reconvened at 11:22 a.m.
Chairman Rafpiy called a recess at 11:49 a.m., and the meeting was reconvened at 11:56 a.m.
Chairman Rafpiy called a recess at 12:02 p.m., and the meeting was reconvened at 12:09 p.m.
(SEE EXHIBIT B)
This item ended at 12:12 p.m.
Chairman Rafpiy called a lunch recess at 12:13 p.m., and the meeting was reconvened at
1: 21 p.m.
3. APPLICANT: NEW LINGULAR WIRELESS PCS, LLC DBA AT&T MOBILITY
(USE 19-000082)
Continued hearing on an application for a Use Permit to allow the construction a non -
manned telecommunication facility consisting of a 105 -foot tall monopine with related
equipment within a 1,054 -square feet portion of a 20 -acre property situated in the
County's Open zoning district. The subject property is located northeast of the Maku`u
Drive -17'h Avenue intersection in the Hawaiian Paradise Park Subdivision, Kea`au, Puna,
Hawaii, TMK: (3) 1-5-023:040.
The Commission took this item up at 1:21 p.m. with 13 members of the public in attendance.
Chairman Rafpiy called a recess at 2:16 p.m., and the meeting was reconvened at 2:25 p.m. At
that time, Vice -Chairman Replogle took over the chairmanship of the meeting.
At 2: 46 p. m., it was moved by Commissioner An and seconded by Commissioner Aguinaldo that
the Commission go into executive session to consult with its attorney regarding questions and
issues pertaining to the Commission's powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities,
pursuant to Hawai `i Revised Statutes Section 92-5. A voice vote was taken of all Commissioners
present, and motion carried with four aye votes.
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The room was cleared, and at 2:48 p.m., the Commission went into executive session. At 2:55
p.m., it was moved by Commissioner An and seconded by Commissioner Clarkson that the
Commission go out of executive session. A voice vote was taken of all Commissioners present,
and motion carried with four aye votes.
The hearing reconvened for regular session at 2:55 p.m.
(SEE EXHIBIT C)
This item ended at 3:02 p.m.
MINUTES — The Commission took this item up at 3:03 p.m.
Approval of Minutes of the February 6, 2020 Meeting_— It was moved by Commissioner Au and
seconded by Commissioner Clarkson, that the Minutes of February 6, 2020, be approved as
circulated. Motion was unanimously carried by a voice vote of all Commissioners in attendance.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS- The Commission took the following up at 3:03 p.m.
1. Discussion of recent Special Management Area (SMA) determinations, minor permits
and enforcement action issued by the Planning Director.
There were no questions on the SMA report by the Commission.
Upon Commissioner Clarkson's inquiry regarding letters he received by Vincent Tai, Director
Yee explained that Mr. Tai wanted to further argue his position regarding the Commission's
favorable recommendation to the County Council for the revocation of his Change of Zone
[Ordinance No. 14-056 REZ 13-167]. Director Yee stated that Mr. Tai was informed to directly
address his comments to the County Council and added that Mr. Tai had also specifically
requested that his correspondence be provided to the Commission.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were no announcements.
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ADJOURNMENT — There being no further business, it was moved by Commissioner Au and
seconded by Commissioner Aguinaldo that the meeting be adjourned. Motion was unanimously
carried by a voice vote of all Commissioners in attendance. Vice -Chairman Replogle adjourned
the meeting at 3:07 p.m.
ATTEST:
Thomas Raffipiy, Chairman
Windward Planning Commission
John Replogle, Vice -Chairman
Windward Planning Commission
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Y. Hata-Finley, Secretary
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