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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-47 AC-PD HVC SPP 1122 Comments-DRAFTCommunication No. 2013 -47 Mr. Duane Kanuha, Director, Hawaii County Planning Department Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi St, Hilo, HI 96720 July 17, 2013 Dear Mr. Kanuha, The Action Committee of the Puna Community Development Plan finds that the activities described in the Application to Amend Special Permit No. 1 1 22 by Hawaii Volcano Circus (HVC) are largely consistent with the Puna Community Development Plan. We recommend that the applicant modify and amend the references they cite from the PCDP, specifically, deleting all references to being a village center. j-his recommendation considers that commercial zoning is not presently designated in or near the applicant's property. Commercial zoning is a requirement for developing a proper Village Center as referenced in the PCDP. In addition, we believe HVC /SPACE references to affordable housing, Section 3.3.2e - "Increase the availability of accessible and affordable housing through .... Innovative housing tenure arrangements such as co- housing, limited equity cooperatives and community land trusts ", along with their desire to accommodate long term overnight camping, and the possible development of substandard structures are not consistent with PCDP goals. It also raises concerns over public health and safety and environmental quality. Several other elements of the HVC /SPACE application are supported by the PCDP, and should be encouraged, namely 1. The SPACE farmers market is strongly supported in the PCDP. The SPACE farmers' market only allows items that have been made or grown on the Big Island (except for the swap meet items on the second Saturday). The Certified Kitchen that has grant from the Federal Farmers Market Support program would also be consistent with the PCDP. The PCDP sec 3.2 states: "Small scale, independent operations face several additional challenges: 1) finding efficient, cost- effective ways to get products to market, whether for export or local consumption; 2) acquiring and maintaining specialized equipment, facilities, and other infrastructure; 3) providing security to prevent pilferage of products; 4) securing labor assistance at the times when needed. There are opportunities, as well as challenges, for the growth of economic activity in Puna: Agricultural tourism is emerging as part of a mix of attractions that draw visitors to Puna. With the rebirth of native Hawaiian culture and new appreciation for nature, Puna has established itself as a premier natural and cultural attraction, with Hawaii') Volcanoes National Park as a main draw. Eco- tourism generates income by providing community - based services to visitors of natural and cultural sites in a way that protects and nurtures the natural and cultural systems, in a manner that is economically sustainable." 2. Music, circus, and theatre productions (all of them acoustic, not amplified) at the SPACE farmers market are clearly supported by the PCDP. Also, hosting up to 2 community events per month that end by 7:00 p.m. and do not otherwise disrupt the normal tranquility of the residential character of the community would be appropriate. PCDP Section 3.2.3h states: "Develop an agri/ecotourism policy, including necessary zoning legislation. Provide County assistance and support for agri- tourism, emphasizing and prioritizing off-farm agri- tourism opportunities such as farmers markets, special events; restaurants specializing in local food products; and fusion of local agricultural products with cultural and arts events in Puna... " 3. A collaborative relation with the Bay Clinic at the farmer's market. where SPACE provides a free, confidential venue for the Bay Clinic to provide free HIV and Hepatitis C testing. We recommend that SPACE nurture and possibly expand this relationship. PCDP section 3.3: "As a rural area with a rudimentary transportation system and dispersed population, it is difficult for residents in need to reach the services; and Puna's high percentage of low- income residents tends to increase the need for social services, yet discourages private health care providers from locating in Puna due to insurance issues." 4. The charter school at SPACE, the Kula Kalapana program under the Hawaii Academy of Arts and Science, is strongly supported in the PCDP. Increasing the student population to a maximum of 75 with 2 additional classrooms would be acceptable. PCDP Section 3.3. states: "Schools are also an important social resource, serving not only as educational institutions, but also as de facto community centers and recreation areas in rural areas where few other venues are available for meetings, events, and organized or informal sports. Unfortunately, current policies of the Department of Education (DOE) do not favor smaller schools at dispersed locations, which would enable them to be more conveniently accessed by walking, bicycling, or at least a shorter vehicle trip. Also, the availability of school facilities after hours for community activities varies at the discretion of the school principal. Although County influence over public education and school facilities is quite limited, the PCDP can try to influence changes in DOE policies to better integrate schools within the fabric of Puna's communities." 5. The use of school facilities after hours for community activities would support the circus workshops and the culmination of the classes in 12 public performances per year. Performing the skill that a student has worked hard to perfect, whether it is sports, a play or a circus performance is an integral part of being motivated and working hard, crucial skills to learn for life. 6. The 12 Dinner theatre fund - raising performance annually that would end by 9:30 p.m. would allow HVC to raise funds to support these activities. The PCDP Action Committee encourage HVC to work with County Planning Department and the neighborhood to mitigate noise and traffic problems, with reference to the impacts HVC events will have on a residential neighborhood. For example, an additional speed bump and more posting of speed limits would help to slow cars. The completion of the sound mitigation for which funds have been allocated, and sound limits, would lessen the - 'isturbance to the neighborhood Enforcement of the required time limitation for the events by an adequate staff will also be important. Considering the longer term, the applicant, the County, and the PCDP Action Committee might address a regional community development scheme. It is unrealistic to assume the area between the lava flows at Kalapana and the crossroad at Kapoho will always remain a sparsely settled, exclusive mosaic of residential properties and agricultural farm lots. The projections for economic growth and demands for infrastructure development indicated for the PCDP for other parts of Puna District must be applied to this area as well. The unusually rich endowment of cultural and natural resources, the stunningly beautiful landscape, the unusually dynamic volcanic and seismic environment, are now under pressure by increasing demands for settlement and development. The communities and the County and State bureaus have an unusual opportunity to collaborate in an educated and planned manner to create an environment where the human imprint on cultural and natural resources can result in a harmonious relationship. The HVC /SPACE development in Seaview Estates has begun the conversation with their permit applications for their visionary and unusual development. Other permittees and the emerging communities in the area need to come together to establish an enduring and sustainable planning framework, within which they can grow and prosper.