HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunication No. 2023-15 T. Keeney ltr to Gov’s Chief Housing Ofcr (Consideration of Hamakua CDP directives when considering housing development plans in Hamakua) I would request that this letter be forwarded to the office of the Governor’s Chief Housing Officer.
This letter was written in the several days after the Governor’s Housing Emergency Proclamation. The concerns described below have been reiterated, and largely satisfied, within an interview with Nani Medeiros and Scott Glen published in Civil Beat yesterday. In spite of my renewed confidence, I feel this letter should be sent.
My concern, and subject of this request, is that the Hamakua CDP Action Committee, of which I am the chairman, should have access for comment on any proposed housing developments in our communities and its rural and agricultural areas. The responsibility of the HCDP Action Committee is implementation of the Hamakua Community Development Plan and the directives and visions which are incorporated into that plan. As such, I would like to have notification of any application for proposed housing developments within the Hamakua District of the Big Island. I would like to be assured that there would be opportunity for comment on any such development proposals from our 9 member, mayoral appointed, board. I would also request assurance that opportunity for public comment would be available. I am writing this note as an individual Hamakua citizen, but will bring the matter of this request before the Committee for consideration at our August meeting.
The Hamakua Community Development Plan, which was developed over a 5 year process involving countless hours of community outreach and discussion in order to create a unified vision of a desired future for the Hamakua District, has a strong emphasis on maintaining and cultivating its rural character and agricultural heritage. The Plan repeatedly emphasizes resistance to suburban sprawl, and the containment of development to within the urban boundaries. We have seen the Land Use and Planning and Zoning Codes as being an integral element in maintaining this character. We have seen judicious consideration by the County Council of applications for development within this heritage zone as important for maintaining this character of environment, which is at the core of living in Hamakua.
Without these processes, I am fearful for the future of our beautiful Hamakua. These protections for the integrity of our Hamakua district have now been superseded by the Governor's proclamation regarding Housing Development. We understand the reasons for that proclamation. We see families in our communities whose sons and daughters are victims of the Housing Crisis. We are empathetic and understand the critical need for solution to this problem.
I therefore am asking that the Office of the Hawaii Chief Housing Officer would give notice to the Hamakua Community Development Plan Action Committee upon receipt of a housing development proposal within the Hamakua District of the Big Island. I am requesting that the Chief Housing Officer would accept and consider comments from our Committee on any such proposal which is under its scrutiny. I would request that the Chief Housing Officer would allow that the Committee would take such proposal to the public of the affected Community prior to a decision by the Officer or Governor or Group considering the proposal. I feel that these steps would be a necessary part of the relationship between government and its citizens in light of the Proclamation’s abridgment of the societal and legal structures that have been developed to ensure the welfare of our communities and citizens.
It is understood that the Proclamation was an effort to expedite a solution. It is hoped that you will not see communication with the community as an impediment to those proposed solutions. It is hoped that you will see it as an opportunity which will give rise to constructive exchange between your office and the community and the developing entity. Enabling this communication should be the ideal of your office. Please allow that we would explore this possibility together.
Mahalo for your consideration.
Tawn Keeney MD
Com. No. 2023-15
Submitted Electronically to Governor's
Chief Housing Office by T. Keeney