HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-07-15 Kieran Gibson From: Kieran Gibson
To: LPCtestimony
Subject: K Gibson Testimony-LPC July 18, 2024 Meeting,Agenda Items#3
Date: Monday,July 15,2024 1:32:14 PM
Welina mai kakou,
I am Kieran Gibson. A was raised close by Waimea town and 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 #3 & #4, Applicant: Kaupulehu Land LLC)
for the following reasons:
Project is solely for speculation purposes
Thus,is inconsistent with the 2005 General Plan.
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.Likewise,it would
degrade prime agricultural land and the"rural,ranching character"of Waimea.
Would adversely increase traffic congestion near this area
Also,this project would severely impact the 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.
Would adversely increase property taxes for residents in this area
This proposed residential development which is being built for the high-end market and not for the affordable range and would only increase the
property taxes for residents of the area.
NOT in compliance with the Hawaii County General Plan(2005)
The proposed project fails to protect significant Agriculture lands by rezoning them and fails to preserve the rural,ranching character of Waimea as
stipulated in the General Plan.Likewise,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.
NOT consistent with the South Kohala CDP(2008)
This proposed project fails to meet the guidelines and policies set forth for the Waimea Town as stipulated in the South Kohala CDP.Instead,this
project would remove prime agricultural lands and push unsightly commercial development further east of the Waimea Town center.
Simply put our town has already become over developed, sold, and destroyed
in the name of the highest bidder. We have all seen this town change for the
worst over the past few years. Let us keep the history, culture, and Waimea
lifestyle alive for all future generations to cherish.
Mahalo nunui for your time,
Kieran Wiese Gibson