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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL-SPP-2022-000016 T. Furst Testimony 01.02.23 From: Tim Furst To: WPCtestimonv Subject: Re: Special Permit Application PL-SPP-2022-000016 Date: Monday,January 2, 2023 9:13:52 PM Date: January 2, 2023 To: Hawai'i County Planning Department and Windward Planning Commission From: Neighbors of Special Permit Application PL-SPP-2022-000016 Re: Written Testimony for January 6th Planning Commission Meeting This is an addendum to the Windward Planning Commission testimony submitted by me, Timothy Furst, on October 31, 2022 As noted in my earlier testimony, my primary concern is about traffic on Lolia Place caused by the operation of Hawaii Eco Retreat (formerly Lolia Ecovillage and Event Center.) On Page 4 of the PD Recommendation Report it says: "(B) The desired use would not adversely affect surrounding properties" "The applicant anticipates a maximum of 20-25 vehicular trips to the property on any given day." It then goes on to say "The applicant also proposes to provide on-site parking for 30 vehicles for non-retreat guests." It appears to me that parking for 30 vehicles for "non-retreat guests", plus the retreat guests, plus staff and volunteers, would result in far more than a maximum of 20-25 vehicular trips on any given day. Furthermore, because this would be in addition to the vehicular traffic from water trucks, construction vehicles, and the residents of two subdivisions, I believe that this proposal WILL adversely affect surrounding properties. On Page 6 of the PD Recommendation Report it says: "According to DOH, since the subject property has unpermitted buildings and unapproved individual wastewater systems in violation of Chapter 11-62, HRS, the Wastewater Branch highly recommends non-issuance of the special permit until all building and wastewater system violations are resolved." I hope that the Planning Commission will, at a minimum, follow this recommendation by the Department of Health and not approve the Special Use Permit until all violations have been resolved, and will instruct the applicant to cease all operations until such time. I noticed that in the "Additional Support Emails_v1", Mr Taber Shadburne represents himself as "the immediate adjacent neighbor of Robert Silber". Although he bought an undeveloped lot adjacent to Robert Silber, Mr Shadburne lives in Kansas and I do not consider him to be a neighbor. I do appreciate the fact that Robert Silber has filled in the large puddle at the bottom of my driveway, although I would have preferred that he solved the problem by directing the runoff from Lolia Place into swales* as was called for in the original design of the road. While there is no longer a lake at the bottom of my driveway, by simply filling in the hole instead of fixing the drainage of Lolia Place he has moved the puddle onto the Red Road, where it is now the county's problem. I am also disappointed that after repeatedly requesting that he correct this problem ever since he constructed Lolia Place, he took no action until he applied for this SUP and I mentioned this issue in my testimony. I am concerned that this lack of responsiveness to a request from a neighbor is an indication of how he will respond to future requests and complaints. If, in spite of the DOH recommendation and the issues raised by me and other neighbors, the Windward Planning Commission approves the Special Use Permit at this time, I hope that you will also incorporate the "Neighbor Statement and Recommendations" as submitted by George Pedro Tama on behalf of the neighborhood. Thank you for your consideration Timothy Furst 4207 1 st Ave NW Seattle, WA 98107 owner of TMK (3) 1-3-002.095 13-6558 Kalapana Kapoho Beach Road, Pahoa, HI 96778 *Artificial swales are often infiltration basins, designed to manage water runoff, filter pollutants, and increase rainwater infiltration.