HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-17 Benjy Garfinkle From: Beniv GARFINKLE
To: LPCtestimonv
Cc: Robin Renee Hawkins;Andrew Dunn
Subject: Testimony in Opposition to Kau"upulehu Land LLC June 20th hearing 930 AM leeward planning
Date: Monday,June 17,2024 11:23:15 AM
Aloha
Applications PL-SLU-2022-000008 AND PL-REZ-2022-000039
I am the owner of the adjoining properties to the west of the subject property .I have AG 5 and Neighborhood
Commercial Zoning on my properties owned by Coastal land Co and Kamuela land Co.
I have done very extensive research with the County of Hawaii Engineering Dept Bryce Harada about development
within the FEMA flood zone AEF and have been working with an engineering firm called River Focus who work in
Hawaii and have been doing research for me on my properties regarding flood zone designations on the FIRM
maps that were certified in 2017?
Both the County Engineering Dept and River focus have confirmed the land that would have 3 commercial pads
abutting the highway is in flood zone AEF and therefor is within a no build area you have the FIRM maps to support
this issue?
I do not see how they can develop the 3 commercial pads with a portion of the land being in food zone AEF?I have
the same issue on the land owned by Kamuela land co and have been advised there cannot be any development or
improvement on my land that is in the AEF flood zone?
I do not see an updated traffic study? Since I live next door I know how hard it is to make a left out onto the
highway during several hours each day?I cant believe a current traffic study would support this development?
I have been following the vacancy of retail and commercial space is Kamuela and there are a number of vacant
retail/commercail spaces sitting empty and for lease
I don't see the need for new buildings to be built while there is a decent amount of vacant space in current built
buildings and a lot of old existing commercial building that should be renovated prior to the need for new
development?
Regarding the Zone change from AG 5 to allowing half acre lots this is a major concem to the entire area
If this zone change is approved many property owners in the area will be trying to get their properties rezoned I have
12 acres next door in AG 5 if I rezone that property I would have about 24 homes on it instead of 2 Farm dwellings
I have not seen any properties in the area that have been rezoned?This would set a precedent that would have
longe range implications for the Ag lands along the highway and along kahilu road these are excellent Ag lands that
should be preserved
These applications should be denied
Respectfully
Benjy Garfinkle