HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-12-18 Additional (7) GP Testimonies
County of Hawai‘i
KONA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE
Aupuni Center • 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 • Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 (808) 961-8288 • Fax (808) 961-8742
C. Kimo Alameda, PhD. Mayor
John Pelletier Vacant Heather Korotie Vacant Charles Young, Chair Nancy Pisicchio, Vice-Chair Charla Thompson David Huerta Roselyn Molina
December 18, 2024
Leeward Planning Commission West Hawaiʻi Civic Center 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Highway, Building E, 2nd Floor Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi Subject: Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee Written Testimony Regarding the Final Recommended Draft General Plan 2045 Aloha Chair Defranco:
The Kona CDP Action Committee (AC) met on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center. Included on the agenda was a discussion regarding the Final Recommended Draft General Plan. The AC voted unanimously to provide their written
testimony collectively, identified as Communication 2024-13, attached.
Sincerely, Charles Young, Chair
Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee
MP:kk V:\PL\PL\planning\public\wpwin60\CDP\CDP - Kona\Action Committee\Meetings\2024\2024-12-17\Communications\Communication No. 2024-35 KCDP General Plan Testimony.pdf
Attachment: Communication No. 2024-13
1
2045 General Plan Draft, proposed amendments
by Nancy Pisicchio
General Plan Land Use Maps and Designations
Table 6: Urban Land Use GP Pg. 32
GP DESIGNATION DESCRIPTION OPTIMAL
RESIDENTIAL
DENSITY
(DU/ACRE)
POSSIBLE
ZONING
DESIGNATIONS
High-Density Urban General commercial, multiple-family residential, and related services. Confined to Urban Growth Areas. 36-60 RM, RCX, V, CG, CDH, MCX, ML
Medium- Density
Urban
Village and neighborhood commercial and single-family and
multiple-family residential and related functions. Confined to
Urban Growth Areas.
13-35 RM, RD, RCX, V, CN, CV, CG,
MCX, ML
Low-Density
Urban
Residential, with ancillary community and public uses, and
neighborhood and convenience-type commercial uses.
3-12 RS, RM, RCX,
ML, V, CV, CN
Urban Expansion
Reserve
Allows for a mix of high density, medium density, low
density, industrial-commercial mix, and/or natural
designations in areas where growth may be desirable, but
where specific settlement and infrastructure have not yet
been determined.
RS, RM, RCX,
CV, CN, CG,
MCX, ML, UNV, V
Light/Service
Industrial
Uses include but are not limited to business parks, research
and development centers, product assembly, distribution
centers, laboratories, cottage industries, and light service
industrial uses.
MCX, ML
Heavy Industrial Uses include but are not limited to landfills, quarries,
chemical plants, heavy equipment base yards, towing yards,
and other uses with the potential to create public nuisance
conditions (e.g., noise, environmental impacts).
MG
University Public university, including ancillary public uses, residential,
and support commercial uses.
UNV. CG, CN, RM
Resort
Transit-Oriented
Development
(TOD)
Traditional
Neighborhood
Development
(TND)
Uses include a mix of visitor-related uses such as hotels,
condominium hotels (condominiums developed and/or operated as hotels), single-family and multiple-family
residential units, golf courses and other typical resort
recreational facilities, resort commercial complexes, and
other support services.
Transit-Oriented Development Floating Zone (TOD) – Mixed-use developments located at strategic points along a
regional transit system. TODs consist of moderate and high-
density housing, along with complementing public uses,
jobs, retail, and services.
Minimum land area. The
minimum land area
for a new community shall
be consistent with
the zoning code’s
requirements for
project districts,
which corresponds
to the urban and secondary core.
KCDP Pg. 4-41
V, PD, RS, RM,
CV, CN, MCX
High-Density
Village Design Guidelines
Medium-Density
Village Design
Guidelines
Communication No. 2024-13
2
#1 Proposed amendment to Table 6: Urban Land Use by adding TOD and TND to the list of “GP
Designation” in column 1 (see above) since it is the stated intent of the General Plan (see page 46) to adopt
policies to Include both TODs and TNDs.
Sustainable Development and Resilient Communities
Draft GP Pg. 37
Land Use Map 3
#2 Proposed amendment to Land Use Map 3
Land Use Map 3 should indicate the TOD’s that have been identified on Kona CDP Figure 4-7, Pg. 4-36. See map
below.
3
#3 Proposed Map 3 Amendment:
Regarding Draft GP Map 3, it is suggested that the property that now appears as the newly proposed High-
Density Urban and Medium Density boundaries located mauka of the Old Airport and makai of Queen
Ka'ahumanu Hwy be instead designated as a Regional Center and Neighborhood TODs as designated in the
Kona CDP Official Land Use Map, Figure 4.7.
This is important to ensure that proper mixed-use master planning is carried out for the area. See the
recommendation from KCDP below:
4
Land Use Goal
1.2: Urban Growth Areas
The Urban Growth Areas include high-density Transit Oriented Development (TOD), medium-
density Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND), and low-density Urban Neighborhood
Centers. These centers provide physical, social, governmental, and economic concentrations and
easier access to services, recreation, and employment activities. Draft GP Pg. 46
#4 Proposed amendment to Pg 46: Following the above language, amend the text to include these
general definitions:
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). The development of compact, mixed-use villages
which would integrate housing, employment, shopping, and recreation opportunities.
Villages would be designed around transit stations/stops which would reduce the need
for daily trips and financially support the expanded transit system. Source KCDP Pg. 4.6
Village Types Defined—Transit-Oriented Developments (TODs) vs. Traditional
Neighborhood Developments (TNDs). Both TODs and TNDs are compact mixed-use
villages, characterized by a village center within a higher-density urban core, roughly
equivalent to a 5-minute walking radius (1/4 mile), surrounded by a secondary mixed-
use, mixed-density area with an outer boundary roughly equivalent to a 10-minute
walking radius from the village center (1/2 mile). The distinction between a TOD and
TND is that the approximate location of a TOD is currently designated on the Official
Kona Land Use Map (Figure 4-7) along the trunk or secondary transit route and contains
a transit station, while TND locations have not been designated and may be located off
of the trunk or secondary transit route at a location approved by a rezoning action.
Source KCDP Pg. 4-28
“Makaeo Village (Regional Center) A major retail center is planned near the Old Airport Park. As
a mixed-use village, the plan is to introduce residential uses into the mix, design a
complementary relationship to the Old Airport Park, and integrate a transit hub or major park
and ride facility for commuters”. Source KCDP Pg. 4-40
From:Dawn Barnett
To:LPCtestimony
Subject:Please reschedule the GP public testimony meetings in January.
Date:Wednesday, December 18, 2024 12:30:27 PM
Please reschedule the GP public testimony meetings in January.
Thank you
DawnPO Box 1078
Kapaau, Hi 96755
From:Joanna Weber
To:WPCtestimony; LPCtestimony
Subject:Big Island General Plan (GP) 2045 public testimony
Date:Wednesday, December 18, 2024 12:56:22 PM
ALOHA
Here are my concerns as follows.
ALOHA, JOANNA WEBER
STOP GP from going to County Council until further
investigation on:
"Climate Change" being the foundation of the entire plan
Turning private land into recreation, dropping property value, and
the right of the State to do so. (No local would want that.)The Safety of electric vehicles on the island, the problem with
recycling the lithium batteries which are a hazard waste, and the
increased expense to locals’ electricity bills! (The current electric grid
can't handle more!)Taking most of the island and giving it to the State under the guiseof "Conservation", "Natural" and "Rural"
MORE Concerns Include: Land Use changing “Residential” to “Recreation” drops property value!
Plan could set up many opportunities for the State to take your land &
Rezone!
Plan turns most of Big Island into "Conservation", "Natural" or"Rural", meaning no farming, living, or building!!
Plan could regulate off-grid living!
Plan will further stress electric grid increasing prices!
And many more concerns! **Please, also, reschedule the GP meetings in January.
From:Ken Honma
To:WPCtestimony; LPCtestimony
Cc:Stand Together Hawaii
Subject:General plan 2045 comments
Date:Wednesday, December 18, 2024 12:25:13 PM
The Hawaii County General Plan 2045 is missing critical elements that need to be included in order
to ensure that you the planning commissioners, and the people of Hawaii County can evaluate what
this planning document is about. As this document stands, no one will be able to determine how
any of the elements described in this plan what this plan is to accomplish. Cause and effect is the
basis for this document, but these basic relationships are not clearly defined and explained
anywhere in this plan.
Manmade Climate Change
Using man-made climate change as a justification for unleashing any proposed powers to
government for general planning is making policy based on an opinion, not any scientific fact. To the
contrary there is no proof that normal human activity is causing dangerously high levels of
temperature increases that would warrant this kind of powers to be used in the general plan.
*Exclude any references to manmade climate change.
Geoengineering
If this document were even-handed, it would also have a section on geo-engineering, which is
scientifically proven to effect weather. Aerial activities that influence weather have been ongoing for
many decades. What effects do these human activities have on the climate?
*Geoengineering should be included in the plan
Societal Controls
There is the assumption that it is necessary to confine and control societal development by limiting
activities to what is and will be considered acceptable development such as where to develop,
where to farm, where people can live, etc. What is the basis, and where is the discussion that these
controls are needed, warranted, wanted or legal?
Where is the ideal, model development example in real life Hawaii that demonstrates that any ofthese “development” ideas actually result in whatever is to be achieved? *Eliminate social control planning until these important questions are expounded on in writing inthe plan.
Definitions of terms
The lack of a detailed discussion of what exactly is meant by such words as “thrive”, “resilience”,“security”, “economy”, leads to much misinterpretations and confusion.
What exactly is the meaning of “economy” in terms of Hawaii County? What are the metrics that will
be used to determine what the current state of our economy is, and for the future, how progress is
being made or not made? How will success be measured? In other words what will success look like?
Defining success by measuring it against well-defined success-or-failure metrics will make it clear to
all, what the plan intends.
*Define all terms.
Intent
With a firm understanding of the intent of the general plan, we the people can more readily vote for
or against the plan. For eample: it “looks like” the intent is to sequester the most possible amount
of land away from human developement into conversation land (out of circulation for meeting
human needs).This is a formula for 15 minute cities.
It shoud be clearly stated that the the primary intent is to raise the standard of living for allresidents, and support the means for all people to achieve home ownership, land ownership, and
business ownership. Meeting growing energy needs. More transportation options and fullmaintanance of existing roads and bridges and public transportation. Better travel connectivitythroughout the island. Support systems for new and innovative businesses. Support small,independent farmers and food growers.
*We do not want 15 minute cities.
Milestones
Milestones need to be established from start to completion with the specific elements to becompleted. It can be seen that in order for this plan to work, a detailed and specific vision on whatsuccess looks like, and how to measure it is not included, but, necessary in order to take the firststeps in the as of yet, not envisioned success description.
*Establish milestones for all elements of the plan.
The success metric
It is a waste of time and our money if there is no measure of success like or how to get there.
Without the goals clearly stated, and steps to reach the goals, any legislative actions; taxes,
incentives, fines, fees, or capital allocations toward any of the plan’s elements would be fiscally, andlegislatively irresponsible. There is too much room for other hidden agendas to be persued as it iswritten.
The plan is after all, for the people; so the major success metric must be the success and happinessmetric of the people. At present there is no section that discusses this metric.
*Include a clear and usable success metric.
Accountability
There needs to be a person responsible for the completion of this plan. The Mayor could be
evaluated on how successful or not their administration is in accomplishing the general plan. Thepeople could be responsible for the mayor’s evaluation. Heads of departments likewise could beresponsible for carrying out the initiatives and would also be evaluated for success or failures. Anaccountability structure needs to be written into the plan.
*Define and include the accountability structure.
Sincerely,
Ken Honma
From:L Pasco
To:LPCtestimony
Subject:LPC testimony BI GP 2045
Date:Wednesday, December 18, 2024 1:56:37 PM
To; Hawaii County Planning Commission
Normal human activity Climate Change
Using man-made climate change as a justification for unleashing any proposed powers to government for general planning is
making policy based on an opinion, not any scientific fact. To the contrary there is no proof that normal human activity is
causing dangerously high levels of temperature increases that would warrant this kind of powers to be used in the general
plan. *Exclude any references to normal human activity climate change.
Geoengineering
If this document were even-handed, it would also have a section on geo-engineering, which is scientifically proven to effect
weather. Aerial activities that influence weather have been ongoing for many decades. What effects do these human
activities have on the climate? *Geoengineering should be included in the plan.
Societal Controls
There is the assumption that it is necessary to confine and control societal development by limiting activities to what is and
will be considered acceptable development such as where to develop, where to farm, where people can live, etc. What is
the basis, and where is the discussion that these controls are needed, warranted, wanted or legal?
Where is the ideal, model development example in real life Hawaii that demonstrates that any of these “development” ideas
actually result in whatever is to be achieved? *Eliminate social control planning until
these important questions are expounded on in writing in the plan.
Electric vehicles
*Do not encourage or require electric vehicles to be used on the island.
Rezoning
*Do not rezone any more land for Conservation or Recreation.
*Do not rezone any land to Rural.
*Do not rezone Residential land to Rural.
*Do not rezone any more land to the State government.
From:Michael Sofranko
To:LPCtestimony
Date:Wednesday, December 18, 2024 12:42:15 PM
The cancellation of general Planning meetings is completely unacceptable. Who is in chargeof this cancellation and why are they doing this?
Keeping the public uninformed is NOT the way we do business here.
Your response is needed please
Thank you
From:Michelle Melendez
To:WPCtestimony; LPCtestimony
Subject:Plz RESCHEDULE GP Public Testimony In January
Date:Wednesday, December 18, 2024 12:23:16 PM
Aloha Commissioners,
Mahalo for your service.
I know you do this on your own time and I appreciate your hard work.
Please reschedule the public testimony on the Hawaii General Plan 2045 in January. We need
those meetings.
This plan should be stopped from going to County Council until the following can beinvestigated:
"Climate Change" the foundation of the entire plan
Turning private land into recreation, dropping property value, and the right
of the State to do that. (No local would want this.)
The Safety of electric vehicles on the island, the problem with recycling the
lithium batteries which are a hazard waste, and the increased expense to
locals electricity bills! (The current electric grid can't handle more!)
Taking most of the island and giving it to the State under the guise of
"Conservation", "Natural" and "Rural"
Not one person has been in support of this plan in the nearly 10 meetings I've gone to. Howcan they say that the public helped with this plan?
Please reschedule, or BETTER someone motion to STOP this plan from moving forward.
You CAN do that!
Just because it is on schedule to go through doesn't mean it has to. It's more important to have
a plan that supports the Big Island and doesn't harm it.
Please someone be brave enough to stop this madness from moving forward.
Kind Regards,
Michelle Melendez
Fitness and Wellness Expert Since 1996
Author Of The Best Selling and 4x Award Winning Book,
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