HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-07-15 Tiffany Watson From: Tiffany Watson
To: LPCtestimony
Subject: Tiffany Watson Testimony-LPC July 18, 2024 Meeting,Agenda Items#3
Date: Monday,July 15,2024 3:50:33 PM
Aloha,
As a resident of Kamuela, 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.
Mahalo,
Tiffany Watson
P.S.: As someone who grew up in this town, it is easy to understand why so
many people would want to live here. Waimea is special. However, instead
of expanding and effectively erasing the culture of our small town,
encourage people to visit and appreciate it. Put the money toward
development into agriculture and create a financial stream for local families
through agri-tourism. Not only would this be a great service for the
community, but sustainable farming practices interest many people, which
could create a good stream of revenue. Please do not further develop our
home.