HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-09-04 TPD
PLANNING COMMISSION
COUNTY OF HAWAIÒI
HEARING TRANSCRIPT
SEPTEMBER 4, 2009
PLANNING DIRECTOR INITIATED
A regularly advertised hearing on the
AMENDMENT TO LUPAG MAP 11
was called to order at 11:26 a.m. in the Aupuni Center
Conference Room, 101 Pauahi Street, Hilo, HawaiÒi with Chairman Rell Woodward presiding.
PRESENT: Rell Woodward
Wallace Ishibashi
Takashi Domingo
Zendo Kern
Shelly Ogata
Brandon Gonzalez, Deputy Corporation Counsel
Norman Hayashi, Staff Planner
Phyllis Fujimoto, Staff Manner
Jeff Darrow, Staff Planner
Maija Cottle, Staff Planner
And approximately 8 people from the public in attendance
ABSENT & Andrew Iwashita
EXCUSED:
INITIATOR: PLANNING DIRECTOR
Amendment to Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) Map 11 of the County of Hawaii
General Plan (Ordinance No. 05 25, as amended) by changing the land use designation from
ÐUrban ExpansionÑ to ÐOpenÑ for the area affecting state-owned lands in the vicinity and south
of the Honokohau Harbor, Kealakehe, North Kona, Hawaii.
WOODWARD: We have one more item on the agenda, Item No. 4. Init
Planning Director,Amendment to Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide Map 11 of the Cou
Hawaii General Plan by changing the land use designation from ÐUrban ExpansionÑ to ÐOpenÑ
for the area affecting state-owned lands in the vicinity and south of the Honokohau Harbor,
Kealakehe, North Kona, Hawaii. Okay, Maija.
COTTLE: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Okay. So the Planning Director initiated this
amendment to the General Plan as a result of a settlement agreem
Chun/Richard Nelson versus County of Hawaii; and that agreement required that the Planning
Director initiate the amendment, but not necessarily support it or not support it. The Department
held two public meetings for the community to provide input on the amendment change. Those
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meetings were held in Kona on July 7 and in Hilo on July 10; and about 15 people showed up
at the Kona meeting and about 5 members of the public attended the Hilo meeting.
This next slide shows the proposed amendment to the General Plan LUPAG Map; and the area in
green is currently designated as Open. The area in horizontal/diagonal cross-hatched is Urban
Expansion. And then the proposed amendment area is shown in a red outline, shaped kind of
like a shoe and diagonal cross-hatched. This area layout is, matches the 2005 General Plan
LUPAG Map. So the Director is amending the Urban Expansion designation back to Open,
which is what it was in 2005.
IÓm just going to go through some aerial photos that show you the location of the amendment.
This is the Honokohau Harbor, and you can see Queen Kaahumanu Highway on the top of the
slide running in a left-right direction. This is the road coming off of the Highway to the Harbor.
It wraps around right here. And the Kaloko-Honokohau National Park is off to the left of the
slide, and then also their property comes right around to here. This is the boundary of the Park.
You can also see the Aiopio Fish Trap off in the water here, and this is going a little bit further
south. You can see the whole harbor area here. ThereÓs a heiau right about here near the fish
trap; and thatÓs actually located on the National Park land. And, also, up in the top corner of the
slide you can see the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant.
So the amendment area would begin right about here. It comes from near the shoreline up to the
Highway, and then it curves, it includes this entire area here. And then it starts up again right
about in this location, and it curves around and includes the wastewater treatment plant. And this
is like the boot, the shoe or boot part of the amendment area, and then it curves back up right
around here. So, again, most of this area right here is in the amendment area. There are also
some anchialine pools that you can make out a little bit right about in this area; and those pools
are in the amendment area.
This is a LUPAG Map from 1971. It shows the Land Use Designations at that time which were
Urban Expansion near the Highway, Open along the coastline, and then you can kind of make
out that similar boot shape. There were also three Resort areas at that time that are shown here in
red. And then in 1989 there were no changes made during the General Plan Comprehensive
Update. In 2005, however, the three Resort areas were taken out, and the Open and Urban
Expansion areas remained. And then in 2006 the Planning Director initiated an amendment, an
interim amendment, that pulled all of that Open area out into Urban Expansion. So, again, this
request is to revert the Urban Expansion area back to the 2005 layout. And the State Land Use
Designation for that area is Urban, thatÓs shown here in pink. And the current County Zoning
Designation is Open; and that is shown in the dark green.
The Planning Director is recommending that the Planning Commission send a favorable
recommendation for the amendment request to the County Council. And you should have
received three new letters in your package this morning. One is from Makani Hou Kaloko
Honokohau, one is from the State DLNR, and another is from the National Park Service. Are
there any questions?
WOODWARD: Commissioner Domingo.
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DOMINGO: So then what youÓre saying is the Planning Director changed the LUPAG
Map from Open to Alternate Urban Expansion near the Harbor?
COTTLE: Yes.
DOMINGO: Yeah, but that, south of that itÓs still Open?
COTTLE: South of the -?
DOMINGO: This particular area that weÓre considering today.
COTTLE: The amendment area, actually south of that area is Urban
DOMINGO: I thought I saw in the map that the bottom part of that portion was in green
also.
COTTLE: Okay, that was probably -.
DOMINGO: Yeah, that part -.
COTTLE: This is the County Zoning Map.
DOMINGO: Okay, so that is the County zoning.
COTTLE: Yes.
DOMINGO: So from the perspective of County zoning, that being left Open then will
not provide for any more expansion of Urban or Resort kind of operations, uses?
COTTLE: That would be true, unless the landowner came in for a change of zoning.
DOMINGO: Yes. And that needs to be further deliberated by the Planning
Commission and the Council?
COTTLE: ThatÓs correct.
DOMINGO: Okay. But only, but in 2005 that dot, shaped shoe that you showed us, the
Planning Director initiated a change from Open to Alternate Urban and Resort, in 2006?
COTTLE: Actually, yeah, in 2006 -.
DOMINGO: Okay.
COTTLE: It was just a change to Urban Expansion.
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DOMINGO: And then the County was sued because of that action, was taken to Court.
What was the CourtÓs rationale in ordering the County to initiate steps to bring that to the
original designation of Open? What was the CourtÓs rationale?
COTTLE: I donÓt believe it was the Court that ordered it. It was a settlement
agreement; and part of the settlement agreement was for the Planning Director to initiate an
amendment back to the 2005 layout, because it was felt that the Director at that time in 2006
when the Director initiated that interim amendment that the cultural and historic resources of th
property and the nearby National Park were not considered when that change was made. Did
that answer your question?
DOMINGO: Yes. Thanks.
WOODWARD: Any further questions? Okay. We do have four people from the public
signed up to testify. If they could come up and have a seat, Kevin Moore, Geri Bell, Isaac Harp
and Kaliko Chun. Okay, if I could swear you all in first. If youÓll raise your right hand. Do you
swear or affirm to tell the truth today before the Windward Planning Commission?
TESTIFIERS: Yes. I do.
WOODWARD: Okay, very good. I would like to ask you keep your te
minutes. And I know a lot of you have submitted volumes of thin
read your testimony, just summarize for us. So, again, and please try to hold it down to five
minutes. First thing, if youÓll give us your name and address then weÓll begin. Mr. Moore, you
signed up first so -.
MOORE: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Commissioners, counsel. My name is Kevin
Moore. IÓm the District Land Agent for the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Land
Division based here in Hilo. The address of our office is 75 Aupuni Street, thatÓs Room 204 here
in Hilo. And the DLNR basically wanted me to come here today to make sure that the
ChairpersonÓs letters have been received; and I understand now that they have been, and
especially the September 2, 2009 letter. And those letters state the ChairpersonÓs objections to
the General Plan Amendment. The gist of the objection is that, you know, the amendment
appears to be in response to a law suit to which the State was not a party. It was a law suit
against the County. The State did not participate in the settlement negotiations or the
proceedings. So the CountyÓs proposed action seems to place the burden of the amendment
solely on DLNR without any consideration of DLNRÓs interests.
Apart from that and despite the impact of the proposed action falling squarely on DLNR no
notice of todayÓs hearing or last weekÓs hearing before the Leeward Planning Commission was
sent to DLNR, either locally or through our central office in Honolulu. DLNR only learned of
the hearings after receiving a letter from the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation. So DLNR
objects to this process to the extent that the County fails to provide notice of proceedings directly
to the State. ThatÓs the extent of my testimony.
WOODWARD: Okay. Thank you. Any questions?
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DOMINGO: Yeah, Mr. Chairman.
WOODWARD: Commissioner Domingo.
DOMINGO: Sir, the lands that are being considered here for changing, does it belong to
the State of Hawaii?
MOORE: Yes, it does.
DOMINGO: So what are the plans, future plans, of the State with regards to the use of
these lands?
MOORE: Well, there had been an agreement in place which was cancelled by the
Land Board earlier this year, that was with the Jacoby Group for the development of that area.
So that contract has been cancelled. To the extent that youÓre asking about future plans, IÓm not
really in a position to answer that because the planning for the DepartmentÓs, you know, projec
especially commercial projects in that area, come out of our central office.
DOMINGO: So the agreement with the Jacoby Group was a lease of those properties
for development by them?
MOORE: Correct.
DOMINGO: Not the sale of lands?
MOORE: Correct.
DOMINGO: I see. So what youÓre saying is that you folks should have been included
with this kind of deliberation leading to this change before us?
MOORE: Right, thatÓs our position.
DOMINGO: Is it a matter because of pride has been hurt or you guys just were left out?
MOORE: No. I think the StateÓs entitled to due process, just like an ordinary citizen.
I think the State had plans for its property. And to find out that a law suit that does involve the
State is changing the very nature of what the State can do with that property is significant to the
State.
DOMINGO: You know, IÓm reminded on two occasions when Governor Lingle was
inaugurated into office. The first speech that she made was let us not make the selling of our
lands an industry, I guess, interpreting that so that no developments come in and the density of
our islands are increased thereby probably causing more demands for improvements and the
State and the County having have to foot the bill. And she made that same remark in the second
inaugural speech, let us not make selling of our lands an industry. I think the DLNR didnÓt get
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her message, you know. ThatÓs the way I feel right now, because itÓs, it contradicts her comment
with what, you know, the concerns you folks are expressing. And I donÓt know what, you know,
I donÓt know what the plans of the DLNR or the State is. But since you folks made an
agreement, since the State made an agreement with the development group, you know, it seems
obvious that, you know, the State is open for development of their lands for other uses than the
preservation of the cultural and the historical values of the lands that we, what little lands we
have remaining on the islands today. So, you know, thatÓs just thinking out loud. Thank you for
being here.
WOODWARD: Okay. I did happen to ask our counsel, Mr. Gonzalez, what effect any
county zoning regulation would have on the State and asked him to address that, and several
other issues regarding notification of the State. So he has got some information for us.
Mr. Gonzalez?
DOMINGO: Right on.
GONZALEZ: Okay. Oh, Maija.
COTTLE: The General Plan requires that the Planning Director hold a public
workshop whenever the Director initiates an amendment. And the public workshop was held in
Kona and Hilo; and both DLNR and DHHL, which are the two landowners whose properties are
within the amendment area, were also notified of the public workshop in writing. The General
Plan does not require that individual property owners are notified of amendments other than the
public workshop.
WOODWARD: Thank you. You had something else, Mr. Gonzalez?
GONZALEZ: Yes. Additionally, the Department is abiding by a settlement agreement,
the terms of the settlement agreement, by putting forth this proposed change. And,
the Planning Commission is operating within its jurisdiction and power to make amendments to
the designations within the County. So I think thatÓs the primary issue for the Commission to be
concerned with, is if, whether or not youÓre violating your powers and authorities in this case;
and youÓre not.
WOODWARD: All right. Thank you. Any further questions for Mr. Moore? Okay,
seeing none, Geri Bell is the next person. If you could give us your name and address, and then
begin your testimony.
BELL: Aloha, IÓm Geri Bell. IÓm the Superintendent at Kaloko-Honokohau
National Historical Park, address 73-4786 Kanalani Street, Kailua-Kona. And thank you for
giving me the opportunity to address you this morning. The National ParkÓs southern boundary
adjoins the lands included in the proposed amendment to Map 11, and that includes 15 1/2 acres
of State lands in the Kealakehe ahupuaÒa. Kaloko-Honokohau is one of 391 areas in the National
Park System established by the Congress of the United States for its nationally significant
cultural and natural resources. The National Park Service is strongly supportive of the proposed
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amendment to change the land use designation from ÐUrban ExpansionÑ to ÐOpenÑ, especially
those lands immediately adjacent to the National Park boundary.
Kaloko-Honokohau was created in 1978, through the efforts of the Kona community, to
preserve, interpret, and perpetuate traditional Hawaiian activities and culture. In particular, the
community was concerned that this place of great significance to Hawaiians would be lost to
urban development. These concerned citizens prevailed in 1978, but even today the imminent
threat to the ParkÓs resources from urban development continues. Any large-scale development
project on lands adjacent to the National Park will significantlits cultural landscape,
traditional and customary practices by Hawaiians in the Park, an
In 1974 the Hono-k-hau Study Advisory Commission recommended in their report to Co
ÐThe Spirit of Ka-loko Hono-k-hau,Ñ that the Hono-k-hau National Historical Landmark and
its adjacent waters be preserved for the benefit of the Hawaiian people and the nation as a part of
the National Park System. Even at that time in the early sevent
Congress, the Advisory Commission was concerned about future land uses adjacent to the
National Park. The Advisory CommissionÓs report and the ParkÓs 1994 General Management
Plan/Environmental Impact Statement point out that Kaloko-Honokohau is a small and fragile
portion of the larger environment that has influenced its history, and that continues to affect it
today.
The Park Service is seriously concerned that urban development projects on lands adjacent to the
Park and the Historic Landmark, especially the cumulative effect
a long-term degradation of the Park, threaten the integrity of the Honokohau Settlement National
Historic Landmark, and further diminish the rapidly disappearing Hawaiian cultural landscape.
Large-scale urban development adjacent to the Park will fundamentally affect the water, air,
sounds, sights, and traditional and customary practices by native Hawaiians.
The urban expansion foreseen by this Advisory Commission 35 years ago is now underway.
This proposed amendment to the General Plan provides a rare opportunity for outright protection
and preservation of the last remaining undeveloped coastal lands in Kona.
As you are well aware, commitment of coastal lands for development has irreversible and far-
reaching consequences. The National Park Service greatly appreciates your careful
consideration of zoning of these sensitive and fragile lands. We strongly support the proposed
amendment; and we respectfully urge the County of Hawaii to take further steps and increase the
proposed area of Open designation in the General Plan to more closely reflect the current zoning
of ÐOpenÑ for the makai coastal lands. Preservation of coastal open space will benefit the quality
of life in the Kona community, Native Hawaiian values, and traditional and customary practices,
and nationally significant natural and cultural resources. Mahalo for the opportunity to speak to
you on this important issue.
WOODWARD: Thank you. Do we have any questions for Ms. Bell?
BELL: No more, Mr. Chairman?
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WOODWARD: I guess you must have snowed them. TheyÓre speechless. Okay, next we
have Isaac Harp. Okay, Mr. Harp, if you can give us your name and address; and then youÓre
free to begin your testimony.
HARP: Aloha. My name is Isacc Harp. I live in Waimea, 64-217 Wailani
First of all, I want to thank you all for volunteering your time. I know this is not a paid position
that you take on but volunteer for the community; and I appreciate all of your time and effort.
IÓm presenting this testimony on behalf of the president of Makani Hou Kaloko Honokohau,
Mr. Fred Cachola. I am the Vice-Chair.
We are an organization from the community that has taken on the role that started up nearly 40
years ago to create a cultural education living center within the park; and weÓre working closely
with Ms. Bell on making that happen. There were several kupuna involved in the effort years
ago and most of them have passed on, and our president Fred Cachola is one of the remaining
kupuna. HeÓs in his late seventies now and we hope to make this happen during his lifetime.
And IÓm excited for that to occur.
Mr. Cachola was working on the feasibility study back in the early seventies for the Park and he
was one of three members that went to the Department of Interior in 1994 to present ÐThe Spirit
of Ka-loko Hono-k-hauÑ report. And I just want to read a small excerpt from that report, and I
quote, ÐÈsince most of the land in the ahupuaÒa of Kealakehe is owned by the state. Its use will
have a direct impact on Kaloko-HonokohauÈlands that are designated or owned by the state in
the area should be given special zoning limiting their uses to activities compatible to a cultural
park. The County General Plan and zoning ordinances of the area should limit the uses of the
lands immediately surrounding Kaloko-Honokohau to compatible activities. Lands further
mauka should be restricted to density in order to preserve the integrity of the Park and protect its
water resources.Ñ
And IÓd just like to wrap it up with a final paragraph in his letter, ÐThe urban expansion foreseen
by the Advisory Commission in their ÒSpirit ReportÓ of 1974 is happening now, with alarming
cumulative results. Supporting this amendment is a clear call to all that the County is fully
committed to malama our wahi pana (special places), to protect o
resources, and to respect the constitutional rights of Native Ha
evidence that this amendment is sorely needed for this area. We strongly urge the Planning
Commissioners and the Action Committee Members,Ñ which they have already adopted this, Ðto
support this amendmentÈto concur with the State Land Use CommissionÈto empower the
Kona Community Development PlanÈto heed the dire warnings of the Kaloko-Honokohau
National Historical ParkÈto follow the wise advice of the 1974 A
to send a unified, supportive message to the County Council.Ñ Mahalo.
WOODWARD: Thank you, Mr. Harp. Any questions for Mr. Harp?
HARP: And my mom also grew up in the area before it was a park.
WOODWARD: Okay, thank you. All right, next testifier is Kaliko Chun. If youÓd speak
in the microphone, name and address; and then youÓre free to begin.
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CHUN: Good morning. Thank you very much for attending the meeting this
morning and allowing us to present our case. I am Kaliko Chun,
Kailua-Kona 96745. First I would like to say that I am the party of this settlement. Our attorney,
David Frankel, of the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation is here with me today. I did attend
both public workshops in Kona and in Hilo. And the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands did
send a staff member having to do with leases and land development to the Kona meeting; and
Mr. Moore beside me attended the Hilo workshop.
My family and I first became aware of this aina in the late sixties, itÓs just beyond Kailua. And
as we grew, we grew to know how important it is, so culturally and critically significant. And in
approximately 1962 because of this an area of it was designated a National Landmark. However,
the Kona community didnÓt think that was enough and sought to preserve it. The fact that there
is the Honokohau Harbor there and that it is in Urban and Resort area should not let one say,
well, letÓs let it go, itÓs Urban, we can add anything to it. Because the Kona community turned
out in strong protest and objection to the construction of the Harbor, and they still object to it
becoming a larger harbor. It has a designation of a small boat harbor. And the community that
objected to it before -- which was large, many have passed on -- do not want to see it become a
marina or a development, such as that proposed by the Jacoby Development which had leased it
from both Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Hawaiian Home. The
Department of Hawaiian Home received their, itÓs all ceded land. But in the settlement of 1990Ós
the Department of Hawaiian Home got approximately 200 acres; and then the rest of the area that
Jacoby leased was from DLNR, which Mr. Moore has mentioned.
But IÓm here to wholeheartedly support, vehemently advocate based on my familyÓs connection
and history with this aina, to advocate that this is the only way to protect the area. And to further
protect it will only take even more constant vigilance by Members of this Commission and by
the Leeward Commission when further interest is shown in the area for Urban expansion. But it
is awfully necessary, critically necessary, to put this back into Open. And, hopefully, we can,
even though the State Land Use Commission has stated that it is a significant area and it should
be having, have a special zoning, as was noted by the map when the presentation that had for
some reason an Urban designation. We will need to go and change that. But there are historical
sites, burials, flora and fauna habitat, artifacts, burials, ocean and land, off shore and on shore
geological resources, and natural systems. As was mentioned the anchialine ponds are on the
southern side. Studies have been made of that area by study teams from MIT, the University of
Maine and Tech (phonetic), who declared that an endangered area, the ecological systems are
landlocked, they are endangered. What was not shown is the great Kaloko Fishpond, a fishpond
th
from the 16 century and noted for its outstanding and extraordinary engineering skills, thatÓs the
16th century. So this whole area is covered with so many sites and fragile, a fragile nature that it
demands as much protection as we can, and it only starts with an Urban Expansion.
I would like to, ÐThe Spirit of Ka-loko Hono-k-hauÑ, which I believe report you have there, it
opens with a poem. And I would like to quote a phrase from it, ÐBound by the spirit of
Honokohau to our kupuna when settled in the sacredness of the living honua, which says that this
land is living within the spiritual context for us today and to our kupuna that spiritual context
lives.Ñ And we can feel this connection. And when you go to the area you might say, gee, this is
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kind of dry and I donÓt see anything. But if you sit down at the shoreline, which by the way is a
marine preserve, the on-shore and off-shore area; and, additionally, may I add that the park
extends 600 acres into the ocean because Hawaiians lived that way, caring for the aina mauka to
makai, heavens to the sea. This is a living area. YouÓll note the quiet of the area and the
spiritualness of the area. If you have any questions, IÓd be happy to answer them.
WOODWARD: Thank you very much. Commissioner Domingo.
DOMINGO: There are other living areas of similar significance throughout the island,
especially along the coast of Kona, arenÓt there?
CHUN: Yes, I believe we should save all of them when we can.
DOMINGO: Very good. When was the Jacoby Development proposed?
CHUN: LetÓs see -.
DOMINGO: You have any idea what year?
CHUN: No, I donÓt. I am aware that the lease was cancelled sometime this past
year with DLNR, and I think sometime in 2009 with Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. I
donÓt know when it was originally presented to, you know, with its development plans presented.
DOMINGO: I see. Thank you.
WOODWARD: Okay, Commissioner Ishibashi.
ISHIBASHI: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you all for your manao.
being, vigilantly guarding the Honokohau. I remember, cause my family come from Milolii. I
remember going to Honokohau and never have road, never had anything. And we parked and
walked in; and weÓd spend the weekend with my grandfather, and walked all along the places in
there.
CHUN: IÓm sure your grandfather must have testified then because in 1972 or
thereabouts after many trips to Congress a Federal Commission, Study Advisory Commission,
was organized with 14 native Hawaiians and they went to every island, and different
communities on the islands, to speak with descendents of the are
who practiced these traditions that were known to be practiced at Honokohau; and IÓm sure your
kupuna must have been present because there were so many, and many tears.
ISHIBASHI: That was back in Ó68 when we used to walk in there, so that was quite a
while back. But, no, I appreciate that and -.
CHUN: You must have helped to get to that point of 1978 and the creation of the
Park.
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ISHIBASHI: So I just wanted to thank you, yeah. Thank you.
CHUN: Thank you.
WOODWARD: Okay, we have one other testifier today. You could all have a seat back in
the audience. We have Mr. Frankel signed up to testify. Okay, if I can swear you in. If you will
raise your right hand. Do you swear or affirm to tell the truth today before the Windward
Planning Commission?
FRANKEL: Yes, I do.
WOODWARD: Okay, if youÓd give us your name and address, and then take your best
shot.
FRANKEL: Sure. My name is David Frankel. My office is in Honolulu, 1164 Bishop
Street, My home address here is in Volcano, PO Box 1185. I wasnÓt planning to testify but I
wanted to address a few things that came up. Our office represents Kaliko Chun, or represented,
I should say, Kaliko Chun. WeÓve settled the law suit and the dismissal is already in the works.
Bill Brilhante represented the County in the case and the settlement. And the dismissal is all
before the Judge to sign.
I wanted to address a few things that came up to just make thing
amended the General Plan changed an area that had long been Open to Urban Expansion. And it
was at that time that the Jacoby project was proposed. So it was in the timeframe when the
Jacoby project was, 2006, I mean, thereÓs not, you know, a number of years, but 2006 is when
things were happening, and they were testifying and lobbying for their project. The 2006
amendment was one of many that went, that were passed; and thereÓs not opportunity to actually
separate this one from the package, but there was a lot of opposition in the Kona community
from, to that 2006 General Plan Amendment.
The settlement of the law suit does not require you folks or the Planning Director at this point to
do anything; but we were thrilled when Bobby Jean testified before the Leeward Planning
Commission last week Friday strongly in support of this General Plan change in the settlement.
You know, we had hoped to get a recommendation, but that wasnÓt part of the settlement at all.
All it was is that the plan would be, the General Plan change would be initiated. But we were
thrilled to get that recommendation. And IÓm also happy to tell you that the Kona Community
Development Plan Action Committee unanimously supported this proposal about a week and a
half ago; and last week the Leeward Planning Commission meeting in Kona unanimously voted
in support of this change.
I did nearly two weeks ago send notice to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, cause
I was actually concerned that we would be ambushed at some point with DLNR saying, hey, we
didnÓt get notice. But, in fact, as you heard, they did get notice. I went out of my way to make
sure they got extra notice. And I would advise the DLNR representative to get on the County
CouncilÓs mailing if theyÓd like to fully track this before the County Council. It is incumbent
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upon them to follow-through now that theyÓve been participating, just as itÓs incumbent upon us
to get County Council agenda notices.
There is a provision in the Hawaii Revised Statutes, I canÓt give you the exact citation, 226
something, that essentially requires that the State follow the County General Plan designation in
how it uses lands; and, you know, there is a way you can get around that by getting legislative
approval. But I think itÓs important that the County do this to protect the cultural and natural
resources that are there. Thank you.
WOODWARD: Thank you, Mr. Frankel. Do we have any questions for Mr. Fankel?
Okay, seeing none I would entertain a motion. Commissioner Domingo.
DOMINGO: Mr. Chairman, I move for the amendment to the Land Use
Allocation Guide Map 11 of the County of Hawaii General Plan (Ordinance No. 05 25, as
amended) by changing the land use designation from Urban Expansion to Open for the area
affecting State-owned lands in the vicinity and south of Honokohau Harbor, Kealakehe, North
Kona, Hawaii.
WOODWARD: So youÓre recommending a favorable recommendation to Council?
DOMINGO: Yes, sir. Yes.
WOODWARD: Okay. Do we have a second?
KERN: Second.
WOODWARD: Okay, any discussion?
DOMINGO: I was, Mr. Chairman?
WOODWARD: Yes.
DOMINGO: I was concerned when the Jacoby development was struck with the State
and naturally this would have been a part of the CountyÓs responsibility in reviewing those
issues. I was only concerned because I thought I was a part of it, being on the Council for 20
years. But IÓm glad it was done in 2005. But thereby, -.
WOODWARD: Dodged that bullet.
DOMINGO: But if I had done that, my action today in approving this hopefully will
negate some of the actions that were taken in the past in, you know, taking historical lands and
giving it to other developers for other uses. Now as all these years passed I finally see the light,
you know. What is right is right; and I have a deeper respect for those lands which are historical
which are a part of Hawaii and its people, yeah. Like, for instance, you know, that individual
who wanted to build an addition and hold, do a bed and breakfast over cemetery lands which the
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Hawaiians had buried their ancestors. ThatÓs really against what I believe in and against my
philosophy. So, you know, I strongly support this issue.
WOODWARD: Thank you, Commissioner Domingo. Any further discussion? Okay,
seeing none, Maija, if youÓll call the vote.
COTTLE: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Commissioner Domingo.
DOMINGO: Aye.
COTTLE: Commissioner Kern?
KERN: Aye.
COTTLE: Commissioner Ishibashi?
ISHIBASHI: Aye.
COTTLE: Commissioner Ogata?
OGATA: Aye.
COTTLE: And Mr. Chairman?
WOODWARD: Aye.
COTTLE: Motion passes, five-zero.
WOODWARD: All right, thank you. So a favorable recommendation will be submitted
and youÓll be notified. Thank you.
CHUN: Thank you very much.
The discussion ended at 12:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon M. Nomura, Secretary
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