HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-51 PCDP - PD Auginaldo rezone
Communication No. 2012-51
Draft/Dtaylor Letter for Planning Director from AC: RE Aguinaldo4 re-zone application
Memorandum
Date: November 21, 2012
To: Planning Director, through PCDP Program Manager
From: Dan Taylor, Chair, PCDP AC
Subject: Change of zone Application No. (REZ 12-000159)
Applicant: Aguinaldo 4, LLC
Request: RS-10 to CV-20
TMK: 1-5-003:037
A subcommittee of the AC, consisting of four members, is divided on our recommendation to you
concerning subject change of zone application. We are pleased to collaborate with the Pahoa Regional
Town Center Plan Steering Committee, whose counsel we respect highly, and whose recommendation
bears resemblance to ours. If only technical planning issues are considered, our decision would
unequivocally be to deny the application.
The application by Anguinaldo4 proposes to change land use zone designation from residential (RS-10)
to Commercial (CV-20.) Aguinaldo proposes to develop a medical facility on 1.5 acres, on a parcel with a
long history of family ownership. We would have no problem with this if the parcel were not at the
intersection of two main roads, State Highway 130 and Country Road 132. Planning Department
protocols and the Puna Community Development Plan, intend to avoid enabling commercial
development next to highway corridors, and especially makai-side development along Highway 130. To
approve this application would establish a precedent for exceptions, and might set in motion an
uncomfortable series of similar applications, leading to endless conflict among community planners,
developers, and Planning Department officials.
Other reasons to deny the Aguinaldo4 application recognize a rather awkward traffic flow configuration
for persons seeking access to and egress from the proposed facility, a business plan that fails to consider
the design strategy of the emerging Pahoa Regional Town Center Plan, a significant lack of infrastructure
for a medical facility, and an irrational assessment of the suitability of the designated property for
commercial zoning.
All members the Action Committee, as well as those of the PRTCP Steering Committee, laud Mr
Aguinaldo for his vision for a medical center as a legacy of his family’s devotion to Pahoa Town, as well
as his passion for the future of his home town. There are many reasons to encourage the development
of a medical center, especially one that is initiated by a prominent and successful citizen who has roots
in Pahoa Town. We encourage Mr Aguinaldo to seek an alternative site in Pahoa, where a medical
facility might be more appropriate, and where it might prosper and grow. We ardently hope County and
State officials would facilitate such an alternative.
Sincerely,
Dan Taylor, Chair, PCDP Action Committee