2015-4.2 AC-PD Keaau GP amend draft ltr

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Communication No. 2015 -4.2 February 10, 2015 Duane Kanuha, Hawai'i County Planning Director 101 Pauahi St, Suite 3 Hilo, HI 96720 RE: The Director initiated proposed amendment to Map 14 of the Land Use Pattern allocation Guide (LUPAG) Map of the County of Hawai'i General Plan (adopted by Ordinance No. 05 -025, amended by Ordinance Nos. 06 -153 and 14 -087) by changing the land use designation for portions of Kea'au Village and immediately surrounding areas Aloha, Mr. Kanuha, The Puna Community Development Plan (PCDP) Action Committee (AC) appreciates the opportunity to review the above referenced request. The PCDP favors the planned expansion of commercial and industrial development within designated Regional Town Centers and Village Centers that address "community- serving and public uses, such as schools and parks..." and " to promote a more 'walkable' community, with access to mass transit as well as to provide a wider range of housing opportunity." One of the principle tenets of the PCDP document is the village center concept through which appropriate and proper expansion of commercial and industrial areas with the development of community services and infrastructure is achieved. For the reasons stated below, the PCDP Action Committee cannot support this proposal as presented at this time. In reviewing the proposed amendment, the fact that the entire area to be changed is being labeled "Urban Expansion" opens it to the widest possible range of urban type uses and densities as defined in the Hawai'i County General Plan — Proposed Land Use Pattern definitions. "Urban Expansion Area: allows for a mix of high density, medium density, low density, industrial, industrial - commercial and /or open designations in areas where new settlements may be desirable, but where the specific settlement pattern and mix of uses have not yet been determined. The PCDP AC feels that the LUPAG amendments being proposed fail to provide appropriate guidance for land use as envisioned in the PCDP and as intended by the General Plan ". The PCDP AC believes that a more thoughtful application of LUPAG designations would be more appropriate for the Kea'au Village area as proposed in the PCDP that will ensure growth patterns more conducive to a livable and "walkable" community based on the principles of Smart Growth. For example, the land next to and around the schools might be more appropriately designated for low and medium density urban uses rather than major commercial or industrial uses.. With industrial /commercial comes higher traffic, traffic noise, and increased concerns for the safety of the children. Furthermore, a comprehensive review of the LUPAG designations for the entire Kea'au area