HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL-SMA-2023-000038 12.17.23 Mark Van Pernis Testimony Araujo, Jaclyn
From: Mark Van Pernis <mvpvv@hawaii.rr.com>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 2:04 PM
To: LPCtestimony; Kona Letters; Inaba, Holeka
Cc: Kimball, Heather; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt; Villegas, Rebecca; Cindy Evans; Kagiwada,
Jennifer; Lee Loy, Sue; Kierkiewicz, Ashley; Galimba, Michelle M.
Subject: Special Management Area Permit,Kona Hawaii Development, LLC, December 21, 2023
Leeward Planning Commission meeting.
The Hilo based West Hawaii Today on December 15 reports The Leeward Planning Commission (LPC)
will consider another developer's proposed development for the obnoxious, hurtful and partially
constructed structure on the site of the old miniature golf place. What isn't reported is that:
1. the developer received approval for the project, to be completed in five tears, i.e 25 years ago;
2, that developer had no intention or ability to build that project, and merely wanted approval so
he could sell it to another developer, which he did for a big profit; 3. several more delays were
obtained free of any charge penalty, wth further sale of the project, with the county getting
nothing but more empty promises 4. The property became a hangout foR the homeless and drug
dealing; 6.A few years ago( while I was on the LPC and before the Mayor let the Kona staff go), a
new developer wanted another delay and a change in deign, without penalty, charge , over 30
years, and without any requirement of finish construction by any date. And without inquiry into
how the neighborhood had changed.
7. There had been a lot of new construction, road and vehicle usage increase and huge population
increase in the prior two or thee decades; 8. The neighbors without exception were against it or
wanted conditions. Including completion.
9. The LPC approved further delay, but thinking the project in its new form might go towards a sale
and further delay, the sunset provision was included. That applicant made mo effort to comply
with the sunset, resulting in cancellation of the Special Management Act Permit. andnd selling to
the current applicant ""Kona Hawaii Development, Limited Liability Company" (new or a form of
the last developer?) which may be seeking to make the LPC and Count fools again with more and
more delay under a claim of another change in design to a hotel.
So the rich get richer, the foolish County gives away decades of development rights for no reason
but private profits and Kona gets only empty promises, an eyesore and crime center. As the
newspaper says, the LPC Commissioners are going to look into more development rights. The
Commissioners, mayoral appointees, have no education or expertise in planning or as futurists. But
they can and should do better for their constituency, the people of West Hawaii
There was talk of denying further totally unjustified delay at the last hearing if this matter. At
least, a sunset provision occurred,and was not met, meaning there no permits in effect. 1. There
should be full disclosure and transparency as to who and what this applicant is. 2. There should be
full disclosure and transparency as to the willingness and capability of the applicant to timely
complete. 3.There must be sunset provisions for phases of construction. 4..There should be a
current traffic study of the two intersections affecting thew property, pedestrian traffic, curbs
gutters, sidewalks and parking.
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Prior applicants didn't take the LPC seriously and made nor real effort towards the community. The
future planning and safety of West Hawaii residents must be your first concern, not protecting
private investors.
Mark Van Pernis, Kona resident and former Leeward Planning Commission Commissioner and
Kailua Village Design Commission Commissioner.
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