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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAC-PD SPP 1122 Hawaii Volcano Circus CommentsWilliam P. Kenoi Mayor County of Hawaii PLANNING DEPARTMENT PUNA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE Aupuni Center • 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Phone (808) 961 -8288 • Fax (808) 961 -8742 July 9, 2013 Duane Kanuha, Director Duane Kanuha Director Bobby Command Deputy Director Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer Duane Kanuha Director Planning Department July 9, 2013 Page 2 "Growth more in harmony with the natural setting" - HVC is requesting events that would create heavy traffic on neighborhood streets, amplified music and performance that can be heard far beyond their perimeters, night time noise from loud conversations adjacent to houses. S.P.A.C.E. (HVC) cannot claim sustainability. • Section 3.1.2 Includes the objective to "enhance the role of existing and new village centers by allowing expanded commercial uses, facilitating the development of farmers markets and community gathering places, opportunities for special needs housin and infrastructure to support more compact development for and multi -modal travel. " Duane Kanuha Director Planning Department July 9, 2013 Page 2 S.P.A.C.E. (HVC) is not a Village Center as defined by PCDP and cannot just act as one, just because they are offering a Farmers Market on their grounds. The PCDP Action Committee has taken spoken testimony from affected neighbors and has reviewed written testimony and the docume or the Special Use Permit and Application to Amend Special Use Permit 1122. e Action Committee would like to note the following from our review and testimony: 1. We find that the Applicant(s) have acted with disregard to the numerous complaints of their neighbors. They have not been compliant in the past with the conditions of the Permit. Regular site visits by the Planning Department and /or other appropriate Department would necessary to ensure compliance. 3. They have shown a history of non - compliance with the cease and desist ruling from the Planning Department. 4. We have concerns regarding the request to be allowed to sell liquor. Drinking at these performances will add to noise levels, irresponsible and undesirable behavior, and unsafe driving conditions on the subdivision roads and on Red Road. 5. They are requesting that neighborhood complaints come to them first. As they are not a disinterested party, this request is inappropriate. Neighbors with complaints and concerns should be heard by a disinterested party. Duane Kanuha Director Planning Department July 9, 2013 Page 2 The concert and performance aspects of their work may be of great value and appreciated by a large number of Puna residents, but when these activities occur adjacent to a residential neighborhood, with the only access to HVC is driving through a very populated sub - division, they are an on -going nuisance that damages the quality of life for an entire neighborhood. These are activities that would be better located in a commercial area, town center. In view of the above, the overwhelmingly negative testimony from neighbors and thefindings provided by the Planning Director, we have reason to doubt the Applicant's willingness to abide by whatever conditions of approval might be imposed, the scope of uses an activities permitted, or agreements made with their neighbors, the PCDP Action Committee recommends against apps Sincerely, Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee cc: 'ommission