HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-10-21 Marita testimonyOctober 21, 2024
Members of the Windward Planning Commission
c/o Dept. Of Planning
County of Hawaii
101 Aupuni St
Hilo, Hi. 96720
Re: Hawaii County General Plan Comprehensive Review
Notice of Proposed Change in Parcel Designation
My name is Marita Cauley, sole owner of property located at 111
Lihikai Rd (TMK: 321014021). Born and raised on Hawai’i island, I am
the 4th generation since immigration from Portugal.
Both my husband and I were dedicated public servants. I worked at the
Office of Housing and Community Development for 38 Years. My husband,
who has since passed, worked as a professor at the University of Hawai
at Hilo for 30 years.
This my written testimony in strong opposition to the existing LUPAG
(Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide) to the proposed GPLU (General
Plan Use).
In 1979, my husband purchased this quaint house on an undeveloped
beach. The house was built in 1930. This house is my home; my most
valuable asset. Not too many local families are fortunate to live on
beach front property.
I envisioned someday I would be able to use this prized asset to
defer the rising cost of long term care. If I am fortunate to not need
long term care then it would be gifted to my family. They too would be
able to enjoy my special place on the beach.
If the proposed GPLU is approved, this may be impossible. My property
value will plummet. Who would want to inherit/purchase a house in
which the land use has been downgraded to recreational use only. They
would not be able to improve or rebuild on this small parcel of land.
In addition, I support the idea to keep Keaukaha-Keaukaha. Let us
preserve our natural coastline. Keaukaha does not need another
developed beach park that will be frequented by more tourists than
locals. I can only imagine this beach area filled with buses of
tourists. This will also affect my neighbors. We live on a one lane
road and traffic will be both horrendous and dangerous. It could be a
deterrent for Emergency vehicle access for residents.
In conclusion, if the new proposed land use is adopted, my property
value will be reduced to nearly zero and Keaukaha will not be
Keaukaha.
I am not requesting the entire plan be disapproved. I am only
requesting that the land use of the property at 111 Lihikai Rd be left
as is.
Thank you for allowing me to submit my written testimony.
Marita Cauley