HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-18 PL-SPP-2024-000061 M. Ryer Testimony DeVera, Ashley
From: Mihaela R <mihaelaryer@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 12:14 PM
To: Andrews, Jessica
Subject: Letter regarding PL-SPP-2024-000061
Attachments: Letter.pdf
Dear Ms. Andrews,
I am writing in response to a 'Notice of Submittal of Application and Planning Commission
Hearing Special Permit Request (PL-SPP-2024-000061) I received at the end of January, 2024.
The letter was sent to property owners within 500 feet of the perimeter boundary of parcel TMK:
(3) 2-6-011:001. The Application is for allowing a "Four(4)-Bedroom Bed & Breakfast
Establishment" on a portion of the above mentioned property. My property is located within 500
feet of the perimeter boundary of the above mentioned parcel.
As a property owner who would be directly affected by the granting of this Special Permit, I do
have a few concerns regarding the short and long term impact this activity will have on our
community. Please find attached a letter outlining these concerns.
I would greatly appreciate it if you can consider this letter and include it in the Commission
Hearing. I would also be grateful if you can forward other responses to this Special Permit
request, as I understand that any filings regarding this matter are public record.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, or if you prefer to have this
letter hand delivered to the Planning Department.
Sincerely,
Mihaela Ryer
1
Mihaela Ryer
2870 Kaiwiki Rd
Hilo, HI 96720
18 March 2024
Hawaii County Planning Department
101 Pauahi St. #3
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
To whom it may concern:
This letter is in response to a `Notice of Submittal of Application and Planning
Commission Hearing Special Permit Request(PL-SPP-2024-000061)' sent on
January 25, 2024 to property owners within 500 feet of the perimeter
boundary of parcel TMK: (3) 2-6-011:001. The Application is for allowing a
"Four(4)-Bedroom Bed & Breakfast Establishment" on a portion of the above
mentioned property. My property is located within 500 feet of the perimeter
boundary of the above mentioned parcel.
The upper Kaiwiki Road neighborhood is a harmonious community where
property owners strive to create a healthy, safe and supportive environment,
while being respectful of each property owner's right to use their land as they
desire. As property owners, we try to maintain the spirit of the community and
the rural, peaceful character of the place we call home. Our neighborhood has
an agricultural zoning, which, as property owners, we strongly believe plays a
vital role in the Big Island's economy and culture. This zoning is an essential
tool for:
• Preserving the island's unique character and open spaces,
• Promoting sustainable agriculture,
• Protecting natural resources, such as water, soil and life habitats.
The above mentioned Special Permit Request has the potential to alter our
community in several important ways. The four main categories that may be
negatively impacted by this Special Permit(if approved) are as follows: 1) Land
Use; 2) Environment; 3) Infrastructure; and 4) Disturbance of neighboring
properties.
1. Land Use impact: Allowing transient accommodation on agricultural
land can set a bad precedent of converting agricultural land into
non-agricultural commercial uses. This will lead to the loss of land for
farming and forestry activities, diminish agricultural productivity, and
increase reliance on imported food.
Furthermore, allowing transient accommodation on agricultural land
can change the character of our rural community by incentivizing land
speculation, where investors purchase land with the intention of
converting it to more profitable uses. This can drive up land prices,
making it increasingly difficult for farmers to afford or access land for
agricultural or forestry purposes.
Environmental Impact: The land in our community supports diverse
ecosystems and life habitats. Converting it to transient accommodation
can disrupt these ecosystems, leading to loss of biodiversity and
potentially further endangering our native species.
The above mentioned property hosts the property owners, several
farm workers and, if this Special Permit is approved, it will also host up
to ten (10) Bed & Breakfast guests. If improperly managed,the
operation could contribute to pollution of soil, water, and air through
activities such as waste disposal, use of chemicals, and increased
vehicle emissions.
3. Infrastructure impact: This special permit would allow accommodating
up to ten (10) guests. This will lead to increased traffic, placing
pressure on the one-lane road used to access our neighborhood,the
limited capacity bridges, and emergency services. Our winding
one-lane road with unmarked drop offs and numerous blind spots is
hazardous for locals familiar with it. Adding traffic with drivers
unfamiliar with the area seems unwise. If this permit is approved, it
could set precedent and allow the approval of many other similar
Special Permits, which could result in additional costs for the County
services and may reduce the quality of life for the residents of our
community.
4. Disturbance of neighboring properties: An unpermitted Bed &
Breakfast has been in operation on the above mentioned property
since at least 2019. During this time there have been numerous
instances of guests arriving late at night unable to find the entrance to
the rental, driving into neighboring properties, or shining lights in
next-door houses while waiting for instructions to access the rental.
With double or triple the number of guests, if the Special Permit is
approved, the disturbances of this kind will multiply.
Finally, it should be noted that the fact that an unpermitted Bed & Breakfast
has existed on the property is not a justification to issue a permit for that
activity.
Sincerely,
M;Aae/a Ryer
Mihaela Ryer