Laserfiche WebLink
From: Sherrie Galdeira <br /> To: W PCtesti mono <br /> Subject: Re: Opposition to Rezoning Request to CV-20(Commercial,Village—20,000 sq.ft. minimum lot size)PL-REZ- <br /> 2025-000083 Applicant: William Cox Morris TMK: (3) 1-9-005:006(portion) <br /> Date: Thursday,August 28,2025 9:58:53 AM <br /> Re: Opposition to Rezoning Request to CV-20 (Commercial, Village—20,000 sq. ft. <br /> minimum lot size) <br /> PL-REZ-2025-000083 <br /> Applicant: William Cox Morris <br /> TMK: (3) 1-9-005:006 (portion) <br /> Dear Hawai'i County Windward Planning Commission, <br /> I am writing to respectfully oppose the request to rezone the subject lot on Old Volcano <br /> Highway to CV-20. <br /> Allowing this rezone would set a concerning precedent for neighboring lot owners to pursue <br /> commercial rezoning. Such development would likely result in pin-to-pin clearing of the native <br /> 'ohi'a forest along this corridor, and extensive paving for parking lots fronting the Old Volcano <br /> Highway. This type of land use change would permanently alter the character and ecological <br /> integrity of the area. <br /> We do encourage commercial development in Volcano—but in the appropriate, designated <br /> areas. According to a local realtor, there is already a significant amount of unused commercial <br /> real estate sitting vacant in Volcano, such as the space next to True Value Hardware. In <br /> addition, there is a lot currently for sale next to the Eagle Cafe within the already approved <br /> commercial zone. That property could potentially be swapped or developed, avoiding the <br /> need to rezone outside of the planned commercial core. <br /> Importantly, the location of this lot is outside of the intended commercial zone as designated <br /> in both the Puna Community Development Plan (PCDP) and the Volcano Community <br /> Development Plan (VCDP 2015). The Hawai'i County General Plan 2045 further reinforces this <br /> distinction: the area along Old Volcano Highway above the post office is designated as "Low <br /> Density Urban," where the primary use is residential with only ancillary community and <br /> convenience-type commercial uses allowed. By contrast, the area at the post office and below <br /> is designated "Moderate Density Urban," where village and neighborhood commercial uses <br /> are intended to be located. <br /> In light of these plans and the availability of suitable alternatives, I respectfully request that <br /> the Planning Commission deny this rezoning request. <br /> Thank you for considering this testimony. <br /> Respectfully submitted, <br /> Sherrie Galdeira <br /> Resident of Volcano, HI 96785 <br />