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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09-03 Graphic Images Reponse to Testimony-Late Daryn Arai Land Use Planning Consultant September 3, 2024 Mr.Zendo Kern, Planning Director 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, HI 96720 Dear Director Kern: Subject:Second Response to Public Comments regarding Change of Zone Application PL-REZ-2024-000057 Applicant:Graphic Images Hawaii, Inc. TMK:1-6-003:081 & 129,,Hawaii This letter will respond to recent comments received from and Solette Perry,regarding the above-described rezoning application.The Applicant appreciates their support of the proposed subdivision and the housing opportunities that this project will provide, while recognizing their concerns regarding its effect upon traffic conditions within the immediate area. Regarding potential safety concerns, the Applicant finds that the proposed subdivision of 23 lots accessing Mamaka Street via Ohiohi Street is not anticipated to create a significant traffic burden that exceeds the design capacitiesof Mamaka Street and its intersection with the Old Keaau-Pahoa Road. Both Ohiohi and Mamaka Streets are constructed to full County standards, with a paved two-way travel lane width of 20feet and 15-foot wide paved shoulders and swales within a 50-foot wide right-of-way. The Applicant acknowledgesthat the proposed subdivision will bring additional traffic along both Mamaka and OhiohiStreets, but not to the level that will debilitate traffic conditions along these roadways or at its intersection with the Old Keaau-Pahoa Road. Subdivisions throughout the island, and especially in urban centers like Hilo and Kona, carry much greater volumes of traffic along similarly constructed roadways.Furthermore, the Police Department The Police Department does not anticipate any impact to traffic and/or public safety concerns as a result of the requestedchange of zone. Regarding a dedicated connection to the Old Keaau-Pahoa Road, whilesuch a connection is simply not available at this time, the Applicant recommended condition that will abandon the proposed cul-de-sac design in favor of a road stub- out with the Old Keaau-Pahoa Road that will facilitate a future connection should it be permitted by the State Department of Transportation. P.O. BOX 4501, HILO HAWAII 96720 PHONE:(808) 895-3218EMAIL: DARYN ARAI@OUTLOOK.COM Mr. Zendo Kern, Planning Director Page 2 of 2 September 3, 2024 Furthermore, should the 7-acre Parcel 81 be developed as a medical clinic, the proposed subdivision will be reduced in size by 6 to 8 lots, reducing the total number of residential lots accessing Ohiohi and Mamaka Streets. the Old Keaau-Pahoa Road that serves as primary access to its educational facilities, a ic position of the Applicant is to preserve opportunities to improve the traffic circulation pattern in the area by providing connectivity options. The Applicant is also hopeful that should the medical clinic proceed forward, it will influence the possibility of providing a direct connection with the Old Keaau-Pahoa Road. The Old Keaau- -Pahoa Bypass, the Old Keaau-Pahoa Road is functionally now a dead-end collector road with much lower traffic volumes. The proposed addition of 23 homes to this area will not be detrimental to the area roadway networks. The Applicant hopes that this response adequately addresses the concerns conveyed by . Please feel free to contact me should there be any questions or need for additional information. Sincerely, DARYN ARAI Land Use Planning Consultant cc via email: Ms. Laurie Higashi, Graphic Images Hawaii, Inc. Mr. Roland Higashi, Graphic Images Hawaii, Inc.