Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-09-29 PL-SMA-2026-000097 Email Applicant's Response to Henry J. Correa J. Comments of 9-24-26Daryn Arai Land Use Planning Consultant P.O. BOX 4501, HILO HAWAII 96720 PHONE: (808) 895-3218 EMAIL: DARYN ARAI@OUTLOOK.COM September 29, 2026 Mr. Louis Daniele III, Chair and Members of the Windward Planning Commission 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, HI 96720 Dear Chair Daniele and Members of the Windward Planning Commission: Subject: Response to Mr. Hank Correa’s letter dated September 24, 2026 regarding Special Management Area Use Permit Application (PL-SMA-2026-000097) Applicant: BHG Aloha LLC dba Wild Ginger Hotel Request: To Construct and Operate a New Two-Story Thirty-Room Hotel Complex that Includes a Pool, Café, Lounge Area and Related Improvements Tax Map Key(s): (3) 2-6-002:008 and :012, Puʻuʻeo, South Hilo, Hawaiʻi The Applicant, BHG Aloha LLC dba Wild Ginger Hotel, received the additional comments offered by Mr. Henry Correa in his letter dated September 24, 2026 and wishes to reassure him, as well as the Windward Planning Commission and Planning Department, that every reasonable effort will be made to remove the hazardous effects of those trees within the subject properties deemed hazardous by a professional tree removal service or other qualified contractor within six (6) months from the date of approval of the requested SMA Permit. The Applicant does not, however, agree with Mr. Correa’s recommendation that the requested SMA Permit, if approved, be deemed automatically null and void upon failure to complete mitigating action or the complete removal of the dangerous trees. The Applicant believes that automatic nullification of the SMA Permit is too excessive an action when the Applicant is subject to the scheduling and availability of these professional contractors, especially when there could be intervening natural events that consumes the availability of all professional contractors on the island. While the Applicant is confident that it secure the services of a proper professional tree removal contractor and complete removal or hazard mitigating actions within six (6) months from the date of approval of the SMA Permit, if there is any unanticipated failure by the Applicant to comply with this deadline, the Applicant simply wishes due process before the Windward Planning Commission like any other Applicant who fails to comply with a condition of approval. Mr. Louis Daniele III, Chair and Members of the Windward Planning Commission Page 2 of 2 September 29 2026 This all being said, the Applicant would like to offer the proposed amendment to proposed Condition 5 as recommended by the Planning Director: Proposed Condition 5 (material to be deleted is bracketed and struck-out, with added material underscored): As represented by the applicant, all hazardous albizia trees shall be removed from the propert[y prior to commencing construction of the proposed hotel]ies or the hazards effectively mitigated as deemed appropriate by a professional tree removal contractor within a period of six (6) months from the effective date of this permit. This condition is not subject to the opportunity for an initial extension of time as afforded by Condition No. 17. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the concerns of our neighbor with you. 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: BHG Aloha LLC dba Wild Ginger Hotel Mr. Sidney Fuke, Planning Consultant Mr. Bruce Meyers, P.E., Okahara and Associates, Inc. Mr. Robert Iopa, FAIA, WCIT Mr. Henry “Hank” Correa, Jr.