HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-4.2 AC-PD Keaau GP amend draft ltrCommunication 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
Communication No. 2015 -4.2
should be considered as part of any effort to define the Kea'au Regional Town Center area, including the
vast area mauka of Highway 11 currently designated Urban Expansion.
Also of concern, USDA currently offers 100% mortgage financing in the area. Once rezoned to Urban
Expansion, USDA will no longer be able to offer home loans as is the case now in Hilo which is classified
as Urban. This will limit loan options to families who may need the financing assistance.
The PCDP clearly calls for the creation of town center master plans prepared through an inclusive
community based process to guide future residential, commercial and industrial development in Puna.
As far as the PCDP AC is aware, there was no public community input prior to Resolution 464 -14 being
presented to the Hawai'i County Council and the AC is concerned that valuable community input and
concerns have not been heard or considered. The AC does not believe that sufficient information and
analysis has been provided to make an informed recommendation on the proposed LUPAG
amendments. Therefore, the PCDP AC suggests that one or more public meetings should be held with
representatives from the County, the major landholders, and residents to discuss any proposals to
amend the land use designations under the General Plan prior the presentation of the amendment to
the Windward Planning Commission. The Committee is willing to assist in any way we can to ensure the
community has an opportunity to participate and be heard.
Thank you for your consideration of our concerns.