HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-07-14 Mikayla Mitchell From: Mikayla Mitchell
To: LPCtestimony
Subject: M. Mitchell Testimony-LPC July 18,2024 Meeting,Agenda Items#3
Date: Sunday,July 14,2024 2:15:54 PM
Hi!
As a resident of Waimea, I'm asking the Leeward Planning Commission to NOT approve
Kaupulehu Land LLC's applications for State Land Use Boundary Amendment from
Agricultural to Rural and Change of Zone from an Agricultural-5 acre to Neighborhood
Commercial and Residential Agricultural (Agenda Items 93 & 94,Applicant: Kaupulehu Land
LLC) for the following reasons:
1. Project is solely for speculation purposes and is inconsistent with the 2005 General Plan.
2. A prime example of spot zoning and urban sprawl. The proposed commercial development
is excessively huge with a 3-building, 2-story complex and is NOT compatible with this part
of Waimea. The scale and size of this proposed commercial development is too large, similar
to a `strip mall' and NOT compatible for this area. It would degrade prime agricultural land
and the"rural, ranching character" of Waimea.
3. Would adversely increase traffic congestion near this area. This project would severely
impact traffic and create further congestion in this particular area on Mamalahoa Highway,
which is already difficult to navigate as the highway starts to narrow near here when driving
west into Waimea Town.
4. Would adversely increase property taxes for residents in this area. This proposed residential
development, being built for the high-end market and not for the affordable range,would only
increase property taxes for residents of the area.
5.NOT in compliance with the Hawaii County General Plan (2005). The proposed project
fails to protect significant agricultural lands by rezoning them and fails to preserve the rural,
ranching character of Waimea as stipulated in the General Plan. This proposed project is NOT
consistent with the General Plan goals and policies that pertain to agriculture and commercial
development. This speculation project has failed to demonstrate the need for additional retail
space in Waimea with many existing vacant retail properties in Waimea.
6.NOT consistent with the South Kohala CDP (2008). This proposed project fails to meet the
guidelines and policies set forth for Waimea Town as stipulated in the South Kohala CDP.
This project would remove prime agricultural lands and push unsightly commercial
development further east of the Waimea Town center.
Thanks,
Mikayla