HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-06-21 Letter to Edward Bushor re Grand Naniloa Hotel Pool Above Ground Level Structures/Fencing <Y Oi
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25 Aupunt Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo,Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553
KONA 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy,Bldg C • Kailua-Kona,Hawaii 96740
(808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440
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June 21, 2017
Mr. Edward Bushor
Tower Development, Inc.
93 Banyan Drive, Suite 234
Hilo, HI 96720
808.365.2665
RE: Grand Naniloa Hotel ("Hotel") Pool Above Ground level Structures/Fencing
Dear Mr. Bushor,
The County does not find it feasible that the County will overcome any of the
impediments to Hilton's idea of proposing above ground structures/fencing around the pool
area makai of the Hotel ("Structures"). Gaining approval of such Structures is unlikely given the
heavy burden to overcome many inconsistencies between the Structures and the following
regulations and policy: (i)State Coastal Zone Management (CZM) and Special Management
Area (SMA); (ii)Tsunami zone regulations and prohibitions of shoreline improvements; and (iii)
local public access policy issues that would be encountered by blocking the shoreline with such
Structures.
According to public record,the hotel structures and hardscape was established in the
late 1960's, prior to the development of the CZM program (1972). Subsequently, SMA No. 101
(1979), allowed for improvements at the hotel complex and SMA No. 279 (1989), allowed for
the renovation and refurbishing of the hotel complex. No permanent shoreline fencing
improvements have previously existed on site, thus no precedence exists to "grandfather" such
fencing into the hotel complex and cannot be considered as maintenance or repair to an
existing nonconforming hotel complex (hotel complex established prior to CZM program).
In addition,the State has certain Tsunami coastal zone regulations that limit new
improvements within these areas of which the subject property is within. As such, above-
ground improvements/fence contemplated around the pool could become a projectile matter
and endanger the community upon a tsunami and does not appear to be a reasonable or viable
recommendation.
Lastly, the issue of public access to the shoreline is important to the local community.
Any fence that would limit this access would also be the basis for objection/disapproval.
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
Mr. Edward Bushor
Page 2
June 21, 2017
Thus, processing the above improvements/fencing around the pool area Makai of the
Hotel will not likely result in the multiple of required approvals required through the State
DLNR and/or County regulations.
Si = ely,
HarryKim 'J
Mayor, County of Hawaii
cc: Michael Yee, Director
Planning Department
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.