Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-01-05 Windward Planning Commission Minutes WINDWARD PLANNING COMMISSION COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I MINUTES JANUARY 5, 2012 The Windward Planning Commission met in regular session at 9:20 a.m. in the County of Hawai‘i, Aupuni Center Conference Room, 101 Pauahi Street, Hilo, Hawai‘i, with Chairman Zendo Kern presiding. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Zendo Kern, Dean Au, Wallace Ishibashi, and Raylene Moses STAFF PRESENT: Ivan Torigoe (Deputy Corporation Counsel), B. J. Leithead Todd (Planning Director), Daryn Arai (Planning Program Manager), Phyllis Fujimoto (Staff Planner), Maija Cottle (Staff Planner), Jeff Darrow (Staff Planner), Kelly Gomes (representing Chief Engineer from 9:36 a.m.), and Sharon Nomura (Secretary) ABSENT & EXCUSED: Takashi Domingo and Stephen Ono The Chair introduced the staff and Windward Planning Commissioners to members of the public and described the procedures to be followed for today’s meeting. APPLICANTS: KAREN AND ADRIAN GALAN (REZ 11-145) Application for a Change of Zone from Single-Family Residential – 10,000 square feet (RS-10) to Village Commercial – 7,500 square feet (CV-7.5) for approximately 17,994 square feet of land. The subject properties are located on the north side of Pahoa Village Road, across from the Pahoa Cash and Carry Store employee's parking lot at Nānāwale Homesteads, Pāhoa, Puna, Hawai‘i, TMK: 1-5-011:008 & 009. The Commission took this item up at 9:22 a.m. with 13 people from the public in attendance. The Chair reiterated he was recusing himself from participating on this application to avoid the appearance of impropriety as he is running for a seat on the Hawai‘i County Council and Tiffany Edwards who is his campaign chairperson intends to give testimony as a member of the public in opposition to the application. In light of his recusal the Chair stated this matter will be rescheduled for the February 2, 2012 meeting. There was no one from the public wishing to testify on this agenda item. APPLICANT: SUGAR MILL RANCH, LLC (SPP 11-128) Application for a Special Permit to allow the establishment of a six-bedroom lodge operation for overnight accommodations, which includes a small store for guests to buy souvenirs, essentials, and farm products within an existing 7-bedroom dwelling on land situated in the State Land Use Agricultural District. The property is located on the south side of Sugar Mill Road approximately 185 feet west of the Sugar Mill Road-Old Railroad Way intersection, Kahua, South Hilo, Hawai‘i, TMK: 2-8-008:Portion of 142. 1 The Commission took this item up at 9:23 a.m. with 8 people from the public in attendance. Mr. Darrow oriented the Commission and public of the subject and surrounding properties on the location map and site plan, summarized the request, and noted the Planning Director recommended approval of the application, with conditions. Weddings, concerts, special activities will be prohibited. If in the future they want to conduct them they have to come for an amendment. The applicant’s representatives, Gary Faagau and Stefan Hagen, were in attendance. Mr. Hagen stated they have reviewed the background report and recommendation and are in agreement with the proposed conditions. Robert Ferazzi, President of the Pepe‘ekeo Point Gardens Association, testified in support of the application, noting two members of the association living close to the subject property and the Board agrees it is a good project. Elaine Munro, local activist, spoke in support of the application. She felt the proposed theater studio offered good seating for presentations and scheduling events that would show documentaries on environmental issues as they impact the area, educating the community. She later added that some neighbors like the idea of visiting visitors, friends and family having a place to stay in the area. For Ms. Munro’s information, Mr. Darrow noted the applicant did submit an addendum to the application withdrawing the portion relating to special events and group activities, unless the guests are staying at the lodge. Ms. Leithead Todd clarified that the owners of the property are entitled to hold community meetings for the association at their residence, but they could not hold something open to the general public. It was moved by Commissioner Au and seconded by Commissioner Ishibashi that the application be approved as recommended by the Planning Director with conditions. A roll call vote was taken and motion carried with four ayes (Au, Ishibashi, Moses and Kern) and two absent and excused (Domingo and Ono). APPLICANTS: THOMAS WINEGAR AND SUSAN FURCHGOTT (REZ 11-147) Application for a Change of Zone from a Single-Family Residential – 10,000 square feet (RS-10) to a Multiple-Family Residential – 3,000 square feet (RM-3) zoning district for approximately 42,660 square feet of land. The subject property is located on the east side of Kino‘ole Street, approximately 400 feet north of West Ohea Street, Waiākea Homestead Houselots, South Hilo, Hawai‘i, TMK: 2-2-038:017. The Commission took this item up at 9:36 a.m. with 9 people from the public in attendance. (SEE EXHIBIT A) 2 MINUTES – The Commission took up the following approval of minutes at this time, 10:07 a.m. December 1, 2011 meeting – It was moved by Commission Au, seconded by Commissioner Ishibashi, and unanimously carried by a voice vote that the minutes be approved. Motion was unanimously carried by a voice vote of all Commissioners in attendance. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS – The Commission took up the following under administrative matters at this time, 10:08 a.m. Coastal Zone Management (CZM)/Special Management Area (SMA) training by the State Office of Planning - Staff announced this training has been rescheduled to the Commission’s April meeting. Hu Honua Appeal – Upon the Commission’s request, Mr. Arai said he will provide an update of this appeal currently in the Third Circuit Court at the next meeting. ANNOUNCEMENTS – Staff announced the next meeting is scheduled for February 2, 2012. ADJOURNMENT – There being no further business, the Chair declared the meeting adjourned at 10:10 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon M. Nomura, Secretary A T T E S T: Zendo Kern, Chairman Windward Planning Commission 3