HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-11-18 Carolyn Strawn From: carolvn strawn
To: LPCtestimonv
Subject: Request for Immediate Postponement of the JEKATERINA MYSIN SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA USE PERMIT
APPLICATION(SMA 21-000078)
Date: Monday,November 18,2024 3:13:44 PM
Aloha Honorable Members of the Planning Commission,
I am writing to formally request the postponement of the upcoming hearing regarding the
JEKATERINA MYSIN SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA USE PERMIT APPLICATION (SMA
21-000078) currently scheduled for November 21, 2024. This request is prompted by serious
concerns over the lack of clarity, consistency, and accuracy in the documentation and plans
submitted for this project. It is imperative that the planning process be conducted with full
transparency and proper public input, and as it stands, the community has not been given a
fair opportunity to participate.
The most pressing issue is the confusion surrounding the site plans for this application.
There have been multiple versions submitted, each with different details and specifications.
This inconsistency creates significant uncertainty about the actual nature of the proposal.
With the public comment period concluding today, there is simply not enough time for the
community to properly review these fluctuating plans and provide informed feedback. The
public deserves to see a clear, consistent proposal before any hearing takes place. Without
such clarity, it is unreasonable to expect meaningful input from the public, and it would be
unjust to proceed with the review under these conditions.
Another critical issue is the outdated background report that has been used to support this
application. The report, which was based on an earlier version of the plans, fails to account
for significant changes in the project's scope. Notably, the proposal now includes an
underground parking garage and extensive excavation into lava rock, a detail that was not
considered in the original report. This outdated information misrepresents the true scale of
the project and misleads the public, making it impossible for them to make informed
decisions. The use of an obsolete background report undermines the integrity of the planning
process and violates the public's right to an accurate and complete understanding of the
project.
With the hearing set for just a few days from now, it is unreasonable to expect the community
to fully understand the implications of the new 40 page submission and how it differentiates
from the previous submissions that were revised after the background report was written.
The public must be given adequate time to conduct their due diligence and participate in the
review process of new information meaningfully. Rushing this through without giving the
community sufficient time to assess the changes and their potential impacts constitutes a
violation of the public's right to due process.
The public opposition to this project is also noteworthy. To date, the County has received
only letters of opposition, with no support for the application. This unprecedented level of
dissent should not be ignored. It is essential that the reasons for this opposition be
addressed thoroughly before any further steps are taken. The Planning Commission must
recognize the strength of public sentiment on this issue and take the time to ensure that the
concerns raised by the community are properly evaluated and responded to.
Furthermore, it is important to remember the significant public opposition that this project
faced in 2021. While the plans have evolved since then, the public has not been adequately
informed about the nature of these changes. The lack of transparency regarding these
modifications and multiple revisions entered into the record at the last minute and after
the background report was submitted has only deepened public concern. The Planning
Commission should not move forward without ensuring that the public has access to the
most current, accurate, and complete set of plans, and that any changes from the original
proposal are clearly communicated to the community.
In conclusion, the application cannot and should not proceed until these issues are
addressed. The public deserves a fair opportunity to engage in a transparent process based
on accurate and up-to-date information. I respectfully urge the Planning Commission to delay
the hearing and allow for a thorough review that ensures the integrity of the decision-making
process, adheres to the requirements of Hawaii's Sunshine Laws, and respects the public's
right to participate meaningfully.
Mahalo for considering and acting on this important request to postpone this meeting until
the records can be updated accurately. I trust the Commission will make the responsible
decision and postpone the review and ensure that this process is conducted in a fair and
transparent manner with accurate public records.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Strawn
Ala Ka La Resident and Owner