HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-20 Thomas S. Witten, FASLA Support TestimonySubject:Testimony in Support- SMA Permit Application (PL-SMA-2026-000087) to Amend SMA Use Permit No. SMA 07-019
From:Tom Witten
To:Planning LPC Testimony
Cc:Nasser Ghossaini
Date:Monday, April 20, 2026 10:24:28 AM
Attachments:Outlook-3fguhacd.pngMauna Lani (Puako Mauka) PC Testimony 4-20-26_TW.pdf
Aloha,
See attached testimony provided for the April 23, 2026 Leeward Planning Commission
Hearing.
Mahalo,
Tom
Thomas S. Witten, FASLA
Principal Emeritus
PBR HAWAII
Mobile: 808-284-8401
Email:
twitten@pbrhawaii.com
April 20, 2026
Leeward Planning Commission, Thursday April 23, 2026 Public Hearing
(email: LPCtestimony@hawaiicounty.gov)
SUBJECT: TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF SMA PERMIT APPLICATION
(PL-SMA-2026-000087) TO AMEND SMA USE PERMIT NO. 07-
019, WAIKOLOA, SOUTH KOHALA, HAWAI‘I
Aloha Planning Commissioners,
This testimony in support of the subject SMA Amendments is provided on behalf of
TI Capital Management, LLC, the owners of the adjacent lands to the north and east
of the subject property (TMK: (3) 6-8-001:002, 552.829 acres). PBR HAWAII has
been assisting the owners with the master planning of these lands that would also be
accessed via an extension of Ho‘ohana Street that serves the subject lands.
Some of the key attributes of the proposed SMA Permit amendments include:
1) Mauna Lani Resort Master Plan. Generally consistent with the Resort Master
Plan, the Hawai‘i County General Plan (current and draft Update) and South
Kohala Community Plan (2008), the modified master plan has reduced the
overall density of the project area while still providing ample open space.
2) Emergency Evacuation Road. Planned from Ho‘ohana Street to Queen
Ka‘ahumanu Highway in the vicinity of the Mauna Lani Fire Station, this
would be a good addition for the Resort. To the extent that the proposed
“Tsunami Evacuation Road” (note in the South Kohala Community Plan) can
be coordinated with this evacuation road, TI Capital Management, LLC is
willing to plan for and provide access across their lands to facilitate an
evacuation road solution for the Puakō Beach Lot community.
3) Time Extension to Commence Construction. Providing a longer period to
commence construction is reasonable for a project of this size and complexity.
Mahalo,
Thomas S. Witten, FASLA
Principal Emeritus