HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-04-07 TFirst
PLANNING COMMISSION
COUNTY OF HAWAII
HEARING TRANSCRIPT
APRIL 7, 2006
A regularly advertised hearing on the application filed by
FIRST SAMOAN
was called to order at 10:40 a.m. in the
CONGREGATION CHURCH (SPP 06-000022)
County Building, Councilroom - Room 201, 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawaii with Chairman C.
Kimo Alameda presiding.
PRESENT:C. Kimo AlamedaABSENT & EXCUSED: Allen Salavea
Fred Galdones
Bill Graham
AndrewIwashita
Jeffrey McCall
Rene Siracusa
Rodney Watanabe
Ivan Torigoe, Deputy Corporation Counsel
Christopher J. Yuen, Planning Director
Norman Hayashi, Planning Program Manager
Phyllis Fujimoto, Staff Planner
Jeff Darrow, Staff Planner
And approximately 28 people from the public in attendance.
APPLICANT: FIRST SAMOAN CONGREGATION CHURCH (SPP 06-000022)
Special Permit to allow the establishment of a church and related improvements on 3 acres of
land situated within the State Land Use Agricultural District. The property is located along the
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northeast side of 38 Avenue, approximately 740 feet from the 38 Avenue Laniuma Street
intersection, Orchidland Estates Subdivision, Keaau, Puna, Hawaii, Tax Map Key: 1-6-11:119.
ALAMEDA:Fellow Commissioners, before us today is Agenda Item No. 3. The
applicant is the First Samoan Congregation Church (SPP 06-000022). Its a Special Permit to
allow the establishment of a church and related improvements on 3 acres of land situated within
the State Land Use Agricultural District. Ill let staff go into detail with this application, but
please note that there is a request for standing which Id like to address right after staff makes
theirpresentationsothatwecankindofsetthetoneforhowthisproceedingwillgo.
Mr. Darrow?
DARROW:Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If I can direct the Commissioners attention to
thelocationmap.TheareaofthisapplicationiswithinthePunadistrictofHawaii,more
specifically within Orchidland Estates Subdivision, which is mainly identified in blue. The blue
representszoningAgricultural3acres,Countyzoning.ThelightergreenrepresentsAgricultural
1 acre. The line moving in a north-south direction identified in this area is the Keaau-Pahoa
Road.Accesstothisparticularpropertythattheapplicationislocatedonwouldbeproposed
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from Pohaku Place onto 35 Avenue, onto Laniuma Street, and then onto 38 Avenue. All the
1EXHIBIT B
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way up from the Keaau-Pahoa Road to the intersection of 38 Avenue and Laniuma is paved;
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and 38 Avenue is gravel and red cinder. There are photos being passed around to the
Commissioners that shows what the conditions of the roadways are.
The applicant in this case, the First Samoan Congregational Christian Church, is requesting a
special permit for the establishment of a church on 3 acres of land within the State Land Use
Agricultural District.
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Referring to the applicants proposed site plan, 38 Avenue is identified at the bottom of the
map. Laniuma Street would be in this particular location.
The applicants are proposing a 40- by 90-foot structure for the church and parking area, as well
as drainage and landscaping improvements on the property. There are several alternative
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accesses. One would be, again, as mentioned, from Pohaku Place to Laniuma and then to 30
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Avenue. The other possible access would be from Orchidland Drive on to 38 Avenue. This is
approximately .7 miles from the proposed locationto the intersection of Orchidland Drive. The
members of the association also mentioned that there could be people that might propose to
come to the church from within the subdivision, and more specifically in the Olaa area.
Id like to mention a few conditions. Condition No. 3 specifically states that special events held
in the evenings such as funerals, wedding, so forth, shall end no later than 8:30 p.m. Condition
4, this will require the applicant to widen the existing gravel red cinder road from the intersection
of Laniuma Street to the southeast portion of their property. They would need to widen it to 20
feet in width to allow for two-way traffic with gravel or red cinder. The applicant shall be
required, Condition No. 5, the applicant shall be required to pay an adjusted road maintenance
fee for the use of a church to the Orchidland Community Association. The Association requires
thatfeeownerspayaroadmaintenancefee,andforparticularusesotherthanresidentialthey
increase that fee. Condition 6, 7 and 8 will deal with issues such as fire protection, the
wastewater system, as well as runoff. Proposed hours of the church at this time are Sunday
mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon and Wednesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
We have received numerous letters, mainly of opposition, to this request. I should bring to your
attention that there have been two surrounding property owners that have notified the Planning
Department that they were not notified. That information was relayed to the applicant; and they
have submitted a letter stating that they have sent out the notification to those two owners that
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were not notified. The second notification was untimely. It was sent out on March 31
, which
was within the 10 days prior to the hearing. The applicant has submitted a letterstating that the
reason for that was that the secretary to the church apparently had taken a trip and had the key to
the mailbox; and it was unfortunate, but we needed to let the Commissioners know.
There are two petitions for standing in a contested case hearing. One has been submitted by the
Orchidland Community Association, who is responsible for maintaining the roadways, as well as
representing those owners that may not be able to represent themselves at this time. And we
have also received a petition from Mr. Michael Upham who is the owner, the adjacent owner of
thepropertytothenorthidentifiedinthisarea.
ThePlanningDirectorisrecommendingthatthePlanningCommissionapprovethisapplication.
Are there any questions?
2EXHIBIT B
ALAMEDA:Commissioner Galdones?
GALDONES:Thank you, Mr. Chair. Jeff, in light of the statement you made thatthere
were two residents who were not properly noticed, whatdoes that do to the application before
us? Is it still a valid application for consideration?
DARROW:If I could defer that question to Corp. Counsel.
GALDONES:Thank you.
ALAMEDA:Mr. Torigoe?
TORIGOE:Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Jeff, just to clarify, there were two parties who
shouldhavegottennoticebutwerenotgivennoticeinitially,correct?
DARROW:Correct.
TORIGOE:Buttheyhavereceivednoticesincethen?
DARROW:Itsmyunderstandingthattheapplicantshavesentoutthenotification.
Whether or not the parties have received it, Im not sure.
TORIGOE:Okay. Well, at this point, you know, we dont normally require each of
the surrounding property owners to come in and verify that theyve received notice. Normally
we rely on the applicants verification whether notices have been sent. The notice requirements
under the Zoning Code also are not jurisdictional in nature, you know, that is if you fail to make
the notice properly it doesnt automatically nullify the application. So at this point I think we
need to just exercise some common sense and see if anybody rights are prejudiced. If there is
somebody who has been hurt or prejudiced by the lateness of the notice, then you need to look at
whether you can cure that by perhaps giving a little more time for anybody interested to come in
and file for a contested case. One thing you could do is if it seems that everyone who should
have gotten notice has gotten notice then you could at this point go ahead and deal with the
contested case requests that have come in and see if anybody has any objections, any of the
parties have any objections to proceeding on that basis. And if someone else comes up and says,
hey, I was hurt later on, I should have been allowed to file for a contested case, or should have
been allowed to testify, then we need to look at what the effects are of those claims when they
arise.
GALDONES:Mr. Chair?
ALAMEDA:Commissioner Galdones.
GALDONES:In light of the explanation by Counsel, Ill reserve my concerns until such
time that we act upon the petition for standing in a contested case hearing. Because if those are
approved, the Commission will not be acting upon this application immediately, no decisions
will be made on this application today, and it will give those residents living within the area that
3EXHIBIT B
did not get notified, they will get an opportunity to make heir presentation later on. So I will
reserve any concerns about the two residents until we act upon the petition for standing.
ALAMEDA:The requests for standing. Okay. Commissioner Watanabe?
WATANABE:Chair, you know, in past applications we have - and I dont see any gate
on that site plan, but that doesnt mean they wouldnt necessarily put a gate in the future -- we
have put in conditions that require the gate to be set back from a roadway, yeah? And Im
wondering if thats something that we should include as one of the conditions. Thats one of
them, one of my questions. The second one is I believe we approved the prior application for a
church within this same subdivision and I think there was some condition about amplified music,
and Im wondering -.
SIRACUSA:No, it was in Volcano.
ALAMEDA:Yeah, I think that was in Volcano.
SIRACUSA:That was Volcano.
WATANABE:That was Volcano, oh, well, okay. Im wondering if we should address
thatthough.
ALAMEDA:The gate you mean?
WATANABE:The gate, and maybe even the amplified music, seeing that we do have a
couple of adjoining properties that are either opposed or applying for contested case standing.
ALAMEDA:Would you care to answer that, Mr. Darrow? Or shall we save that as a
part of a discussion item after we vote on whether the request for standing is approved, or youd
like -?
WATANABE:Well, I was hoping to give them a heads up. So if thats something they
want to consider that, Im assuming that were going ahead with the contested case, were going
to grant standing. But that would give them time to address some of those things so that the next
time we wouldnt be -.
ALAMEDA:Okay. Mr. Darrow?
DARROW:Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If I could just address Commissioner
Galdones concern. I wanted to also mention that those two parties that were not notified had
submitted letters to the Planning Commission. So they in some way or another were notified of
this particular application, whether or not it was from a mailing or not. But they had submitted
testimony, written testimony, for this application. One more, we have received a letter this
morning from Mr. Mya PawU, and that I believe has been passed out to the Commissioners.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
ALAMEDA:Any follow-up, Commissioner Watanabe?
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WATANABE:No.
ALAMEDA:Okay. Commissioner Siracusa?
SIRACUSA:Yes. I also feel that we should be dealing with the question of the
standing.
ALAMEDA:Okay, very good.
SIRACUSA:But I just wanted to throw something else into the pot that I feel should be
looked at when it goes to whatever hearing.
ALAMEDA:Okay.
SIRACUSA:AndthatisthatinthebackgroundreportonNo.19aboutarchaeological,
floral and fauna resources, that no study or survey has been done -. But we also have a letter
from Professor Hart at UH, and his specialty is native birds, and Ive worked with him the past
thats how I know, and he has raised some questions that there are some rare native birds on the
property. So Im having a feeling that we might want to insist on a flora, fauna, biological
survey of the property before any decisions are made, or maybe even before it goes to contested
case. Im not sure what the procedure would be, what would come first. Maybe Mr. Torigoe
could enlighten me on that.
ALAMEDA:Mr. Torigoe?
TORIGOE:Thank you, Mr. Chair. Your rules say that the first order of business
ought to decide on standing. And then we can look at the rules and see if the Commission would
like to impose a requirement, you know, that they go ahead and get some studies done before the
contested case is concluded.
ALAMEDA:Okay.
SIRACUSA:Thank you.
ALAMEDA:Any motion to either approve or deny standing at this time, or do we need
more clarification before doing that?
SIRACUSA:I would make a motion to give standing, to approve standing to the parties
that have applied for it, Upham -.
ALAMEDA:Okay. Let me ask first if the applicant can come forward. Im just being
notified by our Corp. Counsel -.
SIRACUSA:Oops, okay.
ALAMEDA:That the applicant should come forward first. Mr. Torigoe, would you like
to explain that?
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TORIGOE:Yeah, I think we need to give the applicant and the people who are
petitioning for standing a chance to, you know, just present their positions on this.
ALAMEDA:Okay. Sorry I jumped the gun a little bit. Now, Mr. Torigoe, does that
allow my Fellow Commissioners to question the applicants?
TORIGOE:At this point I think were just dealing with the standing issue. So if there
are questions that are relevant to standing, yes.
ALAMEDA:Okay. Do I need to swear everybody in -?
TORIGOE:Are the applicants for standing here as well? I see Mr. Ely.
ALAMEDA:Would the applicant and applicants for standing please come forward.
CommissionerGaldones.
GALDONES:Well,Mr.Chair?
ALAMEDA:Sure.
GALDONES:Mr.Torigoe,wewillbeaddressingthetwopetitionsthathavebeen
submitted, so those applications for petition for standing is the issue that we will be dealing with
right now?
TORIGOE:Right now, yes.
ALAMEDA:Let me just, for the public, you know, just because were Commissioners,
were still trying to understand how the procedures work, so bear with us. But from what I
understand, it seems like theres a request for standing which means that -. Could you explain
kind of like in laymans terms how that procedure unfolds?
TORIGOE:Sure. But basically when a church comes in and asks for a special permit
like this, because the Planning Commission will make the final decision, the law allows other
people who may have a special interest, such as next door neighbors or associations who may
have to take care of the roads, allows parties with an interest thats different from, you know, just
the general public to ask the Commission for standing in a contested case. It means that if youre
a neighbor with a special interest, for instance, you may be allowed to participate in kind of a
formal hearing, almost like a trial but not quite as, you know, formal as a trial where the people
who are interested and perhaps oppose the application will come before a hearings officer and
eventually before, or eventually before the Planning Commission. And youll basically get the
present evidence, question the other sides witnesses and basically ask the hearings officer to
make a recommendation, if theres a hearings officer; and the Commission will eventually have
to make a decision based on that trial-like record. So it does involve a bit of a commitment on
everyone involved. But, you know, thats the gist of it.
ALAMEDA:Fellow Commissioners, did we miss anything? Commissioner Siracusa.
6EXHIBIT B
SIRACUSA:I just want to clarify that what were asking the people at the table to do
right now is to just address strictly the issue of standing in a contested case, is that accurate, not
to discuss the whole project, is that accurate?
ALAMEDA:Thats what Id prefer. But Mr. Torigoe, is that okay?
TORIGOE:Yes. Thats the point of what were doing right now, is just to decide
whether the applicants for standing have enough of a special interest thats different from that of
the general public so that they should be allowed to go ahead and be involved in a formal
contested case, a trial-like proceeding, to oppose, you know, the application. And so we want to
allow the applicants to present the reasons why they think they are entitled to a contested case;
and then we should give the applicants representative a chance also to respond to that. And
often times, you know, if it is somebody who clearly has a special interest different from the
general public, you know, oftentimes the parties agree that, yes, we should allow standing. But
thatsreallyuptotheparties.
ALAMEDA:Okay,verygood.SoIllsweareverybodyin?
TORIGOE:Ys.
ALAMEDA:Okay,couldyoupleaseraiseyourrighthand.Doyouswearoraffirmto
tell the truth now before the Hawaii County Planning Commission?
TESTIFERS:I do.
ALAMEDA:Thank you. I guess we can start off on my left. Will you please state your
name and address for the record.
ELY:My name is Bob Ely and I represent the Orchidland Community
Association; and their address is Post Office Box 280, Keaau.
ALAMEDA:Okay.
ELY:And we would claim that we have standing because Orchidland
Community Association is responsible for the maintenance of the road, we bear the liability and
so were associated with the roads, and we represent the interests of the general membership in
terms of the development of the community, the growth.
ALAMEDA:Okay. Thank you for sharing that. Sir, could you please state your name
and address for the record.
UPHAM:My name is Michael Upham. My PO Box number is 423, Keaau.
ALAMEDA:Okay. And is there a request for standing on your part as well?
UPHAM:I am requesting standing in this case.
ALAMEDA:Okay. And your rationale for requesting standing?
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UPHAM:I live on a relatively long and narrow spaghetti lot and I share abouta 750-
foot border with the property, so all their activities are going to be within a stones throw of my
house.
ALAMEDA:Okay. Fellow Commissioners, we have two community members who
have presented their rationale for why they want to take this to a different level. I would like to
ask the applicant, do you have any responses to these two citizens?
FUIAVA:Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman and also Planning Commissioners.
First of all, the church was well established because of some of the students from the UH and
also some of the family who are from Hilo, and also reside in the Puna side area, trying to find a
place of worship and a permanent place to gather. And we looked into the Puna area and the
place that came up or the property that was on sale was the one within the Orchidland Estates
Subdivision.Andwewerehopingandbelievingthatwecouldbeahelporsomekindofmentor
to the community, you know. And I didnt have in mind, on behalf of this First Samoan
Congregational Christian Church, did not have in mind that it will be a burden to the community
or to some of the neighbors, and this place would hopefully be a benefit to the community and
some of the people and also those who are seeking support and especially spiritual, emotionally,
physically; and thats what it is, the purpose of this church. Thank you very much.
ALAMEDA:Could you please state your name and address. I forgot to mention that.
FUIAVA:Im sorry. My name is Monotui. You may call me Tui, its easier. If you
ought to forget me, just remember when you sneeze, tui. You know thats an easy way to
remember me. But Im PO Box, First Samoan Congregational Christian Church, PO Box 305,
Keaau, 96749. Thank you very much.
ALAMEDA:Thank you. Commissioner Galdones.
GALDONES:Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Tui, do you have any reason why the Planning
Commission should not grant the petition for standing to Mr. Upham and also to the Orchidland
Community?
FUIAVA:Theres one thing in mind that I have, its if we do not have the chance, if
you grant them the chance of a standing, contested, I dont know, Im looking at we do follow
the procedures and we have fulfilled all of the requirements that youve asked for. And its not
for me to ask them not to contested this. We have all opinions, thats my way of looking at it.
My perspective is seeing everybody has a right to speak their mind. But as far as granting them a
contested, I dont know, thats something I believe that also will, it will probably hinder us from
putting up a church. Thats the only thing Im looking at, thats all.
ALAMEDA:Okay. Commissioner Watanabe, no?
WATANABE:No, no real questions for this -. Im actually ready to make a motion.
ALAMEDA:Okay.
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SIRACUSA:Im -.
ALAMEDA:Commissioner Siracusa?
SIRACUSA:Yes. I would feel a little more comfortable if Mr. Tui understood alittle
bit better that the idea of the contested case is to allow his neighbors the right to have their say
and to bring out all the issues that theyre concerned about which otherwise might not surface.
And he didnt really seem to understand it when he was answering Mr. Galdones question about
whether or not he felt they should have standing. I supposethe question would be do you think
that these two people who are asking for contested case have a concern that is different, a
concern about your project that is different from that of, say, the general public, say somebody
living in Hilo?
FUIAVA:I would say, no, but theyre allowed to express their concerns. Thank you
verymuch.
SIRACUSA:Thankyou.
ALAMEDA:Thankyou.IthinkIheardyou,too,Tui.Itsoundedlikeinyouranswer
to Commissioner Galdones it was that you dont have a problem with them expressing their
concerns; and if its in a standard case, very formal type setting, thats okay. Its just that it
sounded like that may influence whether or not the church actually becomes, evolves. It sounds
like youre kind of concern about that.
FUIAVA:Yeah correct. Thank you.
ALAMEDA:Okay. Any other comments before we entertain a motion?
SIRACUSA:Well, just that a contested case would not, it would delay the process for
you, theres no doubt about that because its time-consuming. But it may end up ruling in your
favor because more issues may come out; on the other hand, it may end up not ruling in your
favor. But certainly a lot more detail and information could come out during a contested case
than otherwise. I believe Commissioner Galdones wants to say something else, huh?
ALAMEDA:Okay, let me go to Mr. Torigoe, first. Go ahead, Ivan.
TORIGOE:Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just wanted to add that the level of formality that
you have in a contested case is really up to the parties. You know, if you all dont have attorneys
and you want to do things fairly simply, you can agree with whoever is holding the contested
case hearing, you know, to simplify the procedures. So thats one thing to keep in mind.
FUIAVA:Thank you.
ALAMEDA:Okay. Commissioner Galdones.
GALDONES:Well, I, like Commissioner Watanabe, I believe the questions that we have
to deal with to decide whether to grant the petition for standing in a contested case hearing has
been met; and Im satisfied with Mr. Tuis response. I believe hes clear what the process is that
9EXHIBIT B
were going through. And, perhaps, Mr. Chair, after we decide whether were going to grant the
petition or not, then perhaps you can advise the parties and also the community because there are
a lot of community people who have signed up to testify, explain to them the process we are
going to go through after we deal with the petition. And I would yield to my colleague,
Mr. Watanabe, for the motion.
WATANABE:Maybe you can make it.
ALAMEDA:Im willing to entertain a motion on the request for standing, fellow
Commissioners. Commissioner Galdones?
GALDONES:Mr. Chairman, if there is any objection, I will change my motion. But I
would like to deal with both motions because I believe that they have a special interest in this
application. And my motion would be that the Orchidland Community Association
IncorporationsandMichaelUphamspetitionsforstandinginacontestedcasehearingbe
granted.
WATANABE:I second.
ALAMEDA:Motion was made by Commissioner Galdones, seconded by
Commissioner Watanabe. Discussion? Seeing none, staff.
DARROW:Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Commissioner Galdones?
GALDONES:Aye.
DARROW:Commissioner Watanabe?
WATANABE:Aye.
DARROW:Commissioner Graham?
GRAHAM:Aye.
DARROW:Commissioner Iwashita?
IWASHITA:Aye.
DARROW:Commissioner McCall?
MCCALL:Aye.
DARROW:Commissioner Siracusa?
SIRACUSA:Aye.
DARROW:And Mr. Chairman?
10EXHIBIT B
ALAMEDA:Aye.
DARROW:The motion passes to grant standing to both Orchidland Community
Association and to Mr. Michael Upham.
ALAMEDA:Thank you. Lets discuss the idea of either, cause we could hear it as a
body or we could outsource it, which means we would hire a hearings officer; and then they
could hear your case, if you will. So, questions? Commissioner Watanabe.
WATANABE:Comment more.
ALAMEDA:Sure.
WATANABE:As long as we can afford it, I would prefer to outsource it.
ALAMEDA:Okay. Meaning a hearing officer?
WATANABE:Have, hire a hearings officer.
ALAMEDA:Hearing officer, okay. Any other comments? Commissioner McCall?
MCCALL:I was going to make a motion that we hire, that we direct the Planning
Director to hire a hearings officer to hear this, assuming theres enough funds.
ALAMEDA:Commissioner Siracusa?
SIRACUSA:I would like the Planning Director to address that question then; and let us
know.
YUEN:We have funds.
ALAMEDA:Okay, very good. Commissioner Iwashita?
IWASHITA:Yeah, the concern that Commissioner Siracusa brought up about what
other conditions based on the letter from Mr. Hart, should that be addressed by the Commission
or left up to the hearings officer if we, the procedure, how should we handle that?
ALAMEDA:Yeah, good question. Thank you, Commissioner Iwashita. Mr. Director?
YUEN:Well, I think the comments of the Planning Commission Member put the
applicant on notice that at least one Planning Commission Member would like more information
and study on that subject. Its then up to the applicant whether they do that or not. That can
affect, you know, your decision. If you feel that the applicant has not proven that their special
permit will not have an adverse effect on the environment and surrounding properties then you
can vote against them.
ALAMEDA:Commissioner Iwashita?
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IWASHITA:Given that then Id like to also add my concern on the record that the
issues about the native fauna and so forth raised by Professor Hart really should be addressed by
the applicant also in the further proceedings on this matter.
ALAMEDA:Thank you, Commissioner Iwashita. Other comments before I entertain a
motion to outsource? Did you -?
MCCALL:Point of order, I believe I did make a motion.
ALAMEDA:Okay. Motion was made by Commissioner McCall to outsource. Second?
SIRACUSA:Ill second it.
ALAMEDA:Seconded by Commissioner Siracusa. Staff?
DARROW:Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Commissioner McCall?
MCCALL:Aye.
DARROW:Commissioner Siracusa?
SIRACUSA:Aye.
DARROW:Commissioner Galdones?
GALDONES:Aye.
DARROW:Commissioner Graham?
GRAHAM:Aye.
DARROW:Commissioner Iwashita?
IWASHITA:Aye.
DARROW:Commissioner Watanabe?
WATANABE:Aye.
DARROW:And Mr. Chairman?
ALAMEDA:Aye.
DARROW:The motion passes to outsource the contested case hearing, seven to zero.
ALAMEDA:Thank you. So what that means to the public is that this application will be
heard in front of a hearings officer at a time designated, I guess, agreed upon by both the folks
who are contesting and the applicant. However, we do have testimony today; and I guess the
12EXHIBIT B
procedural aspects of this is that we do allow for testimony, you know, some of the testifiers.
But just know that youll have another opportunity to testify as well. So you have a choice. You
can either, you know, testify here, and then testify again in front of the hearing officer. So,
anything, Commissioner McCall?
MCCALL:Yeah, maybe just to direct the audience and whatever that this will be
heard by a hearings officer. He will make a recommendation to the Planning Commission, and
the decision will be made by the Planning Commission at a later date after weve gotten the
recommendation. You know, so that we do not need to, you know, we will look at his
recommendation, but the decision will be made by the Planning Commission.
ALAMEDA:Commissioner Graham?
GRAHAM:And I just wanted to say in regards to those who are here today that might
wanttotestify,Iguess,theresprobablyreallythreeopportunitiestotestify.Youcantestify
today, you can testify when the contested case hearing is held because that will be also open to
the public, and then after that is all over, it comes back to us again for our decision. So, again,
thats an opportunity testify. And obviously we dont encourage people to just say the same
thing over and over, because were going to get a record of everything. So you might want to
choose which is the time you would like to testify.
ALAMEDA:So youre all free to testify today. All right, thats about it. So then
should we just go forward as if it was an application again, invite the applicant up and just move
forward in that aspect, or -?
TORIGOE:At this point youve basically set it for a contested case hearing before a
hearings officer. You can give the applicant an opportunity to speak, ask if theres anything else
he has to say regarding that; but, you know, its going to go to a hearings officers. So at this
point you just basically take public testimony, unless the parties have something that they feel
they need to put on the record now.
ALAMEDA:Okay. Let me ask the applicant, Mr. Tui, is there anything else youd like
to share with us regarding this application for the record before I ask you to be seated?
FUIAVA:Yeah, I guess I dont have much to say right now at the moment. Well
wait till the time, thank you.
ALAMEDA:Okay, thank you. Anything else to add?
ELY:Yes.
ALAMEDA:Will this be considered testimony then if I go into this aspect?
TORIGOE:Well, I guess at this point theyre admitted as parties. So at this point
youre just asking if theres anything else that they feel needs to be dealt with before you go into
the contested case hearing.
13EXHIBIT B
ALAMEDA:Okay. Is there anything else that needs to be dealt with before we move to
the contested case?
ELY:Well, I run the risk of being redundant because I think some of this will be
presented at the contested case. But I would like to say that there is overwhelming opposition to
this project. As of last week there were 25 letters in the file opposing this project and there was a
petition with 49 signatures. Orchidland Community Association is also strongly opposed; and
our objections have noting to do with religion but rather with controlling the growth in the
development of our own community.
I would like to elaborate a little bit on the notification issue, the deficiencies of the church. The
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first notification, there was no first notification following the February 10 Planning
Departments acceptance. The second notification, there was no second notification in the 10-
day period from the hearing date being set and the church being notified. Signage, there was no
sign posted. As of yesterday, there was no proof of mailing. Jeff did earlier this week alert the
church that they were deficient in a number of these areas; and they rushed to try to correct some
of them. For example, they went out and they put an 8 by 11 sheet of paper on the property
for the signage.
The application itself is really lacking. There are three buildings mentioned and the plot plans
shows only one. Jeff told me this morning the church says this is a typographical error. There
are no elevations required by the instruction. But the biggest issue is that the application says
thattheyretalkingaboutacongregationof70people.InNovember,thechurchmadea
presentation to the Orchidland Board of Directors; and at that time they said they were 150
people in the congregation. And a letter to the neighbors last year said there were 300 members.
You know, we really cannot make a reasonable defense when we dont know what were dealing
with here, whether this is a 70 or four times 70, 300 people. Im really a novice at this but it
seems that just on the basis of this the application should be denied right now. But it probably
wont be so let me go on with a couple of other things. The application states -.
ALAMEDA:Excuse me, excuse me. Sorry, Mr. Ely.
ELY:Yes?
ALAMEDA:Real quick, I just want to check with our Corp. Counsel if were following
proper protocol. Mr. Torigoe?
TORIGOE:Well, I think at this point, again, the matter is going through a contested
case hearing and so thats where you would want to present all your evidence.
ELY:All right.
ALAMEDA:Okay. Can I ask them to be seated and we can entertain testimony from
the audience?
TORIGOE:Yeah, well, I dont know if Mr. Upham has anything else relevant to the
standing and to sending the matter to a contested case.
14EXHIBIT B
ELY:Wait, before any -. There is one other issue that I would like to bring up at
this point because perhaps we could persuade the Commission to ask for another condition on
the application. Is that appropriate at this point?
ALAMEDA:Thanks for asking. Hold on.
TORIGOE:Again, I think, you know, that would be going to the merits of the matter;
and that probably is best handled in a contested case proceeding.
ALAMEDA:Yeah. Thank you, thank you for asking.
SIRACUSA:I have a question.
ALAMEDA:Commissioner Siracusa?
SIRACUSA:I have a question of Corp. Counsel. The questions about notification and
everything,dotheybecomemootnowthatwevegrantedcontestedcase?Andaslongasthey
proceed properly with notification of the contested case, you know, in a timely way and all that,
does make the previous issues moot?
TORIGOE:Well, I wouldnt say completely moot. If somebody comes and shows up
who nobody knows about at this point and is able to show that they should have gotten notice
and were prejudiced by that, you know, then we may have to look at what the results is of that.
SIRACUSA:So Mr. Elys comments are valid about that?
TORIGOE:Well, the Commission is on notice of the notice issues; and Im sure that if
someone shows up during the contested case procedures and makes a reasonable case that they
should have gotten notice or gotten hurt because they didnt get notice, then the hearings officer
should address that. And if he fails to do so when it comes back to the Commission, then the
Commission should address that.
SIRACUSA:Thank you for clarifying that.
ALAMEDA:Excuse me, Im going to lean towards having kind of everybody be seated
at this time. Is that appropriate?
TORIGOE:Yeah, thats fine. Again, I wasnt sure if Mr. Upham had a chance to say
anything or he felt needed to be said at this point regarding the standing issues and going through
a contested case.
ALAMEDA:Mr. Upham, anything specific to standing?
UPHAM:Yes.
ALAMEDA:Go ahead.
15EXHIBIT B
UPHAM:Unfortunately, because of the incomplete applications, as far as Im
concerned, there are a lot of details that Icant prepare for if were going to have a case hearing
on this. So as far as site plan, Ive been told that there was going to be a church, parking lot,
parsonage, other things, I dont know what. I cant prepare for any kind of case hearing thing if I
dont have these details; and this application I feel is incomplete. And I feel that Ill be put at a
disadvantage if I have to prepare for a hearing where Im going to show up and theyre going to
have details that I dont even know about. So how can that be addressed that I can be informed
before and -.
ALAMEDA:Okay, thats a great question, right on the mark.
TORIGOE:Yeah, you may want to -.
ALAMEDA:Mr. Torigoe?
TORIGOE:Once the hearings officer is identified, then you may want to talk with the
hearingsofficer,raisethoseconcerns,andseeifthatmightbesomethingthatyouallcanhavea
conference about and discuss whether the application really has sufficient information and details
for the hearings officer to hold the hearings. And it remains the applicants burden to provide
sufficient information; and if the applicant for whatever reason fails to do that, then the hearings
officer will have to take a look at that and may end up saying, well, you know, the applicant has
just failed to carry his burden of providing sufficient information and proving that hes entitled to
the permit. And the hearings officer may then refer it back to the Commission with a
recommendation for denial on that basis, if the condition of the application is such that its not
capable of being properly contested.
ALAMEDA:Did you hear that, Mr. Ely?
ELY:Yes, I understood, I understood.
ALAMEDA:Okay. Thank you. Mr. Tui, you have any comments regarding, again, the
standing request?
FUIAVA:Yeah. Can the Chair allow me to say just a few things to help my mind. I
know that Jeff brought up the church, the building is 40 by 90. I just want to keep in mind and
inform you that the 90 is including the bathrooms in there and also the stage. Thats what is
included inside that length of the church.
Another thing, that I just want to apologize for the letters that went out. The two people that are
property owners that we sent out late is because a different owner has bought that property.
Thats what it was. And that was the reason why I was informed later on -. And I tried my best
to send out the letters as soon as possible; and thats what it was.
And according to, to respond to some of the things that, I believe back when we had a meeting,
we went there to meet with the Association to try to work things out, resolve this. I know I
mentioned it earlier about, I mean, Bob has brought it up about 300 members, the letters and
stuffs. Its because we dont, in reality we dont have 300 members. But the 300 consists of the
community, the community, were talking about the Samoan community itself within. Its not
16EXHIBIT B
the members of the church. And as far as the 70 and 46 numbers of the church, its because each
year or each semester the students that come from Samoa dont have families, so the church is a
place where they have support. And when the students come, we have 30 or 20. So, therefore,
the numbers are very flexible. So it depends on the semester. Thats what it is, to explain that.
Thank you very much.
ALAMEDA:Okay, thank you, Tui. All right, now you may be seated. Okay, Fellow
Commissioners, we are at the point where we can take testimony, or at least some of it prior to
lunch. There are 14 individuals that signed up. However, it may be that not all 14 would want to
share or provide testimony today given that this would, there will be different opportunities to
provide testimony. So Im leaning towards starting off with some of testifiers, maybe go to 12,
and take lunch then, and then come back. But I dont know, whats your taking on this?
Commissioner Iwashita?
IWASHITA:MayIsuggesttheChairmaybepollthosewhosignedup,seewhowants
to testify and who doesnt, and -?
ALAMEDA:Okay. Thats new, we could try that. Let me see -. Commissioner
Graham?
GRAHAM:Well, maybe just go forward and well see where were at as the clock
goes.
ALAMEDA:Oh, just go forward and see where we are. Okay, well, lets do that then.
Let me ask, Ole Fulks?
FULKS:Yes.
ALAMEDA:Please come forward. Joshua Grotkin. I mean, let me know if you would
like to provide testimony now, or with the hearings officer, or when we gather once again for the
third time. Its up to you.
FULKS:Id like to give it today.
ALAMEDA:Okay, you can come forward. You can come forward and have a seat.
And also know that if you give it today it will be for the record, which we will have access to.
So you may choose not to give it again. It will be kind of redundant in that respect. So how
about Joshua Grotkin. Is there a Joshua?
GROTKIN:Yes.
ALAMEDA:Would you like to give it today or -?
GROTKIN:No.
ALAMEDA:Today?
GROTKIN:No.
17EXHIBIT B
ALAMEDA:Okay. How about a Richard Heller.
HELLER:Yes.
ALAMEDA:Would you like to give it today?
HELLER:Ill give now and possibly later. Okay, you may, please step forward.
And while youre stepping forward, CommissionerGaldones, do you have any thoughts on how
were proceeding at this time?
GALDONES:Yes, Mr. Chair.
ALAMEDA:Sure.
GALDONES:Id like to suggest, not really knowing how many of the 14 who had
signedupwillactuallybegivingtestimonytoday,induerespecttoallthosewhoarewaiting
around, if they could limit their testimony to three minutes so that it will give everybody an equal
opportunity, and try to contain it to a shorter period and get to the point. I think everybody
would appreciate that.
ALAMEDA:Thats a good idea. Thank you for that recommendation. How about a
Sugalu Timoteo?
TIMOTEO:Can I defer my presentation.
ALAMEDA:Defer, okay, thank you. Okay, thank you, Sugalu. How about Oscar
Cruz?
CRUZ:Ill probably testify at the next meeting.
ALAMEDA:Thank you. Sherri Carden?
CARDEN:Id like to speak.
ALAMEDA:Sure. You may come forward and have a seat. Michael Upham.
UPHAM:Im actually one of the participants.
ALAMEDA:Oh, okay.
UPHAM:Sorry. I didnt know, I thought I had to sign in.
ALAMEDA:No problem. How about one more, Michael Dziatko?
DZIATKO:Not today.
ALAMEDA:You want to defer?
18EXHIBIT B
DZIATKO:Not today.
ALAMEDA:Not today, okay. Thank you, Michael. Victor Desotipo?
DESOTIPO:Not today.
ALAMEDA:Not today. How about Linda DeJoria?
DEJORIA:Ill wait.
ALAMEDA:Okay. Im sorry, I know Im torturing your last names there, forgive me.
Daniel Skomp, today?
SKOMP:IfIcould.
ALAMEDA:Sure.Youmaystepforward.Okay,canIswearallyouinatthistime.
Please raise your right hand. Do you swear or affirm to tell the truth now before the Hawaii
County Planning Commission?
TESTIFIERS:Yes, I do.
ALAMEDA:Fantastic. Can we please start on my left. Again, taking Commissioner
Galdones recommendation into consideration, could you please limit your testimony to three
minutes, and make it brief, to the point. Wed appreciated that. Mr. Fulks?
R. HELLER:Aloha, my name is Richard Heller.
ALAMEDA:Mr. Heller.
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R. HELLER:One corner, my physical address is 16-1420 on 38 Avenue, one corner is
across the street from the church property in question. I bought my property because it was away
from the highway and commercial development. The parcel next to me became available so I
purchased it two years ago. The sole purpose was, for that purpose was to prevent someone from
tearing everything up and raising pigs or chickens. Most of us purchased in this area because of
the ohia forest and the privacy it provided. Please allow us to keep our dreams alive.
Commercialdevelopmentbelongsnearthehighwaywheretheyhaveaccessforemergency
vehicles and also their own vehicles. Potable water is also available off the highway. And this is
theinformationonthemembershipthathaschangedsomanytimes.Itwouldreallycreatea
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hardship on 38 Avenue. And whos going to be responsible for that? Overflow parking on the
narrowstreetsisalsoaconcernforus.Andwemaynothaveaccesstoourpropertyattimesifa
lot of people are coming. Thank you very much.
ALAMEDA:Thank you very much, Mr. Heller. Will you please state your name and
addressfortherecord,andyoumayproceed.
19EXHIBIT B
SKOMP:Good morning. My name is Dan Skomp, my physical address is 16-336
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Laniuma Street, which is actually at the intersection of 38 and Laniuma; and I thank the
Commission for being allowed to speak, and I will be very, very brief.
ALAMEDA:Thank you.
SKOMP:Ive lived in that property for 25 years, little more than 25 years. My
children were raised there, my grandchildren are there now. I, too, am concerned about the flow
of traffic; and thats, I think, my main first concern. My second concern was brought up by
Commissioner Siracusa herself; and that is I think you folks would have to see that property to
see the extent of the foliage and the animals that live on it. There are beautiful huge trees that
are there now, quite unusual, actually, in that area; and its another reason I purchased there as
well.
Theother,myconcernistheroads.Wehaveonlyveryrecentlygotourroadpaved;and,again,
Ive lived there for 25 years and sometimes its almost inaccessible. Thirty-eighth street from
Laniuma is quite a roller coaster little thing; and when it rains it washes out completely. There
have been times, quite frequent times, when it is completely impassable. I think those are my
concerns. And Im not sure that I could come back to the other meetings, and thats why I thank
the Commission for my speech today. Thank you.
ALAMEDA:Thats good; and thats why were allowing for testimony today, for some
of you who took off from work. Any questions for our testifiers? And you can backtrack. Im
sorry, I forgot to ask, with Mr. Heller.
SIRACUSA:Yeah, well, I just wanted to mention that if any of you, you know, are
unable to come back again when you would have, say, to the contested hearing when you had
more time to expand on what you have to say or maybe bring some, you know, evidence in, that
you could always submit it in writing. Is that correct, Mr. Torigoe?
TORIGOE:Yes.
ALAMEDA:Thats correct.
SIRACUSA:So that it would be part of the record.
SKOMP:Thank you, Commissioner.
SIRACUSA:And, for example, any pictures you have, for example, of native
vegetation or native birds, that sort of thing, could be submitted as part of the record.
SKOMP:Thank you.
ALAMEDA:Thank you, Commissioner Siracusa. Any questions for Mr. Skomp?
Seeing none, please state your name and address for the record, and you may proceed.
FULKS:Very well. My name is Ole Fulks; and Im an Orchidland resident. I live
approximately two miles from the proposed project. As Chairman of the Hawaii Speleogical
20EXHIBIT B
Survey I know the geology of the area very well. Orchidland sits in what we usually call the
central subdivision corridor. But another name for that in geological terms is the Ailau Flow.
The Ailau Flow came down from Kilauea Iki at approximately 1300-1400 and it terminated at
Kaloli Point. So all our subdivisions are built on this flow. Now this is considered by most
people as marginal agricultural lands. But there are some things that we can do very well in
agriculture on those lands, as well as your old cane lands you may do even better, like for
instance cock farms, piggeries, orchid farms, dog kennels and apiaries. Im also the president of
the Big Island Bee Keepers Association.
Now I want to ask you today to uphold the integrity of the agricultural zoning. And even though
were considered marginal Ag, like I say, we can do some things very well there; and the people
who bought lots there expect to be able to do agriculture. Mr. Upham is a member of our bee
club and hes hoping to have an apiary there. Now these things could be a nuisance to a church
next door, all these things that Ive named. But the church would be the one out of place because
churchesarenotagriculture.Andtheagriculture,yeah,itsdefinitely,itcanbeanuisance.Hey,
future people who come there, all those lots arent developed yet, but they have the right to do
agriculture on those lots. So there could be future problems for the church later on from various
agricultural developments. So Im concerned about you guys upholding the agricultural
designation of that area.
ALAMEDA:Any questions, Commissioner Siracusa, for Mr. Fulks?
SIRACUSA:Yes. Mr. Fulks, thank you for reminding us that youre involved with the
Speleological Society, and you know where the caves are. And I know theres lots of pukas all
over Puna. But could you tell us specifically to your knowledge are there any caves or tunnels in
the area of the subject property?
FULKS:I dont know of any in that area although theres what we call the D Road
System of approximately, lined up with D Road in Hawaiian Acres. I would have to check on
the map to see how that lines up. That is, and I dont know, I havent explored anything below
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8 Road in that system, but Im sure there are things below 8 Road. But I dont specifically
know of anything in that area.
SIRACUSA:Thank you.
ALAMEDA:Commissioner Siracusa, continue?
SIRACUSA:Yes. I would hope that you would be able to do a little research on that so
that you could bring it to the contested case hearing in case there was anything relevant. I mean
if theres nothing relevant then no need; but if there is the Commission always like to have as
muchinformationatourfingertips,becausethemoredatawehavethebetterchancesarethatwe
can make properly informed decisions.
FULKS:I certainly will do that. As far as I know at this time theres nothing
relevantasfarspeleologicalconcerns.
SIRACUSA:Thankyou.
21EXHIBIT B
ALAMEDA:Very good. Any follow-up to that? Any other questions for Mr. Fulks?
Seeing none, thank you very muchfor your testimony. Maam, could you please state your
name and address for the record?
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CARDEN:Thank you very much. My name is Sherri Carden, I live on 16-1436 39
Street, just two properties down from Laniuma; and my mailing address is HCR1 Box 4643 in
Keaau 96749. And I want to thank this Commission for an opportunity to speak; and I do want
to also let the Samoan Church know we do support spirituality in our community. We, as the
Board of Directors, have created a vision and valued statement that specifies that nonagricultural
use be restricted to the commercial areas and the urban areas; and I know that youre going to be
considering expanding those urban areas. And I would highly encourage the church to explore
alternatives for that and to simplify the contested case hearing in doing their due diligence,
because so many of us are stretched time-wise, financially. Personally I really cannot afford to
continue to come and participate in contested case hearings, so I appreciate, you know, any
expediting on that. And, also, I would like to state I do want to see us preserve the agricultural
use. If you do look at the size of those ohia trees, theyre huge, theyre numbered for logging. I
am very much opposed to doing that in our community.
And, also, be aware that we are trying to set a precedent so that we dont have to deal with every
single one of these on a case-by-case hearing. We dont have the infrastructure. Our community
isstrugglingandwearestretchedjusttoprovidetheroadsthatwehave.Andsomethinglikethis
is simply aggravating the situation. And for a spiritual community to not recognize that theyre
creating so much disunity by doing that, Im a little surprised at that because -. You know, a
Samoan church, and I dont want to sound racist, but theyre excluding people that arent
Samoan simply by the title. So I want to see consistency in the agriculture. And I want our
community to be able to network and work together and find ways that we can all get to know
our neighbors. And I do want to thank this Commission for an opportunity for some of the
neighbors to get to know each other and to meet you face to face. Aloha.
ALAMEDA:Thank you, thank you. Any questions for Ms. Carden? Commissioner
Siracusa?
SIRACUSA:Yes. Oh, its not exactly a question. You did mention a concern about
that youre tired of having to come in every time somebody else wants to do something. And so
I did want to urge you, you heard us mention before when we were talking about the Waiakea
House Lots that Puna and Kona are right now going through community development plans; and
Puna is going through a community development plan. You have an opportunity now, and your
community association does, to put some input into it. And I strongly suggest that you contact
the, I believe, County Department of Research Development, is the County Department thats
taking the lead on doing this; and there are opportunities, theyre looking for people to host
meetings, facilitate meetings, and even your community center or your association. Please take
that opportunity because now is the time.
CARDEN:Yes, thank you. Our Board is looking very closely at that and we have a
committee to work on that; and thank you for your efforts and reminders as well.
ALAMEDA:Well, thank you. Seeing no further questions for Ms. Carden, you all may
be seated. Also, just to let the folks in the public know whos waiting for the General Plan
22EXHIBIT B
Interim Amendment discussion, we will be most likely be looking at that after lunch. Well
probably be looking at about 1 oclock; so if youre waiting for that, just for your information.
Okay, let me continue. Were doing pretty good on time here. Helga Costello? And, again, for
the public, youknow, this testimony process, you cannot provide testimony from the audience,
okay. So I know I see your hand up, Mr. Tui. So if youd like to share something youd have to
sign up formally for testimony so I can acknowledge you so you can come forward. How about
James Costello? Come forward. And Mya PawU?
PAWU:Id like to give testimony to another day since Ive already submitted
written testimony today. I will submit further testimony at a later date.
ALAMEDA:Okay, thank you. So, I went through all the names. If theres no further
testimony for today, Mr. Tui, are you requesting to provide testimony for today?
FUIAVA:Please.
ALAMEDA:Okay.
PUBLIC:If we wanted to give testimony at a later date, do we have to sign up
today?
ALAMEDA:No. So, Mr. Tui, please come forward again. Okay, hold on real quick.
TORIGOE:This is always a question that we have that when you have an applicant or
a party to a contested case your status is a little different, you know, from that of the general
public. So I think wed prefer if the applicant and the parties would basically present their cases
and their evidence in the contested case proceeding. If you feel that theres something that as a
member of the public that you have that would be different to say from what you would say as
the applicant, you know, then we do have an obligation to allow members of the public to speak.
But, you know, most likely what you want to say is going duplicate what you will say in the
contested case, I would expect. So, I dont know, Mr. Chairman, maybe we can just see if it
would be appropriate to allow him to testify as a -.
ALAMEDA:Yeah, sorry, Tui, this is a little bit different cause youre actually the
applicant as well. So this is more for the general public to come up and just kind of share their
perspective or ideas so that we can have it recorded. So maybe youd want to save your
comments for the upcoming hearing.
TUI:Okay, no problem.
ALAMEDA:Okay, thank you. That leaves us with two final testifiers. Could you
please raise your right hands for today, anyway. Do you swear or affirm to tell the truth now
before the Hawaii County Planning Commission?
TESTIFIERS:I do.
23EXHIBIT B
ALAMEDA:Thank you. Maam, could you please state your name and address for the
record.
H. COSTELLO:Yeah, Helga Costello, HC1, Box 5677, Keaau 96749.
ALAMEDA:Thanks, Helga. You can proceed with your testimony.
H. COSTELLO:Yeah, I have, my concern also is the very increased traffic. Although
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some of the roads leading up Laniuma Street, for instance, is paved to 39 Street now, its by no
means a paved road like we know County roads and so on. Itswhat I would call an unimproved
road. And my concern is the very increased traffic and in case of an accident involving any of
these cars we as the Orchidland Estates owners will be held liable or might be held liable. And
as a social security recipient, I dont think there is very much in my budget that I could afford to
be paying for somebody who is involved in an accident and sues the community association.
ALAMEDA:Okay. Any questions for Ms. Costello? Seeing none, could you please
state your name and address for the record.
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J. COSTELLO:My name is Jim Costello. My physical address is 16-1570 40 Avenue
in Orchidland Estates. Ive lived in Orchidland Estates for some 30 years; and if you want to
know something about the neighborhood you could ask someone who has been there for a long
time; and quite often they cantell you more than an outsider coming in that is just looking to
develop a property or whatever. My first impression when I heardthat there was a church
coming up to 38th Avenue was that it was a boondoggle of an idea. I strongly urge the applicant
to work with the Orchidland Community Association that is trying to set precedence for the area.
Many of us bought out there because it is agriculturally zoned land, and many of us are not
looking forward to any changes in relation to that. I know that down on Kaloli Street and
Paradise Park, many churches have come in. Their infrastructure it is quite different than ours in
Orchidland.IstronglysuggestthatanyofthePlanningCommissionpeopletakeadriveupinto
Orchidand and come back; and I think youll agree its a boondoggle of an idea to put a church
up in that area.
One of the things the Orchidland Community Association has asked in their last newsletter was
that property owners that are bulldozing lots keep in consideration runoff and the rain drainage
and strongly consider not bulldozing a whole 3-acre lot. The runoff and rain can affect the
adjacent roads and what not. Although many lots have been bulldozed in Orchidland for
agricultural purposes, I dont think there is a situation out there where we have a bulldozed lot
that also has a parking area thats paved. The runoff from the park areas could possibly cause
problems on adjacent lots or adjacent roads; and Id strongly asked if the applicants were to
proceed with this that they be asked to have a study related to that runoff. With so much of the
weather changes in the island, seeing the problems on Oahu and stuff, I think it would be smart
to have the foresight here not to have those problems down the road. And, just briefly, Id ask
the applicant to reconsider their location and to work closer down to the area by the highway.
That would be more appropriate and their kokua would save a lot of problems that the neighbors
are having to go through with this application and all this stress revolved around that application.
And Im sure theyd be much more warmly welcomed by the Orchidland Community
Association and by the neighbors if they would reconsider their location and perhaps get another
lot. Thank you.
24EXHIBIT B
ALAMEDA:Thank you. Any questions for James, Fellow Commissioners? Seeing
none, you may be seated. Thank you very much. Fellow Commissioners, theres no more
testimony on this matter. Protocol wise, whats next on the protocol? How do we end this?
TORIGOE:Well, at this point, again, youve referred it out to a hearings officer, so
unless theres some other pressing issue that one of the Commissioners sees, that should be the
end of todays proceedings.
ALAMEDA:Are we missing anything, Fellow Commissioners? Commissioner
Galdones, former chair?
GALDONES:None.
ALAMEDA:Okay.Well,thiswillbeoutsourcedtoahearingsofficer.Andthe
hearings officer will make a recommendation to us; and so it will be brought before our body
again. And until that time, good luck and best wishes. Thank you very much.
The discussion ended at 11:50 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon M. Nomura, Secretary
25EXHIBIT B