HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-23 PD-Nishimura HICDC Phase III EAPreConsultwifliam P. K not
Mayor
West Hawaii Office
74 -5044 Arse Keoholalole Hwy
K7ilua -Kona, Ha ai'i 96740
Phone (808 ) 323 4770
Fax (808) 327-3563
April 1 , 2 1
Mr. Brian T. Nishimura
101 Aupu i Street, Suite 21
Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4221
Dear Mr. Nishimura:
County of Hawaii
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
J Leithead Todd
Direclor
Margaret K. Ma unaga
Deputy
East Hawaii Office
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, Ha ai`i 96720
Phone (808) 961 -8288
Fax (808 ) 961 -8 742
Communication No. 2013 -23
SUBJECT: Pre - Environmental Assessment Consultation
Applicant: I awai "i Island Community Development Corporation (HICDC)
Hawaiian Paradise Park Mutual Self -Help Housing Project Phase III
Kea' au, funs, Island of Iawai`
'Fax Map Keys: 1-5-041:01&018,1-5-043:5,1-5-044:132,1-5-046:80 & 98,
1-5-047:68. 1- - 048:140 & 222 -- - - -- -
In response to your letter dated April 1, 2013 requesting our pre - environmental assessment
consultation comments on Phase Ill of the Hawaiian Paradise Park Mutual Self -Help Housing
Project, we offer the following for your consideration.
All of the subject properties are zoned Agricultural (A -1 a ) by the County of Hawai %i and within the
State Land Use Agricultural district. The Hawaii County General Plan's Land Use Pattern
Allocation Guide (LUPAG) map designates all of the parcels for rural" use. None are within the
Special Management Area.
Done of the subject properties is currently served by the Hawaii County Department of Water
Suppler. This condition suggests that development of these lots for residential use will require rain -
water catchment systems, private wells and/or bottled water to provide potable household water. we
suggest that the EA should include a thorough discussion on the challenges facing lour and very low
income residents depending on such private water supply options, including, but not limited to
financial cost, individual maintenance responsibilities and exposure to health risks.
While the Puna Community Development Plan PCP strongly supports increasing the availability
of affordable housing and programs to increase homeownership opportunities for Puna residents, its
central focus is on the formation of Neighborhood, Community and Regional Town Centers
throughout district as the (`model on which Puna 'sfuture lard use pattern will be based, redirecting
www.cohplanningd pt. rn Hawai'i County is are Equal Qzportunfty Provider and Employer- piannin ko.hawaii.hi.us
Brian T. Nishimura
Page 2
April 1, 2013
na's extensive subdivisions fro theirpresent course of sprawl development. " The EA should
include a thorough discussion on how the proposed housing project supports and/or detracts from
implementation of this central concept of the PCDP.
Given the existing lack of reasonably close access to goods, services, schools, medical facilities and
employment opportunities afforded residents in the numerous large subdivisions in Puna, we have
grave concems about the decision to locate low to very lover income housing in Ha waiian Paradise
Park or any of the relatively remote, infrastructure deficient and undersrvd subdivisions in the
County. Private transportation being a virtual necessity and its escalating cost would suggest that
siting projects of this nature nearer more urbanized centers would allow for a more viable and
sustainable option despite whatever initial development cost savings might be realized in the more
rural si t.
Please add the PC DP Action Committee to your list of entities to be consulted for comments on the
DIVA when published.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide pre - consultation comments on the proposed EA. Should
you have questions, please feel welcome to contact Ltry Brown or Esther I a ura of my staff at
(808) 961-8288.
Sincerely,
BJ LEITHEAD TODD
Planning Director
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