HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-09-19 Applicant Response to Agencies and Public Comments_v1Daryn Arai
Land Use Planning Consultant
September 19, 2022
Mr. Zendo Kern, Planning Director
County of Hawaii Planning Department
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, HI 96720
Dear Director Kern:
Subject: Response to Agencies' and public comments regarding
Special Permit Application PL-SPP-2022-000017
Applicant: Maurice and Jiranan Thomas Trust
TMK-1-6-009: 385, Orchidland Estates, Puna, Hawai `i
Thank you for providing the Applicant with comments received from the various reviewing
agencies regarding the subject application, to which we provide the following responses for your
consideration.
Orchidland Community Association (email dated July 22, 2022)
The Applicant appreciates the supportive comments offered by the association. The
Applicant will continue to pay its share of road maintenance fees to properly maintain
roadways throughout Orchidland Drive.
State Department of Transportation (memo dated August 30, 2022)
The Applicant acknowledges that the State DOT has no objections to the proposed use
and that the 12 vehicle trips generated appears to have no significant impacts to the
nearby state highway facilities.
Office of Planning and Sustainable Development (email dated July 15, 2022)
The Applicant acknowledges that the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development
had no comments on this application.
Department of Land and Natural Resources- Land Division (memo dated July 13, 2022)
The Applicant acknowledges that the DLNR-Land Division had no comments on the
subject application.
P.O. BOX 4501, HILO HAWAII 96720
PHONE: (808) 895-3218 EMAIL: DARYN ARAI@OUTLOOK.COM
Mr. Zendo Kern, Planning Director
Page 2 of 3
September 19, 2022
Department of Land and Natural Resources -Engineering Division (memo dated July 28, 2022)
The Applicant acknowledges the DLNR-Engineering Division's comments that directs
the Applicant to research the flood maps and comply with local ordinances regarding
flood control regulations. The Applicant notes that the subject property is situated within
an area outside of the 500-year floodplain (Zone X), as confirmed by the County
Department of Public Works.
Department of Health (memo dated August 1, 2022)
The Applicant acknowledges and will comply with the Department of Health's directive
that the applicant "...obtain an After -the -Fact building permit for the unpermitted
structure. The applicant will also be required to retain the services of a licensed engineer
to design and a license contractor to construct a new wastewater system that compliance
with Chapter 11-62, HAR for the subject property." The purpose of this Special Permit
application is to bring the existing uses, structures and its supporting systems, including
its wastewater system, into full compliance with applicable laws and standards. We note
that the existing warehouse structure is properly permitted, but it is the requested use of
this warehouse structure for activities related to other off -site retail and service operations
that is unpermitted. Regardless, the Applicant will take prompt action to ensure that all
wastewater generated by the requested uses, if approved, will conform to all applicable
DOH requirements.
Department of Public Works -Engineering Division (memo dated August 3, 2022)
The Engineering Division confirms the location of the subject property outside of the
500-year floodplain with no further comments due to private roads servicing the subject
property and with no open violations within their records.
Department of Public Works -Building Division (memo dated August 10, 2022)
The Building Division confirms that no building permit was issued for the change of
occupancy associated with the permitted warehouse/office building and that a building
permit shall be obtained to ensure fire, life and safety of the occupants, which the
Applicant fully intends to comply with.
Department of Water Supply (letter dated September 1, 20221
The Department of Water Supply (DWS) confirmed water availability to support the
proposed warehouse, distribution and office use via an existing 2-inch water meter
currently serving the subject property.
Mr. Zendo Kern, Planning Director
Page 3 of 3
September 19, 2022
Fire Department (memos dated July 12 and 14, 2022
As required by the Fire Department, the Applicant will comply with all building and fire
code requirements should the Special Permit be approved by the Windward Planning
Commission.
Department of Environmental Management (memo dated July 20, 2022)
Solid waste generated by the proposed uses will be transported directly to the County's
Hilo landfill or via commercial waste management companies. No waste will be
disposed of at any transfer station. Ample room is available on the subject property to
temporarily store and process waste products for eventual recycling and proper disposal.
Police Department (memo dated July 20, 2022)
The Applicant acknowledges the response from the Police Department that it does not
anticipate any significant impact to traffic and/or public safety concerns.
We hope that we have adequately responded to comments offered by the respective agencies and
the community association. Please feel free to contact me should there be any questions or need
for additional information.
Sincerely,
DARYN ARAI
Land Use Planning Consultant
copy via email: Maurice & Jiranan Thomas