HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-07-17 Ian Langevin From: Ian Lanaevin
To: LPCtestimonv
Subject: Kaupulahu Land LLC PL-SLU-2022-000008&PL-REZ-2022-000039
Date: Wednesday,July 17,2024 4:31:38 PM
Attachments: 240717 Lanaevin Testimony LPC KLLLC.odf
Please include the attached written testimony for entry into the LPC public hearing relating to
items 3 and 4, on 7/18/24.
Thank you,
Ian Langevin
Ian Langevin
PO Box 6523
Kamuela, Hawaii 96743
7/17/2024
Leeward Planning Commision
RE: Kaupulehu Land LLC PL-SLU-2022-00008
Kaupulehu Land LLC PL-REZ-2022-000039
Dear Commisioners:
I have previously provided both written and oral comments on this matter and stand by my
testimony.
For clarity, I do not have any ownership or financial interest in the subject property, or its
development. I have never been a W-2 employee of Kaupulehu Land or Metzler
Contracting. I have done business with John Metzler for over 25 years as an independent
licensed contractor, and through this, I have had an opportunity to see the true character of
Mr. Metzler,which is a significant reason why I choose to continue to work with him through
the years. He has earned my respect.
The Waimea CDP, the County of Hawaii General Plan, and the State of Hawaii land use
maps are the results of hundreds of people and thousands of hours of conversations and
hearings, and multiple drafts prior to being implemented. The community had come to a
consensus that the Waimea Community Development Plan, and in turn,the Hawaii County
General Plan, in addition to the State LUPAG maps, were to be the guidelines for governing
policy relating to community growth.All three are in clear agreement that the land use
plans proposed for this property fall within the guidelines.
These are the guidelines every landowner needs to follow prior to any development,
whether it is a single-family home, a corner market, or a medical center, and if their venture
is within these guidelines, as private property owners,they should be allowed to proceed.
With regards to this application, all of the governing departments involved —Water, DOT,
SHPD, etc., have provided feedback to the County Planning Department, and the Planning
Department has provided a favorable recommendation.
In turn, the Leeward Planning Commission has performed their role in requesting
adjustments based on public input, to the lot sizes to conform with the SKCDP, and the
applicant has complied.
When we purchased my current parcel, I was, and am very aware of the distinct possibility
that any or all of the land in those designations would become more urban. I had closely
reviewed the land use map from the state,the land use map implemented by the County of
Hawaii, and the Land Use Plan approved by the Waimea CDP. I trust that all my neighbors
have also reviewed these Land Use maps and the Floodplain maps as a part of their due
diligence prior to purchasing their property. They are public records and an important part
of disclosure by any listing Realtor.
Folks have asked me why I support this zoning change when it could directly affect my
property and, in some ways, the quality of living on it. My position is that, in a society of
rules and processes, if a party is abiding by those rules and processes, I have to respect a
landowner's private property rights, and the result of the process. There may likely come a
time when my other neighbors endeavor to apply for similar projects with their land, and if
they abide by the process and work within the limitations/guidelines of the Waimea
CDP/County General Plan, I would support them as well.
The approach of creating three smaller parcels for neighborhood commercial use is much
more appealing to me than another Minit Stop or a Strip Mall that would require the full 2.3
acres as a single lot. The three smaller lots, in concert with CC&Rs, somewhat prevent
another metal building complex or a gas station.
I trust that the development will done with taste, and will compliment Waimea's heritage. I
believe that the current generation of commissioners and local business leaders
understand the value of this. In the event that Mr. Metzler throws in the towel and sells to
the highest bidder, we need to be aware there are entities out there with much deeper
pockets that have much less concern for the town. Future generations may face a far more
arduous battle and end up with worse results.
Sincerely,
Q
Ian Langevin