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www.margaretwille.com blogs http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=blog KOHALA BLOG: A Kohala point of view by one of its residents: Margaret Wille. In my opinion... en GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE FORUM Thursday Aug 26 Kealakehe High School 5 pm.Watch the debate. Support Abercrombie http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/585 <br><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><img alt="" style="width: 336px; height: 252px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/DSC08405.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""></span><br><br style="font-style: italic;"> <span style="font-style: italic;">INFORMATION PROVIDED BY SHERRY BRACKEN, NEWS REPORTER FOR HAWAII PUBLIC RADIO: </span><br> The public is invited to a nonpartisan, moderated Gubernatorial Candidate Forum on Thursday, August 26 at Kealakehe High School Cafeteria.&nbsp; The forum begins promptly at 6 p.m. and will conclude at 8.&nbsp; The evening begins at 5 p.m. with food sales, chili and rice with a vegetarian option, by Tante's Restaurant as a benefit for Rotary Sunrise and Kealakehe High Culinary Program.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The candidates have been invited to come early for informal talk story.<br> <br> Candidates confirmed to participate include Democrats Neil Abercrombie and Mufi Hannemann, Republican John Carroll, Nonpartisan Tony Clapes, and Free Energy Party's Daniel Cunningham.&nbsp;&nbsp; The leading Republican candidate, Lt. Governor Duke Aiona declined, saying he will not participate in debates or forums prior to the Primary.&nbsp; The moderator will be Sherry Bracken, news reporter for Hawaii Public Radio and host of the LAVA 105.3 fm and KKOA 107.7 fm weekly broadcast, Island Issues.&nbsp; The moderator will pose all questions, and candidates will have a set amount of time in which to answer.&nbsp; The public is encouraged to submit questions&nbsp; in advance to sherryb@lava105.com or by fax to 769-5050, or at the forum.<br> <br> Supporters of all candidates are welcome, but there will be no sign waving allowed on the Kealakehe High School campus or inside the forum.<br> <br> The forum will also air live on LAVA 105.3 fm radio around Hawaii Island, and online at www.lava1053.com.&nbsp; It will be videotaped for later viewing at Na Leo 'O Hawaii Public Access Television, www.bigislandnewscenter.com, and www.bigislandvideonews.com.<br> <br> Sponsors of the forum include West Hawaii Today, Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Kohala Coast Resort Association, Kona Outdoor Circle, Community Enterprises-Kona Town Meetings, Rotary Sunrise and Tante's Restaurant, Mahalo Broadcasting/LAVA 105.3 FM, Atherton Family Foundation and Kealakehe High School.&nbsp;&nbsp; Questions may be directed to Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce at 329-1758&nbsp; [Give them some hard questions -- some how these guys are getting off easy at these candidate forums--too much how with you support this industry or that industry or help this special interest or that special interest. e.g. need more questions about local say on important issues, like local control of use of GMOs, insistence that Community Development Action Committees have meaningful input on development plans submitted to the Planning Department; need to conserve our Conservation Districts -- not allow commercial developments in our shrinking areas of Watershed Forest lands]<br> <br> <br> Have you decided who to vote for -- for Governor? &nbsp; I for one strongly support Neil Abercrombie.&nbsp; No I don't agree with everything he supports or opposes.&nbsp; But he has an open mind and wants local input on issues. He is smart&nbsp; and is not the lackey of elite special interests. And he is not arrogant. I am grateful he is running for Governor. <br><br><br><br><br><img alt="" style="width: 308px; height: 440px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/DSC08396.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace="">. <br><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><img alt="" style="width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/DSC08405.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br><br>THE FOLLOWING GUBERNATORIAL FORUM INFORMATION PROVIDED BY SHERRY BRACKEN, NEWS REPORTER FOR HAWAII PUBLIC RADIO: </span><br>The public is invited to a nonpartisan, moderated Gubernatorial Candidate Forum on Thursday, August 26 at Kealakehe High School Cafeteria.&nbsp; The forum begins promptly at 6 p.m. and will conclude at 8.&nbsp; The evening begins at 5 p.m. with food sales, chili and rice with a vegetarian option, by Tante's Restaurant as a benefit for Rotary Sunrise and Kealakehe High Culinary Program.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The candidates have been invited to come early for informal talk story.<br><br>Candidates confirmed to participate include Democrats Neil Abercrombie and Mufi Hannemann, Republican John Carroll, Nonpartisan Tony Clapes, and Free Energy Party's Daniel Cunningham.&nbsp;&nbsp; The leading Republican candidate, Lt. Governor Duke Aiona declined, saying he will not participate in debates or forums prior to the Primary.&nbsp; The moderator will be Sherry Bracken, news reporter for Hawaii Public Radio and host of the LAVA 105.3 fm and KKOA 107.7 fm weekly broadcast, Island Issues.&nbsp; The moderator will pose all questions, and candidates will have a set amount of time in which to answer.&nbsp; The public is encouraged to submit questions&nbsp; in advance to sherryb@lava105.com or by fax to 769-5050, or at the forum.<br><br>Supporters of all candidates are welcome, but there will be no sign waving allowed on the Kealakehe High School campus or inside the forum.<br><br>The forum will also air live on LAVA 105.3 fm radio around Hawaii Island, and online at www.lava1053.com.&nbsp; It will be videotaped for later viewing at Na Leo 'O Hawaii Public Access Television, www.bigislandnewscenter.com, and www.bigislandvideonews.com.<br><br>Sponsors of the forum include West Hawaii Today, Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Kohala Coast Resort Association, Kona Outdoor Circle, Community Enterprises-Kona Town Meetings, Rotary Sunrise and Tante's Restaurant, Mahalo Broadcasting/LAVA 105.3 FM, Atherton Family Foundation and Kealakehe High School.&nbsp;&nbsp; Questions may be directed to Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce at 329-1758&nbsp; [Give them some hard questions -- some how these guys are getting off easy at these candidate forums--too much how with you support this industry or that industry or help this special interest or that special interest. e.g. need more questions about local say on important issues, like local control of use of GMOs, insistence that Community Development Action Committees have meaningful input on development plans submitted to the Planning Department; need to conserve our Conservation Districts -- not allow commercial developments in our shrinking areas of Watershed Forest lands]<br><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">MY PERSONAL COMMENTS: </span><br>Have you decided who to vote for -- for Governor? &nbsp; I for one strongly support Neil Abercrombie.&nbsp; No I don't agree with everything he supports or opposes.&nbsp; But he has an open mind and wants local input on issues. He is smart&nbsp; and is not the lackey of elite special interests. And he is not arrogant.&nbsp;&nbsp; I am grateful that he is running. <br><img alt="" style="width: 311px; height: 415px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/DSC08396.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br><br> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/585#comments Mon, 23 Aug 2010 02:25:08 +0000 margaretwille 585 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home District 8 (North Kona) County Council Elections: Support ANGEL PILAGO http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/584 <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br><img alt="" style="width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/DSC08427.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br>ANGEL PILAGO (FOREFRONT) SITTING WITH PETE HOFFMANN <br><br>I support Angel Pilago<span style="">&nbsp; </span>as County Council candidate for District 8.<span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Why do I support Angel Pilago?<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Here is one very good reason: It was Angel who shepherded the Community Development Plans through the Council’s Planning Committee and the County Council. <span style="">&nbsp;</span>It is the creation of these Community Development Plans that has provided the vehicle for meaningful local input on issues of importance at a District&nbsp; level.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As chair of the Council’s Planning Committee, he was careful that all diverse opinions were heard and considered, and when it came to voting he did what he thought was best for the public, not just for one special interest or another. <span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>In other words he was not under the power of elite special interests, as other Council members seem to be. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Some have said don’t vote for Angel – cause he is probably going to run for Mayor again.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Not so.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>He believes he can do the most good focusing on his legislative abilities on the Council. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">WE NEED ANGEL'S VISION, HIS FAIRNESS, AND HIS INTEGRITY.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> If you live in Council District 8, please unite and vote for ANGEL PILAGO. <br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <br><br><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p><br><br><img alt="" style="width: 420px; height: 600px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/DSC08427.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br><br>ANGEL PILAGO (FOREFRONT) SITTING WITH PETE HOFFMANN <br><br><br>I support Angel Pilago<span style="">&nbsp; </span>as County Council candidate for District 8.<span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Why do I support Angel Pilago?<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Here is one very good reason: It was Angel who shepherded the Community Development Plans through the Council’s Planning Committee and the County Council. <span style="">&nbsp;</span>It is the creation of these Community Development Plans that has provided the vehicle for meaningful local input on issues of importance at a District&nbsp; level.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As chair of the Council’s Planning Committee, he was careful that all diverse opinions were heard and considered, and when it came to voting he did what he thought was best for the public, not just for one special interest or another. <span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>In other words he was not under the power of elite special interests, as other Council members seem to be. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Some have said don’t vote for Angel – cause he is probably going to run for Mayor again.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Not so.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>He believes he can do the most good focusing on his legislative abilities on the Council. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">WE NEED ANGEL'S VISION, HIS FAIRNESS, AND HIS INTEGRITY.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> If you live in Council District 8, please unite and vote for ANGEL PILAGO. <br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img alt="" style="width: 480px; height: 613px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/image2.png" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <img alt="" style="width: 480px; height: 616px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/image.png" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br><br><br><br> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/584#comments Sun, 22 Aug 2010 21:17:06 +0000 margaretwille 584 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home PR Connector Road Update http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/583 <br>Update To all who have been asking about the Parker Ranch Connector Road Settlement Amendment:<br> <br> 1. Under the terms of the 2007 Settlement Agreement between my clients (and myself) and Parker Ranch, Parker Ranch was to complete Phase 1 of the Connector Road and the Pukalani Extension by May 8 2010 (and Phase 3 was also to be completed on the same schedule based on a separate agreement).&nbsp;&nbsp; Parker Ranch did not complete the road by that deadline. In exchange for extending the time period in our Settlement Agreement for completion of the road, Parker Ranch agreed to convey a permanent easement grant&nbsp; at no cost to the County for additional acreage to be used for the Waimea Trails and Greenways project (and in doing so skirted a major obstacle to opening the trail -- because of where Parker Ranch had otherwise required that a fence be located). <br> <br> 2. The Connector Road has not yet been approved by the County as completed according "to specs" -- to dedicatable standards, but I believe that will happen very soon. <br> <br> 3. The remaining holdup -- is that to complete the road to be open to the public, not just the roadway must be finished, but also the associated "paper work".&nbsp;&nbsp; Until the final dedication to the County is completed, an interim Grant of Easement and Indemnification Agreement must be agreed to and approved by the County Council.&nbsp; It is too late to get this document on the agenda for the Council meetings on September 8 or 9, so it will first go to Council later in September, and then will require one or two more readings.&nbsp; So you do the math..<br> <br> 4. Below are a couple maps/plans in case you are unclear where the Parker Ranch Connector Road is located. The portion of the road that will now be open runs from the rodeo grounds just south of Waimea on Mamalahoa Highway around the backside of the Lualai residential development and over to the Holoholo-ku condo project at the end of Pukalani Road. Pukalani Road comes out on Mamalahoa at Ace Hardware across from the entrance to the KTA shopping Center. <br> <br> 5. The connection on to Lindsey Road is still not in place.&nbsp; However in my view, the absence of the Lindsey Road connection at this time is not a bad thing. Until the Lalamilo Connector Road is in place (will run from the area of the transfer station on Kawaihae Road to Mamalahoa at the rodeo grounds where it will link to the Parker Ranch Connector) funneling more traffic directly into the Lindsey/Kawaihae Road - Mamalahoa intersection, is probably a good thing.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br> <br> 6.When the Parker Ranch Connector does open one can connect back to the Lindsey Road extension by turning left off Pukalani by Lex Brodies immediately behind the shopping center, or of course directly through the shopping center. The hospital now has a main entrance off of Pukalani -- so hospital traffic will not have to first exit on to Mamalahoa.&nbsp; The recent improvements on Mamalahoa starting at Pukalani will help to prevent a further bottle neck in front of the hospital and at Kamamalu.<br> <br> 7. If you have yet to check out the new road, drive up Pukalani Road to the Holoholo-ku development and take a look.&nbsp; Great sidewalk -- with incredible views. The new District Park will be located off of Phase 3 of the Connector Road -- so plan on having a new great place for walking and jogging and biking and playing (now we still need to convince the County to put a dog park at the District Park site. <br> <br> 8. And if you are one of those interested in when the final phase of the Connector Road will be completed (from Pukalani to Kamamalu above the senior housing) don't hold your breath.&nbsp; <br><br>9. FOR SOME GREAT Reading -- see Richard Smart's 2020 Plan-(attached below in slide show format).&nbsp; The 2020 Plan was his legacy to the Waimea Community. He was such a visionary. <br><br><br><br><br><br><img alt="" style="width: 617px; height: 491px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/PR%20Connector%20Road.jpg" align="middle" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><img alt="" style="width: 709px; height: 554px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/PR-connector-road-2.jpg" align="middle" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br><br><br><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/present/embed?id=dc7drvb6_93fdvhc5cj&amp;size=l" frameborder="0" height="559" width="700"></iframe> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/583#comments Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:58:10 +0000 margaretwille 583 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home Rockin With the Four Tops and Temptations at the Waikoloa Beach Marriot http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/581 <p><br /><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/present/embed?id=dc7drvb6_72hdtt4tf4&amp;size=l" frameborder="0" height="559" width="700"></iframe><br /><br /><br /><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/present/embed?id=dc7drvb6_72hdtt4tf4&amp;size=l" frameborder="0" height="559" width="700"></iframe><br /><br />CREDITS: THIS FIRST SLIDE IS OF THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE EVENT FROM WEST HAWAII TODAY 8/13/10<br /><br />So where ever you were on Saturday night -- if you weren't at the Marriott clapping your hands and dancing in the aisles, you missed out on a lot of fun.&nbsp; No, they are not all the original performers. In fact only one of the Four Tops is from the original band. And no it was not on the caliber of the Rolling Stones does Madison Square Garden -- with Chuck Berry, Ricky Nelson etc--.... but that tour was 40 years ago But back to the show... just check out the photos to see what you missed (all photos are of the Four Tops)... and yes many in the audience were oldies like me.<br /><br />Now I really planned to write blogs about&nbsp; two environmental rulemaking proceedings, why I agreed with the vote against Judge Leonard for Chief Judge on the Hawaii Supreme Court,&nbsp; and a bunch of other substantive stuff.... but that will have to wait. <br /><br />&nbsp; <br /></p> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/581#comments Sun, 15 Aug 2010 20:01:53 +0000 margaretwille 581 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home Anna's Ranch Paniolo Party Time Fund Raiser for a very good cause http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/579 <p><br /><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/present/embed?id=dc7drvb6_56crcsg8db&amp;size=l" frameborder="0" height="559" width="700"></iframe><br /><br /><br /><br />Saturday afternoon, August 14, 2010,&nbsp; I arrived at this "Cattleman's" fund raiser for Anna Ranch -- not long before the event was to end -- yet the place was definitely hopping and lots of smiles&nbsp; and good music. Anna Ranch is really fantastic -- and becoming more so all the time.&nbsp; Steve Bess and the other Trustees should be very pleased -- as well as (and especially) Kay Kamerzell -- the all around director and visionary of all the improvements.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /></p> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/579#comments Sun, 15 Aug 2010 19:43:28 +0000 margaretwille 579 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home Candidate Forum Held in Waimea http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/578 <p><br /><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/present/embed?id=dc7drvb6_44n43nr4f4&amp;size=l" frameborder="0" height="559" width="700"></iframe><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This past Thursday the 12th Waimea folks had the opportunity to listen to the Candidates for Mayor, State Representative (Seat now held by Representative Evans), and&nbsp; for County Council (seat now held by Pete Hoffmann) . Candidates for Mayor are in this first slide show photo:&nbsp; except&nbsp; Mufi Hannemann was a no-show (not surprisingly so, given that Mufi's "trickle down" policies do not have much support in this area of the State). <br /><br />Neil Abercrombie was of course&nbsp; the favorite&nbsp; at the event. &nbsp; This is not to say we all agree with everything he says --- but he "listens" and responds honestly -- qualities that often seem to be lacking. He will definitely put the word "local" back into the conversation -- in every subject area.&nbsp;&nbsp; Linda Lingle pretty much did whatever suited her fancy -- no matter what the result to us as a state. Hannamann and his elite special interest supporters (including&nbsp; far right religious fanatics) are also steeped in paternalistic arrogance. <br /><br style="font-weight: bold;" /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Here is the exchange I had the following day with someone else who also attended the event [paraphrasing the conversation]: </span><br /><br />Other person: What did you think of the WCA candidate forum?<br /><br />Me: I had some problems with how the event was managed.<br /><br />Other person: So did I. There certainly weren't any hard questions. <br /><br />Me. Well they certainly didn't ask any of my questions.&nbsp; [Aside: My questions were about:1)&nbsp; Community Development Plan Action Committee; 2) Sunshine Law issues, and 3) about GMO use and local control of use of GMOs in agriculture.]<br /><br />Other person: Well the "question panel" was not very balanced. <br /><br />Me: My sentiments exactly.... we could have been sitting at a Chamber of Commerce meeting.<br /><br />Other person: If this is supposed to be a community forum then why do they think we need to have the questions filtered and controlled by any panel. <br /><br />Me: Good question. I also did not like the bias expressed in a number of questions -- especially since I did not agree with the bias that was expressed. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/578#comments Sun, 15 Aug 2010 19:08:02 +0000 margaretwille 578 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home DLNR- Proposed Conservation District Rules (9/7); Underfunding DLNR; Hannemann takes Cheap Shots With No Suggested Remedy http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/577 <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" style="width: 480px; height: 360px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/dlnrhead.JPG" align="middle" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br><br><br><div style="text-align: justify;">[The above photos was taken at the August meeting of the Natural Resources Section of the Hawaii Bar Association. Here Jesse Souki welcomes Laura Thielen to the meeting.] <br><br style="font-weight: bold;"><br style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">LAST CHANCE TO SUBMIT COMMENTS TO DLNR RE PROPOSED RULE CHANGES TO CONSERVATION DISTRICT.</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">IMPORTANT: If you want to submit comments to help protect the Conservation District (especially the mauka mountain watershed areas) the deadline to postmark your comments is September 7 -- this Tuesday: Read the proposed rule changes HERE</span><img style="font-weight: bold;" src="file:///Users/margaretwille/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot.png" alt=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">.&nbsp;&nbsp; Your written comments should be sent to DLNR Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands P.O. Box 621 Honolulu Hi 96809 </span><br><br>No, everything in these porposed rules is bad --- but that is part of the problem -- this is 50 or so pages of rules that are up for major changes throughout the document-- but the rationale for the proposed changes is not provided.&nbsp; Yes the reasoning for some proposed changes is obvious, but even then there are many "hidden" agendas. So unless you are a hired consultant for folks who want to conduct business in the Conservation District -- or you regularly consult for residential owners along the shoreline, you are likely one of the general public who will be very affected by these rules, but who will not know enough to venture to comment. HOWEVER here are a few points you could make without knowing all the intricacies of these proposals:<br><br>1. DLNR should not change the rules to&nbsp; allow, and essentially promote commercial forestry or other commercial businesses in our conservation districts.&nbsp; [Alternatively would you prefer&nbsp; to watch the developers handled by top name consultants - rape our watershed forests under the guise of a "comprehensive management plan" in which a few pathways for endangered birds will be carved out and a few cultural sites thrown in for cosmetic looks.-- and the rest is a cut and run theme of commercial logging. There should be no commercial use of the Conservation District. Period. (And if you want to know why -- read the mission of this District and consider the reforestation needs for watersheds and watershed buffer preservation.] Keep in mind that the quantity and quality of our forests in the watershed areas affects the water absorption ability of the watershed&nbsp; - so our water resources are adversely impacted by logging in this District.<br><br>2. The proposed change to subsection 13-5-31(g) would modify the "standing" requirements (a person's right to seek judicial review) to only allow standing to those who have a specific property interest in that area of the conservation district i.e. those who will be directly affected such that their interest is clearly distinguishable from that of the general public.&nbsp; Well that sure will eliminate the possibility of an appeal by anyone who is likely to be concerned but is not a neighboring property owner.&nbsp; I am told that this change really isn't a change because in practice they&nbsp; don't grant standing to anyone who doesn't meet this standard anyway! HOW WRONG. What happens in the Conservation District impacts us all -- regardless of whether it is directly or indirectly. <br><br>3. Selective Removal of trees where each tree is replaced on one to one basis with a trees that are "appropriate" to the site location.[Pg 5-24 P-11 B-1]&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So under this rule -- anyone can cut a row of kiawe - that are good for stablizing the shore&nbsp; -- or other mature trees forming a windbreak - so they can add or enlarge some area of&nbsp; impermeable concrete --and replace any significant tree&nbsp; with a a token "native" trees to justify the removal. <br><br>4. Certainly there should be a public hearing to put anything on the invasive species list.&nbsp; Seems as if "invasive species" is a good way to label whatever anyone doesn't want on his property --- this should not be a vague easily designate-able category...&nbsp;&nbsp; See page 5-19 P-4 (a-1) which would now allow for any species that the department whats to name on its own without any public hearing. For example, how in the world could anyone want to eliminate the beautiful red vented bulbul bird (because it eats invasive species seeds - I am told)?<br><br>I could go on and on.... but you get the idea..&nbsp; Even if you just submit one or two comments, it is helpful. &nbsp; <br style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxxxxxxxxxxXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"><br>So as you can see I have my criticisms against DLNR and these draft Conservation District rules. In addition I have a lawsuit on going with the Department -Wille v. BLNR et. al.&nbsp; [Third Circuit 3CC10-1239K ] . <span style="color: #FF0000; font-weight: bold;">However,&nbsp; at the same time, I recognize that one of the biggest problems is that this agency is way underfunded given the breath and depth and complexity of its responsibilities.&nbsp; Over the past couple years, this Department lost a lot of good staff thanks to this Republican administration.&nbsp; I sat through several State Senate hearings concerning funding of various DLNR programs -- all being gutted of funds and staff. </span><br><br>Currently DLNR receives less than less than one percent of the total state budget -- yet has 13 or so departments each with major responsibilities.&nbsp;&nbsp; [I have attached a copy of the Department's January 2010 budget statement submitted to the State legislature]. <br><br>Recently Gubernatorial candidate Neil Abercrombie made some criticisms of DLNR's handling of some issues, but to Neil's credit he&nbsp; pointed out that DLNR is underfunded -- and he made a very good suggestion --- that millions of dollars should be moved from the top-heavy bureacratic out-of-touch Hawaii Tourism Authority funding. &nbsp; On the other hand arrogant Mufi Hannemann (who no doubt is buddy buddy with the folks at Hawaiian Tourism Authority) recently took some cheap shots at DLNR -- without ever mentioning how underfunded and understaffed this Department is now. For example, given that the Department's budget has been gutted -- can you blame the Department from requesting some fees be paid by those who benefit from special uses at DLNR faciliities, e.g. for parking at Honokohau Harbor? &nbsp; BELOW SEE the August 27, 2010 West Hawaii Today article in which Director Laura Thielen takes on arrogant Mufi Hannemann for his over-the-top criticisms of DLNR programs.&nbsp; <br><br></div><br><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #FF0099; font-style: italic;">The following are&nbsp; photos of the August 9th Kona public hearing about the proposed new conservation rules. Sam Lemmo is the DLNR Rep -- he is head of the DLNR's Conservation District. Mel Mason is testifying in the top photo --- pointing out the lack of concern for cultural Hawaiian issues in the proposed rules.</span> <br></div><br><br><img alt="" style="width: 480px; height: 360px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/dlnrmason.JPG" align="middle" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br><br><br><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #CC0099; font-style: italic;">More pictures of the August 9th hearing. Chuck Flaherty sitting in front. </span><br></div><br><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><img alt="" style="width: 480px; height: 360px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/dlnrchuck.JPG" align="middle" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br><img alt="" style="width: 480px; height: 360px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/dlnraudience.JPG" align="middle" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br><br><br><br><br><br style="color: #CC0099;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #CC0099; font-style: italic;">HERE is the January 2010 State Budget testimony for DLNR:</span><br></div></div><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/present/embed?id=dc7drvb6_37c3q239dw&amp;size=l" frameborder="0" height="559" width="700"></iframe><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" id="internal-source-marker_0.6261016485688757">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #CC0099; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Here is the WEST HAWAII TODAY LETTER TO THE EDITOR FROM DLNR DIRECTOR THIELEN IN RESPONSE TO MUFI&nbsp; HANNEMANN'S REMARKS ABOUT HONOKOHAU HARBOR:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #CC0099;">&nbsp;</span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br></div><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">DLNR Director Thielen responds to Hannemann remarks regarding Honokohau Harbor&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Article from West Hawaii Today Friday, August 27, 2010 8:42 AM HST</span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Some boaters in Honokohau Harbor have questioned the state's management. They want to keep all the revenues from the harbor - including lease rent from lands near the harbor - for exclusive use at Honokohau at the expense of our statewide system of harbors.</span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">And Mufi Hannemann, in his campaign bid to outdo his opponent and take shots at the current administration, has jumped on the bandwagon to support these demands without knowing the facts.</span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Their proposal would unfairly benefit a select group of boaters who are already being subsidized, and come at the expense of about 13,000 other boaters, hundreds of canoe paddlers, ocean recreation activities, and coral reefs across the state.</span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">How is that possible? Honokohau boater fees do not cover the cost of operating Honokohau. Not one of the state's 20 small boat harbors is fully supported by boater fees. Every single slip holder in every small boat harbor is subsidized by revenues that don't come solely from the pockets of boaters in the harbors, but from a combination of sources such as lease rents paid by restaurants patronized by the general public, the general public parking in harbors, a small percentage of the state fuel tax, and federal grants.</span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Honokohau boaters are arguing that the rents from lands near Honokohau are "theirs." But that is simply false. The lands around the harbors were not paid for by boaters. They are public lands dedicated by the state for the public purpose of the statewide boating and ocean recreation program. Those lands belong to all of us and are for the public benefit - not just the select few who have slips in one harbor.</span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The state's policy has always been that everyone in Hawaii should have access to the ocean. Accordingly, the rents from lands near the four commercially viable harbors subsidize all 20 small boat harbors, the 25 boat ramps, piers and landings outside of harbors, and the ocean recreation program.</span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This is no different than the way we have been able to operate our statewide system of airports that have enabled all islands to have quality facilities that they would otherwise not be able to afford.</span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;If we used the land rents from the four commercially viable harbors exclusively for those four harbors and their few hundred slip holders, we would have to shut down or severely reduce the 41 other facilities across the state.</span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">However, these 41 places are virtually the only ocean access for the bulk of Hawaii's 13,000 boaters and hundreds of canoe paddlers. In addition, these non-boater revenues support the removal of abandoned boats on reefs, managing ocean events such as canoe races, and operating the boating safety program.</span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Honokohau is not mismanaged. During the past seven years, the Lingle-Aiona Administration has implemented more than $100 million in capital improvements in small boat harbors across the state. Honokohau is currently receiving almost $2 million in road, water and electrical capital improvements this year. The slip holders in Honokohau have seen the benefit of all their fees put into the harbor and more.</span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">While the slip holders complain that their facility does not look like the private marinas, they need to understand that they are not paying market rates for their slips. This is not mismanagement. Not one of the boaters with slips in small boat harbors is paying market rate for slips. DLNR has recently adopted a five-year step increase in slip fees, but even with the planned increases, these slips will continue to be subsidized.</span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This is only possible through our statewide system of funding.</span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;The charge of mismanagement is merely an attempt to distract people from the fact that boating fees do not cover the cost of the program and that boaters do not support paying the same rate as their peers in private harbors. What the Honokohau boaters are really claiming is that they are entitled to an even greater subsidy than they already receive - even if it comes at the expense of the majority of other Hawaii residents accessing the ocean through the majority of boating facilities.</span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Hannemann should stop making statements that are simply untrue. He should stop denigrating DLNR's hard-working employees by calling for a "cleaning house" of the department. While I will be leaving at the end of the year, our civil service employees, who have performed admirably, will stay on and continue executing their jobs.</span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Finally, Hannemann needs a better understanding of this program before making promises that unfairly benefit a select few and negatively impact so may people across the state. That is, unless he plans on increasing taxes or fees on everyone else to offset the increased subsidy to Honokohau.</span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Laura Thielen</span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Chairwoman</span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">State Dept. of Land and Natural Resources</span><br> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/577#comments Sun, 15 Aug 2010 05:39:55 +0000 margaretwille 577 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home More Lingle Administration Anti-Public Input Environmental Rulemaking: Office of Environmental Quality http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/576 So you may have heard the State Laws relating to when and what developments trigger an environmental study, allowing for public input into that decision-making, were being reviewed last legislative term and that review will continue this coming legislative session.&nbsp; Accordingly one would not expect a lot of rule changes relating to these environmental studies (Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Study)&nbsp; since the controlling laws are up for review.&nbsp;&nbsp; BUT THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT IS OCCURRING.&nbsp; And what is the likely result is a whole scale effort to exempt just about every offensive activity from the requirement of an environmental study (so that way we most likely will not have to worry so much about what the law, now or in the future, may require in the case of covered activities). I assume this critique is somewhat of an oversimplification of what is going on -- but you get the picture. <br><br>The comment period for these proposed Office of Environmental Quality rules in question started July 8th&nbsp; -- so presumably we have until tomorrow Monday to respond (or perhaps rulemaking closed yesterday -- Saturday the 7th).<br><br>&nbsp; The State's M.O. (modus operandi) here, as in the case of the proposed rule changes discussed in the previous blog, is, in my opinion, to cut out the opportunity for public input.&nbsp; It also appears the State is closing loopholes where the public actually had something to say --- such as with regard to the poisoning of our environment, e.g. toxic poisoning mangroves around the shorelline.<br><br>I figure these rule changes will be approved regardless of public comments in&nbsp; opposition. I suggest rather of spending lots of&nbsp; time writing comments to the Office of Environmental Quality --- you instead make sure everyone you know votes for Neil Abercrombie for Governor --- and not for Mufi Hanneman and not for Duke Aiona.<br><br>Attached below are Syd Singer's comments about these proposed rule changes: <br><br>To review this amazingly extensive list of proposed rule changes affecting every&nbsp; DLNR Division lists of exemptions from environmental studies and public input, see the July 8, 2010 Department of Health Environmental list:&nbsp; Go to links following the Environmental Quality Council HRS 343- 6 Item on the attached NOTICE "2010-07-08" attachment. <p><a href="http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/576" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/576#comments Mon, 09 Aug 2010 06:04:53 +0000 margaretwille 576 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home Lingle Administration Busy: Wants to Allow Development of Conservation District and Prevent Appeals by Public http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/575 <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The Department of Land and Natural Resources is busy gutting many substantive and procedural provisions of the Conservation District Regulations: Hawaii Administrative Rules Chapter 13.5.<span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Reckon there is a rush to get this passed before the bend-over-for-special-interest developers/anti-public-participation Lingle Administration departs. Presumably if Mufi<span style="">&nbsp; </span>is elected the current powers-that-be will not be harmed much less deposed.... but there is always the possibility that Abercrombie will be elected.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Horrors to be – since Abercrombie is supportive of local input and public participation in government decision-making. Hence this and other environmentally damaging rulemaking is now in progress. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>So back to the Conservation District rules that the elite establishment want changed before the elections: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>Public hearings here in County of Hawaii from 6 to 8 pm: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>August 9th Hearing in Kona <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Mayor’s Conference Room 75-5706 Kuakini Highway Room 103<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>August 10th hearing in&nbsp; Hilo <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">State Office Building 75 Aupuni Street Conference Room C </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">IF YOU CAN NOT ATTEND ONE OF THESE HEARINGS, YOU CAN SUBMIT COMMENTS BY MAIL TO:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES<br> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">KALANIMOKU BUILDING</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">1151 PUNCHBOWL STREET RM 131</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">HONOLULU HAWAII 96813. <br> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">OR BY EMAIL to:&nbsp; dlnr.occl@hawaii.gov</span><br> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Written comments<span style="">&nbsp; </span>must be submitted by September 7, 2010.<o:p> <br></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">HERE is the rough draft of my<span style=""> </span>testimony: <br> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">XXXXXXXXXXXX<br> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">To: State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Fr:&nbsp; Margaret Wille, Attorney at Law, Waimea, Hawaii 96743<br> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Re: Comments on Proposed Amendments to Administrative Rules Chapter 5 of Title 13<span style="">&nbsp; </span>“Conservation District”. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Date: August 9, 2010 [To be submitted at the Kona&nbsp; public hearing]<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>General Position:<span style="">&nbsp; </span>OPPOSITION TO THE PROPOSED RULE CHANGES<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">1. These are complicated rules and the reasons for many of the proposed changes are not obvious. Before these changes are voted on – they should be made available to the public listed individually with the corresponding rationale for each and every change. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">2. Here is an example of one proposed rule change that is designed simply and solely, in my opinion to keep public input and participation from being considered.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>The Conservation District is critical to all of our well-being on this island ecosystem, and “standing” should be broadly permitted and not unduly restricted – as is being proposed in Rule 13-5-31(g).<span style="">&nbsp; </span>This one rule change alone violates the intent of Hawaii Constitution’s Public Trust Doctrine (Section XI, subsection 1) – because it prevents the public from protecting what is an essential part of our public trust natural resources – the land and waters of our Conservation District). This proposed rule change also undermines basic principles of state and federal due process.<span style="">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">To be specific: <span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><o:p></o:p>DLNR Conservation District Rule #13-5-31(g) now provides that “<u>any person”</u> may appeal the chairperson’s decision relating to a proposed development activity on land in the Conservation District.<span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><o:p><br></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">DLNR now proposes to change this rule in order to limit those who can challenge an agency permit decision in general to the developer-applicant&nbsp; and if perchance there is a neighbor to these immediate landowners, in other words the folks who more than likely are those supporting, not opposing,&nbsp; the proposed development).&nbsp; <o:p><br></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The proposed rule is as follows:<span style="">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">13-5-31(g) <s>Any person</s> <u>The permit applicant or any person who has some property interest in the land, who lawfully resides on the land, or who otherwise can demonstrate that they will be so directly affected by the use that their interest is so clearly distinguishable from that of the general public </u>may appeal the chairperson’s decision by filing a written appeal to the department no later than fourteen days after the date of the department’s determination of the departmental permit.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>(on page 5-38 of the proposed rules)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>We are all impacted by what happens in the conservation district. It is the watershed for everyone --which watershed requires preservation of the forest and undergrowth and is where the most endangered species are to be found. It is our most vulnerable ecosystem.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Therefore harm to the conservation district ecosystem adversely affects everyone.Yet this rule change will undermine the public’s ability to seek administrative and judicial review of activities that should not be approved.<span style="">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span>Examples of substantive proposals that allow for abuse: <o:p></o:p></p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span><p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span>1. <span style="font-style: italic;">(Allowing for)</span> Selective Removal of individual trees for non-commercial purposes provided that each tree is replaced on a one-to-one-basis with trees that are appropriate to the site location with preference to trees that are endemic or indigenous to Hawaii. [ Pg 5-24 at P-11 “Tree Removal”<span style="">&nbsp; </span>B-1]<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">2. <span style="font-style: italic;">(Allowing for) </span>New Telecommunications facility.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Pg 5-25<span style="">&nbsp; </span>at P-14: D-1 ] <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">3.&nbsp;<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>And check out the new all encompassing definition of a “public purpose” project: <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: CourierNewPSMT;"><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: CourierNewPSMT;">Public Purpose Uses&nbsp; (D-1) <s>[Land uses undertaken by the State of Hawaii<o:p></o:p></s></span><s><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: CourierNewPSMT;"> or the counties to fulfill a mandated<o:p></o:p> governmental function, activity, or service<o:p></o:p> for public]</span></s><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: CourierNewPSMT;"> <span style="font-style: italic;">(Allowing for)</span> Land uses undertaken in support<o:p></o:p> of a public service by an agency of the<o:p></o:p> county, state, or federal government, or by<o:p></o:p> an independent non-governmental entity.<o:p></o:p> Examples of public purpose uses include but<o:p></o:p> are not limited to public roads, marinas,<o:p></o:p> harbors, airports, trails, public water works<o:p></o:p> and other utilities, energy generation from<o:p></o:p></span> renewable sources, communication systems,<o:p></o:p> watershed and conservation projects, flood or<o:p></o:p> erosion control projects, recreational<o:p></o:p> facilities, and community centers intended to<o:p></o:p> benefit [and] the public in accordance with<o:p></o:p> public policy and the purpose of the<o:p></o:p> conservation district. [Such land uses may<o:p></o:p> include transportation systems, water<o:p></o:p> systems, communications systems, and<o:p></o:p> recreational facilities.<span style="">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p>Pg 5-20 §13-5-22 P-6 “Public Purpose Uses” </p><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: CourierNewPSMT;"></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p><a href="http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/575" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/575#comments Mon, 09 Aug 2010 05:05:50 +0000 margaretwille 575 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home 8/7 County of Hawaii Charter (Revision) Commission Update: Plans to Educate the Voting Public about Proposed Amendments http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/574 <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p>Recently the<span style="">&nbsp; </span>2009-2010 Hawaii County Charter [revision] Commission finalized the proposed Charter Amendments to be placed on the ballot this November for consideration by the voting public . <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The County’s Charter is its “Constitution” – allocating power among the executive and legislative branches and defining the kuleana (scope of power and responsibilities, and key qualifications) of the various officers and departments, and sets forth the key procedural mandates for these positions of power.<span style="">&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style=""> </span>It also includes some important obligations to the public – such as relating to requirements for public notice. The Commission only meets once every 10 years.<span style="">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The Commission is now embarking on its “educational” phase – so that folks have the opportunity to learn about these proposed amendments before they enter the voting booth in November and have no idea why these amendments are being proposed. <span style="">&nbsp;</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The most controversial amendment being proposed was the Open Space-Public Access land fund amendment – which proposed amendment will set a minimum for annual deposits to this fund (1% of property taxes). The Kenoi administration opposed mentioned of the fund in the Charter – so those in office (those in power) would have more control over whether and to what extent the Land fund would be funded.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>There was a lot of public testimony in support of memorializing this fund in the Charter, many requesting that the minimum be set at 2% (consistent with the referendum passed ordinance fixing the annual deposit at 2% of property taxes). However because that percentage is contained in an ordinance<span style="">&nbsp; </span>(think County statute), the County was able to eliminate those deposits by way of a County Council passed subsequent ordinance.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>If the land fund minimum is in the Charter, the County Council will be able to modify the percentage – BUT will no longer be able to cut deposits below that 1% percentage.<span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>As you may surmise, inclusion of the land fund at this 1% figure was a compromise. I believe it was an admirable compromise – balancing all of the concerns and balancing the political pressures from all sides. The Commission vote was unanimous in favor of this compromise.<span style="">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I suggested quite a number of amendments – only a few of which survived in one form or another: for example – providing for internet notifications to the public (notices which up to now are only required to be in the newspapers), and also memorializing the Hawaii Constitution’s public trust doctrine (which in 2006 the Hawaii Supreme Court concluded applies to the Counties and is not just the responsibility of the State). Rather than my paraphrasing these amendments – read them for yourself CA 23 (Relating to Publication of Notices via Electronic Medium) CA-9 (Electronic Notice of Special Meetings); CA-26 Preservation of Natural and Cultural Resources. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">This CA-26 encourages thinking about future generations, not just our own well-being; being stewards, and not just users, of our island resources. The Court's generally refer to the corresponding Hawaii Constitutional provision as "the Public Trust Doctrine".</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">See Minutes of the Commission's 7/23/10 Meeting BELOW ”0723-10-4” (including my testimony in the Statements of the Public) Note that I mention CA-9 about Electronic Notice to the Public<img alt="" src="edit" hspace="" border="0" vspace=""> -- that reference should have included both CA 9 and CA 23.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p>&nbsp; <br> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Link to the Commission’s website <a name="" target="" classname="" class="" href="http://www.co.hawaii.hi.us/council/2010_charter_commission/meetings.htm">HERE</a> (including the agenda for the next Commission meeting scheduled for August 13, 2010<span style="">&nbsp; </span>in Hilo in the Council Chambers ) <br> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">And to go directly to</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> the list of proposed Charter Amendments see attachment BELOW “COMM258-6”</span></p> <span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p><a href="http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/574" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/574#comments Sun, 08 Aug 2010 07:32:27 +0000 margaretwille 574 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home 8/2 Lalamilo Connector Road Litigation Update (Waimea, South Kohala, Hawaii) http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/573 <p><br /><br /><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/present/embed?id=dc7drvb6_3gdr6v6kj&amp;size=l" frameborder="0" height="700" width="700"></iframe></p> <p><a href="http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/573" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/573#comments Mon, 02 Aug 2010 23:56:18 +0000 margaretwille 573 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home DLNR's Agenda to Limit Public Participation in Environmental and Land Use Decisions &To Minimize Opportunity for Judicial Review http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/569 <span style="font-size: 10pt;">HAVE YOU NOTICED THE TREND? The Executive Branch of our State government, at least the Department of <br>Land and Natural Resources,&nbsp; is moving forward on its manifest agenda to limit public input on important land <br>and conservation decisions. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span><p><a href="http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/569" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/569#comments Sun, 01 Aug 2010 19:45:23 +0000 margaretwille 569 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home Favorite Big Island Political Blogsites http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/568 <p><br /></p> <p><a href="http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/568" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/568#comments Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:14:50 +0000 margaretwille 568 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home SUNDAY BLOGS: Limited Blogging Schedule to Continue Through July and Possibly August -- But At Least on Sundays http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/566 I continue to need to block out time to address daughter's medical condition and therefore will continue to blog on a limited basis. At minimum I will post a blog each Sunday for the next month or two.<br><br>For those interested in medical mysteries, we have been seeking a diagnosis why my 20-year old daughter has been so ill (bedridden most of the time). We are finally getting some answers with the assistance of physicians at UCLA Medical Center: "dysautonomia". It is a malfunction of the autonomic nervous systems. There are various constellations -- including "POTS" (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome).&nbsp; Anyway not a good illness to have, but at least we finally have a diagnosis. <br><p><a href="http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/566" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/566#comments Sun, 18 Jul 2010 16:27:29 +0000 margaretwille 566 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home 7/9 PARKER SCHOOL USE PERMIT: Board of Appeals Rejects Appeal By Waimea Community Members http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/565 At its February 2010 meeting the Planning Commission approved Parker School's use permit application to increase enrollment and expand its Kapiolani Road campus. The Board however excluded the supplemental conditions that had been agreed to and submitted by Headmaster Carl Sturges on behalf of Parker School. The supplemental conditions were agreed to in response to concerns voiced by community members and neighbors.<br><br>On April 12, 2010 four Waimea community members appealed the Commission's decision -- solely with respect to the Commission's decision to exclude these supplemental use permit amendments. <br><br>On July 9, 2010 the Board of Appeals denied the appeal on "jurisdiction grounds". The appeal from the Planning Commission's use permit decision to the Board of Appeal was made pursuant to the Planning Commission's Rule 7-9 which permits appeals from Planning Commission use permit decisions to the Board of Appeals. The Planning Commission however argued that this Planning Commission Rule 7-9&nbsp; was inconsistent with the County Charter and therefore void. The Board of Appeals agreed with the Planning Commission and therefore granted its Motion to Dismiss the appeal. <br><br>At a later date I will post the public documents in this case.<br> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/565#comments Sun, 18 Jul 2010 16:15:19 +0000 margaretwille 565 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home LALAMILO CONNECTOR ROAD: 7/8 Filed Appeal to Circuit Court in Response to BLNR's Ruling that I do Not Have Standing http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/564 In December 2009 BLNR agreed to release the 80-foot road reservation on the affected Lalamilo lots (northerly edge of the Lalamilo farmlot&nbsp; subdivision, --- in spite of the fact that the County plans to use this road corridor for its Lalamilo Connector Road Project (primarily as part of the planned agricultural buffer strip).&nbsp; I objected and requested a contested case hearing. On June 10, 2010 the BLNR ruled that I did not have standing to request a contested case hearing.&nbsp;&nbsp; County also requested a contested case hearing , but was also denied (untimely appeal and joinder with Margaret Wille's petition not possible since she was denied her request for contested case hearing.)<br><br>Appeal without exhibits and appendices attached below ..&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br><br>Notice of Appeal, Designation of Record, and Motion for Stay of Agency Proceedings not included. <br><br><br><a name="" target="" classname="" class="" href="http:///"></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <br><br><br><br><br><img alt="" src="" hspace="" border="0" vspace=""><br><p><a href="http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/564" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/564#comments Sat, 10 Jul 2010 07:19:27 +0000 margaretwille 564 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home Taking a Break From Blogging Until After the 4th of July http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/563 I am taking a break from blogging until after the 4th of July -- to address some family medical issues.&nbsp; <br> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/563#comments Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:16:19 +0000 margaretwille 563 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home BLNR Denies My Request For Contested Case Hearing In Matter of Release of Road Reservation for Lalamilo Connector Road http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/562 Re: Lalamilo Connector Road:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Attached below -- <br>1. My Request for a Contested Case Hearing in the Matter of the Board of Land &amp; Natural Resources Approval of Landowners' Request for the State To Release the Road Reservation and Remove Deed Restrictions from their Deeds; and,<br><br>2.&nbsp; Board of Land and Natural Resources' Denial of My Request for Contested Case Hearing; and the Board's Denial of County of Hawaii's Request to Join My Request for Contested Case Hearing. [The Staff's&nbsp; submittal recommendation is attached. This recommendation was approved at the Board's June 10, 2010 hearing. <br><br>There are 30 days before this decision becomes "final" -- in other words, 30 days if filing any appeal. <br> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/562#comments Sat, 12 Jun 2010 21:56:50 +0000 margaretwille 562 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home Status of Appeal of Planning Commission Decision to Exclude Use Permit Conditions that Applicant Parker School Had Agreed To http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/561 Here is what has happened in this appeal since May 29:<br><br>Saturday May 29: Appellants receive copy of County's Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction [meaning that the County contends the Board of Appeals does not have authority to hear this case ]<br><br>Sunday May 30: Appellants learn that witness (who had been subpoenaed by Appellants) plans to be off island on June 10th- the date of the Board of Appeals hearing;<br><br>Tuesday June 1: Appellants file motion for continuance of Board hearing because this witness is not available to attend the June 10th hearing;<br><br>Tuesday June 1: Appellants file Memorandum In Opposition to the County's Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction&nbsp; based on Planning Commission's Rule in effect when the appeal was filed that provided for Appeals Board review of Use Permit decisions made by&nbsp; the Planning Commission;<br><br>Thursday June 3: The Board grants Appellants Motion for a Continuance;<br><br>Friday June 4: Appellants file Motion for new Board of Appeals Member Rodney Watanabe to be recused from participation and voting on this matter (he was on the Planning Commission when this case was decided by the Commission);<br><br>Sunday June 6: Appellant informed that on Friday afternoon June 4th, the Board received County's Memorandum in Opposition To Appellants Motion for Continuance; Board asks Appellants to hold off notifying surrounding property owners of continuance until Board reviews this matter);<br><br>Sunday June 6: Appellants advise Board that Counsel/Appellant Margaret Wille has now made other commitments for June 10 based on assumption that June 10th hearing had been continued;<br><br>Monday June 7: Appellants Receive copy of County's (Planning Commission's) Memorandum in Opposition To Appellants Motion for Continuance.<br><br>Monday June 7: Appellants notified that Chairman of Board affirmed that Appellants' Motion for Continuance was granted. <br><br>HEARING ON THIS CASE NOW SCHEDULED FOR JULY 9TH IN HILO AT THE AUPUNI CENTER CONFERENCE ROOM. <br><br>TO READ COUNTY'S MOTION TO DISMISS AND APPELLANTS' MEMORANDUM IN OPPOSITION TO COUNTY'S MOTION TO DISMISS SEE PREVIOUS BLOG POSTING <a name="" target="" classname="" class="" href="/home/?q=node/556">HERE</a><br><br><br> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/561#comments Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:56:41 +0000 margaretwille 561 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home WCA's Planning and Design Review Committee Recommends Some Conditions on Verizon's Proposed Tower in Center of Waimea http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/560 <i><br> Here is the Planning &amp; Design Review Committee's Recommendations to the Planning Director based on the <st1:place w:st="on">South Kohala</st1:place> Community Development Plan and the Waimea Design Plan.&nbsp; </i><br> <br> <br> <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">To: <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Hawaii</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">County</st1:placetype></st1:place> Planning Director c/o Rosalind Newlon<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">cc: Daryn Arai, Supervisor of Permitting<u1:p></u1:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">Fr: WCA Waimea Planning &amp; Design Review Comm. (PRDC) Margaret Wille co-chair<u1:p></u1:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;"><br style=""> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style=""> <!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">Re: Proposed 50+ foot <st1:placename w:st="on">Verizon</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Cell</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Tower</st1:placetype> at the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Parker</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Ranch</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Shopping Center</st1:placetype></st1:place> <u1:p></u1:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">Date: June 8, 2010.<u1:p> <br style=""> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style=""> <!--[endif]--></u1:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<b>RECOMMENDATION SUMMARY<u1:p></u1:p></b></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span></b><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In summary, The Planning &amp; Design Review Committee recommends that Verizon be required to :<u1:p></u1:p></span></b><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span></b><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">1. At minimum commit to the “real tree” mitigation plan set forth in this recommendation at its proposed <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Parker</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Ranch</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype></st1:place> location, or else locate a less conspicuous site for its cell tower;<u1:p></u1:p></span></b><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">2. Minimize the height of this structure in this center of Waimea location, to no more than 54 feet.<u1:p></u1:p></span></b><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">3. Provide independent monitoring of the levels of electromagnetic radiation in the immediate area of this cell phone tower. <u1:p></u1:p></span></b><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">4. Remove the tower from whatever location when the tower is no longer in use. <u1:p></u1:p></span></b><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b>II.<u1:p></u1:p></b></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; EXPLANATION OF RECOMMENDATION<u1:p></u1:p></span></b><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Based on the criteria in the South Kohala Community Development Plan (SKCDP) and the Waimea Design Plan (WDP), the Waimea Planning and Design Review Committee (WPDRC) recommends as follows:<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Recommendation: FAVORABLE , BUT ONLY IF A “REAL TREE” LANDSCAPING MITIGATION PLAN CAN BE ARRANGED AT PARKER RANCH CENTER: </span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Although inconsistent with an important SKCDP policy “Preserving Sense of Place”, the Waimea Planning and Design Committee is recommending the proposed Verizon Cell Tower plan application be approved at the proposed Parker Ranch Shopping Center location, <u>PROVIDED</u> Verizon implements an on-site “real tree” landscaping mitigation plan to counter the visual impact of the proposed 50-60 foot cell. The Committee asks that this mitigation plan require the planting of at least 50 trees in the now empty “tree islands” located around the various shopping center parking lots. This additional landscaping &nbsp;will mitigate the visual impact of this commercial cell tower in the center of Waimea town.&nbsp; <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Verizon’s local representative previously indicated Verizon would be willing to pay all costs and do all of the installation of these trees at this property where the tower is to be constructed.&nbsp; The Verizon representative also stated that this is the type of mitigation plan that has been implemented in other communities. </span><o:p></o:p></p> <u1:p></u1:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">WITHOUT THIS LANDSCAPE MITIGATION PLAN</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">:&nbsp; The application should not be approved without&nbsp; Verizon’s agreement to this landscape mitigation plan (which by implication requires agreement by the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Parker</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Ranch</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Shopping Center</st1:placetype></st1:place>). Otherwise, Verizon can seek an alternate location where the tower would have less impact on Waimea’s visual beauty and viewplanes of the surrounding mountains. For example, Parker Ranch has indicated it has available locations available within Verizon’s search area, which presumably are less conspicuous. <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Additionally the WPDRC recommends the height of the tower be limited to 50 feet &nbsp;(54 feet with the antennae) because it will be in this conspicuous center of Waimea location. (Therefore no “co-location” for another carrier be permitted).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </b><u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; III.<u1:p></u1:p></span></b><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; PROPOSED “REAL TREE” MITIGATION&nbsp; PLAN<u1:p></u1:p></span></b><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span></b><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">There are approximately 70&nbsp; vacant “tree islands” and border locations in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Parker</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Ranch</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Shopping Center</st1:placetype></st1:place> parking lots where trees could be planted of a cellphone tower Verizon should be required to install at least 50 trees. We recommend the State Tree Nursery and the <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Waimea Outdoor Circle</st1:address></st1:street> be consulted in selecting appropriate species. (Committee members suggested a diversity of tree species.)<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: red;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Specifically, Verizon needs to make the appropriate commitment to ensure that these trees are maintained for the duration of the period this cell tower is located at this site.&nbsp; [Too often landscaping is required, put in place but then ignored, and dies.] For example, if any irrigation system is needed, the installation and/or watering cost should be also be addressed .<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; IV. <u1:p></u1:p></span></b><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BASIS FOR RECOMMENDATION: PUBLIC TRUST FRAMEWORK FOR ANALYSIS <u1:p></u1:p></span></u></b><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In the case of balancing beneficial private commercial interests that negatively impact cultural and natural resources, use of the following “Public Trust” decision-making framework is appropriate. As stated in the SKCDP:<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “...the constitutionally mandated “Public Trust Doctrine” <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; imposes upon the Counties the stewardship responsibility <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; to ‘future generations’ to conserve and protect <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Hawai’i</st1:place></st1:state>’s <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; natural beauty and all natural resources”. SKCDP at page 9. <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The SKCDP incorporates&nbsp; the Public Trust Doctrine &nbsp;in the context of its responsibility to current and future generations to conserve and protect <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Hawaii</st1:place></st1:state>’s natural beauty and natural resources. &nbsp;The Public Trust Doctrine is a decision-making tool for considering beneficial commercial interests&nbsp; that impact our natural resources, including &nbsp;<st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Hawaii</st1:place></st1:state>’s natural beauty. See SKCDP at page 9. <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;The SKCDP also requires compliance not only with the Plan’s mandatory directives&nbsp; but also with guidelines which should&nbsp; be followed “unless a determination is made that under certain circumstances, or because of specified reasons, that general guideline is found to be inappropriate, ill-advised, or impossible,” SKCDP at page 4<s>. </s></span><o:p></o:p></p> <u1:p></u1:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In the case of&nbsp; <u>In the Matter of the Contested Case Hearing on the Water Use Permit Application Filed by Kukui (Molokai) Inc. </u>116 Haw 481, 174 P.3d 320 (2007), the Hawaii Supreme Court sets forth a good example of how this public trust doctrine should be applied when evaluating&nbsp; a proposed development project . In its discussion, the Court points out that when public trust resources are impacted,&nbsp; the government reviewing agency:<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">1. Should not simply be an umpire for competing interests, but instead should advance public rights and protecting public resources;<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">2. Should not compromise public rights unless by way of a “decision made with a level of openness, diligence, and foresight”&nbsp; commensurate with the high priority of the relevant public right;<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">3. Should hold the applicant to its burden of demonstrating the absence of other practical alternatives – including the determination of whether there is no practical alternative.&nbsp; <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">4.&nbsp; Should provide a means to revoke the permit should the reviewing entity determine that the requirements and conditions are not being met. <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; V. <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <b>REVIEW OF THE VERIZON PROJECT<u1:p></u1:p></b></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Consistent with this “public trust” framework for analysis, and the appropriate balancing of interests, the relevant questions regarding the proposed Verizon project are:<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">A. <b><u>Beneficial/Reasonable Use Consistency</u>:</b> Is the purpose and scope of the proposed development beneficial to the community -- based on the policies of the South Kohala Community Development Plan and the Waimea Design Plan?<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;</span><o:p></o:p></p> <u1:p></u1:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">YES. The Verizon cell tower is a beneficial commercial development proposed to be located in Waimea.&nbsp; Those who benefit from the facilities should be willing to be burdened by its presence – at a reasonable location.<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">B. <b><u>Location/Design</u> <u>Consistency:</u></b><u> </u>Is the location and design of the proposed development consistent with the policies of the South Kohala Community Development Plan and the Waimea Design Plan, including the public trust mandate?&nbsp; Alternatively, has the applicant demonstrated substantial consistency by way agreeing to all reasonable measures available to mitigate the adverse impact of the proposed development? <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">NO</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">. As proposed, with respect to protecting Waimea natural beauty (in this case its visual beauty – its viewplanes) and promoting a sense of place (village rural paniolo ambiance), a 50-60 foot cell tower in the very center of Waimea &nbsp;is <u>inconsistent</u> with the SKCDP. &nbsp;<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Community members stated that they did not believe Verizon had demonstrated that there is not another less conspicuous location that would satisfy Verizon’s requirements.&nbsp; The burden of demonstrating that there is not an alternative location that would be consistent with the County General Plan and the SKCDP is on the Applicant, not on the community. <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;Community members were generally not satisfied with Verizon’s offer to spend additional funds (which might run an additional $50,000) to construct a “stealth tower” disguised as a pine tree because it would require additional height (add to the disruption of the view plane) and look out of place tucked up against a shopping center building.<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Community members want the tower limited to 54 feet to prevent any future increase in the height of the tower. Therefore co-location with another carrier (which would require additional height) should be prohibited in this conspicuous location. Should Verizon cease using this tower in the future, it should be responsible for its timely removal. <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">There was also substantial community concern about the cumulative health impact of this cell tower and the likelihood of more being located in this area in the future. <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">They stressed that there should be a requirement for regular monitoring of the electromagnetic radiation levels and that the monitoring reports be done by an independent entity and submitted to the Planning Department at least annually. <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Other municipalities make this&nbsp; monitoring requirement of cell phone companies. <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In summary, The Planning &amp; Design Review Committee recommends that Verizon be required to :<u1:p></u1:p></span></u><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;">1. At minimum commit to the “real tree” mitigation plan set forth in this recommendation at its proposed <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Parker</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Ranch</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype></st1:place> location, or else locate a less conspicuous site for its cell tower;<u1:p></u1:p></span></u><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;">2. Minimize the height of this structure in this center of Waimea location, to no more than 54 feet.<u1:p></u1:p></span></u><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;">3. Provide independent monitoring of the levels of electromagnetic radiation in the immediate area of this cell phone tower. <u1:p></u1:p></span></u><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;">4. Remove the tower from whatever location when the tower is no longer in use. <u1:p></u1:p></span></u><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b>&nbsp;VI<u1:p></u1:p></b></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ZONING CONSISTENCY VERSUS&nbsp; GENERAL PLAN/CDP CONSISTENCY</span></b><o:p></o:p></p> <u1:p></u1:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">A proposed development must be consistent with both the County’s zoning rules and with the General Plan. This is a well-settled legal principle.<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In this case, the proposed location at the Parker Ranch center is zoned commercial and therefore available for the construction of cell towers. However consistency with zoning is not the only requirement. The proposed project must also be consistent with the General Plan—and therefore consistent with the applicable Community Development Plan. <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; VII.<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;IMPORTANT RELEVANT SKCDP AND WAIMEA DESIGN PLAN REQUIREMENTS<u1:p></u1:p></span></b><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">With respect to the SKCDP, the key relevant policy is Preservation of Culture and Sense of Place, which is both a District-wide and Waimea town policy. <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">With respect to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Waimea</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Town</st1:placetype></st1:place> policies, the #1 policy is “Preservation of Waimea’s Sense of Place” – including visual open space. More particularly, the SKCDP states “Together with the grand views of <st1:place w:st="on">Mauna Kea</st1:place> to the southeast of the town, the pu’u define the special landscape ‘sense of place’ of Waimea”. SKCDP at pages 67-68.&nbsp; With respect to the choice of landscaping mitigation plans, we are guided by the Waimea “Sense of Place” strategy relating to protection of significant trees: <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Preserving Waimea’s close relationship with nature<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;is critical to preserving its ‘sense of place’. Most people <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; in the Waimea community recognize the need to protect <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; and preserve the quantity and diversity of mature trees <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; in and near the town center....” SKCDP at page 70. <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">With respect to the Waimea Design Plan, the relevant design policies are: </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br style=""> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style=""> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <u1:p></u1:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"></span><span style="font-size: 7pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">-To preserve views toward distant focal points including <st1:place w:st="on">Mauna Kea</st1:place>. Mauna Loa, adjoining pu’u, and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Kohala</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Mountains</st1:placetype></st1:place>”; and,<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"></span><span style="font-size: 7pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">-To enhance the character of Waimea and to encourage landscaping and landscaping elements, such as signage, paving, and lighting”; as well as, <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"></span><span style="font-size: 7pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">-To minimize the visual impact of motor vehicles and associated parking, service and sales facilities” (this Waimea Plan objective is not directly linked to the Verizon project but would be benefited from the proposed visual mitigation plan).&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br style=""> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style=""> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <u1:p></u1:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The above policies are also consistent with the Parker Ranch 2020 Plan that was the conceptual plan for all the rezoned <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Waimea</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype></st1:place>, including for the Shopping Center. <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; VIII.<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b>COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO THE PROPOSED CELL TOWER LOCATION<u1:p></u1:p></b></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Other than a few positive comments, the community response has been overwhelmingly opposed to locating a cell tower in the center of Waimea in a location that interferes with Waimea’s viewplanes.&nbsp; Petitions opposing the cell tower location are being submitted (with 158 signatures) in conjunction with this Recommendation -- at the request of those who gathered the petitions.&nbsp; These Petitions are entitled: “ We the undersigned are opposed to the Verizon Cell Phone Tower in its proposed location adjacent to Lex Brodie’s &amp; <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Parker</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Ranch</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Shopping Center</st1:placetype></st1:place> or within 1500 ft of any home or any school”.&nbsp; In particular there are many who live in the Holoholo Ku condominium off <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Pukalani Road</st1:address></st1:street> who are opposed to the tower being approved at this <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Pukalani Road</st1:address></st1:street> site. Here is an example of a comment from a Waimea resident:<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><i><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;">“I STRONGLY feel this is not well suited for the proposed site adjacent to the Parker Ranch Shopping Center.</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11pt;">
</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;"> And after standing 30 feet from this monstrosity [at another on-island cell tower], I had to wonder what the owners of the shopping center could</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11pt;">
</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;"> be thinking in believing this would somehow enhance their property. I want to user words like "massive" and "hulking", "industrial" to describe this.</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11pt;">
</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;"> Understand please, I am not opposed to cell phone towers, because I own, and use daily, a cellphone. I am opposed to locating something like</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11pt;">
</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;"> this in the center of Waimea, a few hundred feet from a main road with nothing to block the view of it.”<u1:p></u1:p></span></i><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></p> <u1:p></u1:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; IX<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b>&nbsp;SUGGESTIONS RE <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">COUNTY</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">REVIEW</st1:placename></st1:place> OF CELL TOWERS GENERALLY<u1:p></u1:p></b></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span></b><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;">There was unanimous support among community members who attended WPDRC meetings that cell towers should not be permitted in any zone without a use permit.&nbsp; Currently cell tower applicants are not required to get a use permit if the tower is located in a commercial zone. Obviously, this situation fosters applications within commercially zoned areas, whereas those zones may not be the best location.&nbsp; Without the requirement of a use permit, cell tower applications are not subject to community comments and recommendations, unless within one of the few areas where there is a Design Review committee such as the Waimea Planning And Design Review Committee or the Kailua-Kona Design Review Committee. The Committee therefore urges the County Council to consider passing an appropriate amendment to the County’s zoning code. <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;">EXHIBITS</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;">&nbsp; ATTACHED BELOW except for #5 --too large a file): <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;">1. Diagram of the Verizon “search area” in the center of Waimea<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;">2. Diagram of the commercially zoned areas in the center of Waimea.<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;">3. Aerial photo of Waimea center with overlap of future development areas showing proposed location of the cell tower off <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Pukalani Road</st1:address></st1:street> <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;">4. Photo showing the test vehicle for the Verizon tower near to where the tower is proposed to be located -showing the visual impact on one of the viewplanes. <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;">5. Photos of some of the vacant “tree islands” in the Parker Ranch shopping center. <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;">6, The Waimea Design Plan, pages 19-20&nbsp; Re:; “Design Objectives”<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;">7. SKCDP, page 9 Re: Precautionary Principle and Public Trust Doctrine; and&nbsp; SKCDP page 4 Purpose of the CDP and about complying with CDP guidelines. <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;">8 .SKCDP pages 67-68 Re: Waimea Policy of Preservation of Sense of Place<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;">9, Petitions submitted to the WPDRC opposing the cell phone tower in its currently proposed location.<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u1:p>&nbsp;</u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p> <p><a href="http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/560" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/560#comments Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:26:09 +0000 margaretwille 560 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home June 7th County Council Budget Meeting Much Lively Discussion -- But Majority Favored Mayor's Mix http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/559 <br><img src="file:///Users/margaretwille/Pictures/iPhoto%20Library/Modified/2010/Roll%201034/DSC08275.JPG" alt=""><img alt="" style="width: 480px; height: 360px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/DSC08275.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br><br>Below are Council Member Greenwell's Comments.<br>I agree with him that there is much money available and we aren't doing a good job applying for the federal funds.... I suggested that every month someone from Research and Development testify to the Council listing all grants available and whether we have applied for the funds. <br><br>I am not categorically opposed to new taxes -- rather discretion should be used [Although there are some budget items that could be trimmed ---- but but but I am opposed to cutting to the bone, so to speak....&nbsp; We need some cushion and we need funds to provide for efforts to create more revenue initiatives (more income) so that over the long run our taxes can be lower and our island more prosperous -- e.g. hire a stable full of grant writers.]<br><br>I agree no furloughs.... add more income streams instead <br><br>--- There is insufficient effort being made by&nbsp; the Kenoi Administration e.g.missing many outside funding opportunities by not applying for the funds and by not referring to outside entities such as non-profits for grants they could qualify for) ;&nbsp; and by the County Counsel e.g. not passing an impact fee bill&nbsp; --- which is like a water hook up fee for each developer/person who increases the need for additional infrastructure, rather than leaving existing taxpayers to shoulder that burden entirely.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Councilmember Greenwell speaks:</span>&nbsp; [The following from the Office of Councilmember Greenwell]<br><br>To understand the solution to fixing our budget woes, we must first accept that we can no longer think of government as a business. Government process is not based on the typical business model. In fact, government draws on an entirely different reason for being.&nbsp; Beyond the assurance of justice, public safety, and welfare, the responsibility of government is to ensure an economic setting wherein private business can succeed. While responsible accounting is certainly necessary, balancing the county budget, which has dominated our efforts for 6 months, is merely a part of the accounting process and cannot be considered as a required goal.&nbsp; Therefore, before we concern ourselves any further with what is really the Mayor’s budget, we need to focus on reviving our county’s business climate. In our present situation the only realistic way to do this is to enhance our financial situation.&nbsp; Since the level of government that creates money is federal, and since they have largely recognized that more cash is needed in the overall economy, and are providing it through the ARRA, we at county need to make the effort to obtain our share.<br><br>Our County’s share of the ARRA has presently been determined to exceed $500 million on a per capita basis but so far we have received only about 20% of that.&nbsp; To illustrate our reluctance to seek ARRA funding, had I not insisted that U.S. Representative Mazie Hirono research our eligibility to receive federal assistance in building the Ane Keohokalole Highway in Kona ($35 million) we might not have gotten it at all.&nbsp; Certainly it was secured by the Mayor and his staff who in a timely fashion met the requirements needed to qualify for the grant, but we as a county were content with Ms. Hirono’s rationale for why we couldn’t qualify until I challenged her thinking – and our thinking as well.<br><br>I challenge your thinking today by again insisting that federal money is available if we frame the request properly and with conviction.<br>The ARRA is intended to be the tool to restart the U.S. economy and like any tool, it only works if we use it − and it works a whole lot better if we learn how.&nbsp; If we continue to follow the current thinking, where will the county’s business environment be a year from now?&nbsp; Will cutting county services and employment by 10% improve things?&nbsp; In this economy?&nbsp; Do we believe the private sector, pressed to manage with reduced services and probably intensified criminal activity based merely on not having enough to eat, is going to rally?<br><br>Do we think that the developers and investors who provide most of our jobs are going to be moved to participate in an extended economic crisis? Fellow Councilors, please understand that we are government, not business, and as such, have quite different responsibilities, goals and objectives. It may be the established path of business to cut back during hard times but the very last thing government does during these same hard times is cut service.&nbsp; Again, like so many businesses have done already, we in government do not have the option to fail. – We can not close the doors, and furthermore our success is not measured by profit – or by loss. Our primary, and perhaps only responsibility right now is to revive the economy, and an economy does not perform if you eliminate its’ ability to grow.—if you take the capacity to earn out of the equation by not spending, the economy will only continue to decline.<br>&nbsp;<br>Where do we think we will be next year?&nbsp; We are significantly worse off this year than last and we will not reverse the trend by down-sizing.&nbsp; The investors and the businesses who can, along with the minds who operate them, will move away and the rest of us will fail, further impacting government services.<br>&nbsp;<br>Crime, as the only occupation that pays under those conditions, will take over, and what is left of Government will be entirely focused in that area, perhaps even, as in so many other similar situations, becoming a partner.&nbsp; We can’t afford to take that risk under any circumstance.<br>&nbsp;<br>We need to return this budget to the mayor with one comment and only one comment: That we will assist his administration in any way possible to secure our share of ARRA funds, so much of which is already being held by the State – that would mean:<br>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>No Reduction in Service<br>No New Taxes<br>No Furloughs<br>&nbsp;<br><br><p><a href="http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/559" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/559#comments Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:56:18 +0000 margaretwille 559 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home 6/5 WCA Talks Anuenue Park: Community Project: All Members of Community asked to Join In This Effort http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/558 <br>WCA's Vice President lead the meeting and contributed to the level of community enthusiasm. <br><br>About the keiki playground and park in general -- needs upgrade to be sure....&nbsp; This was a call to action... Call Sherm Warner 885-1725&nbsp; if you can contribute time, funds, equipment, enthusiasm.<br><br>.<br><br><br><img alt="" style="width: 480px; height: 360px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/ps65.1.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br><br><br><br><img alt="" style="width: 480px; height: 360px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/ps65.3.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br><br>This is the park that is located across from Parker School -- between Lindsey Road and Kawaihae Road:<br><br><br><img alt="" style="width: 480px; height: 360px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/ps65.4.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br><br><br>Melissa suggested everyone contribute one way or another.&nbsp;&nbsp; Alex Woodbury gave a run down on what will need to be done, to make this park, the park we want it to be. <br><br><img alt="" style="width: 237px; height: 316px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/ps65.5.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace="">&nbsp;&nbsp; <img alt="" style="width: 268px; height: 357px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/ps65.6.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br><br><img alt="" style="width: 208px; height: 278px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/ps65.7.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <img alt="" style="width: 209px; height: 279px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/ps65.8.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace="">&nbsp; <img alt="" style="width: 211px; height: 280px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/ps65.9.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br><br>Bob Fitzgerald, the County Parks and Rec Director, did some cheerleading; and his park maintenance supervisor gave a run down of what it means to upgrade this park.<br><br><br><img alt="" style="width: 208px; height: 277px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/ps65.10.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace="">&nbsp; <br><br><br><br>&nbsp;<img alt="" style="width: 367px; height: 275px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/ps65.11.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""> &nbsp;&nbsp; <br><br><br>When the question of who was in the audience who helped to build this playground -- Pete Hendricks, may have been the only one who raised his hand (He is Chair of the County Board of Appeals).&nbsp; Kathy Long also gave a historic run down.. Bill Sanborn looks on. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <img alt="" style="width: 207px; height: 276px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/ps65.12.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <img alt="" style="width: 232px; height: 310px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/ps65.13.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <img alt="" style="width: 194px; height: 259px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/ps65.14.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace="">&nbsp;&nbsp; <br><br><br>&nbsp;I really liked this graphic that Alex Woodbury put together....... &nbsp; only item I saw missing is the new bus shelter.&nbsp; <br><br><br><br><img alt="" style="width: 659px; height: 494px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/ps65.15.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br><br><br><img alt="" style="width: 380px; height: 285px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/ps65.16.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br><br><br>Here is the park at this time.&nbsp; [The following two photos were taken by Sherm Warner]<br><br><br><img alt="" style="width: 480px; height: 360px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/DSC08193.jpg" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br><br><br>Here are the new swings going in. <br><br><br><img alt="" style="width: 480px; height: 360px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/IMG_1081_2.jpeg" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br><br><br><br> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/558#comments Sat, 05 Jun 2010 04:07:24 +0000 margaretwille 558 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home 6/1 Senator Takamine held a Post Session Talk in Waimea; Joined by Rep Cindy Evans; Kawaihae Bypass Discussed; Budget Issus http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/557 I like Senator Dwight Takamine.&nbsp; Seems an honest and intelligent and caring person.&nbsp; Throughout he supported the County's retaining the Transient Accommodation Tax revenues. Some of the discussion centered around the budget -- for example where will the State come up with needed revenue for the next budget cycle.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br><br>Key decision --- passed law mandated 180 days of school; consensus that cutting school days is not the way to save money.<br>One question: This year took 67 million or so from the rainy day fund to eliminate furloughs this coming year.&nbsp; So where do we come up with these funds in future years. <br><br>Kawaihae Bypass -- delays due to findings of archeological significance. <br>Discussed public option -- most southerly alignment. <br>Discussed that first phase should begin in Kawaihae -- where all the new design and construction will be occurring.<br>Tentative design phase: 2011-December 2017 (is that length of time unacceptable?)<br>First phase construction begins- 2018. <br><br><br><img alt="" style="width: 550px; height: 412px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/ps62.1.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace="">&nbsp;&nbsp; <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>&nbsp; <img alt="" style="width: 480px; height: 409px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/ps62.3.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br><br><br><br><br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <img alt="" style="width: 643px; height: 434px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/ps62.4.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br><br><br><br><img alt="" style="width: 643px; height: 428px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/ps62.5.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br><br><br><br> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/557#comments Wed, 02 Jun 2010 21:51:54 +0000 margaretwille 557 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home 6/1 Update: Parker School Use Permit Appeal to Board of Appeals (To Include Permit Conditions that Plan Comm. Excluded) http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/556 <span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Board of Appeals hearing is currently scheduled for June 10th, however a continuance has been requested because one of the witnesses will be off island at that time.&nbsp; The Hearing is likely to be continued until July 9, 2010. <br></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p><span style="font-style: italic;">Procedural Update</span>: On Saturday May 29, 2010 I received the Leeward Planning Commission's Motion to Dismiss for lack of jurisdiction (in other words, the County is arguing that the Board of Appeals does not have the authority to hear this appeal of a use permit decision by the Planning Commission). I today, June 1. 2010, filed an Opposition to that Motion to Dismiss.&nbsp; Some of these legal issues are rather interesting, so I provide the following: &nbsp; <br></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p>The County's <span style="font-weight: bold;">Motion </span>and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Memorandum in Support (</span>without attachments) is attached BELOW. (jpg).&nbsp; <br></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p>Appellants' <span style="font-weight: bold;">Opposition&nbsp;</span>&nbsp; (my Memorandum without attachments) is set forth here (html): as well as attached BELOW as jpg -- with proper formatting.<br></o:p></span></p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p>&nbsp; <br style="font-family: Arial;"></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: Arial;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">BEFORE THE BOARD OF APPEALS <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: Arial;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">COUNTY OF HAWAII <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: Arial;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">STATE OF HAWAII<o:p> <br></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: Arial;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">In the Matter of Appeal from <span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>)<span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>BOA Appeal No. 10-000100<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Decision of the Planning Commission&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ) <span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="">&nbsp;</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style=""></span>) <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">APPEAL OF PARKER SCHOOL USE<span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>)<span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">PERMIT AMENDMENT USE 05-001<span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </span>)<span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>APPELLANTS’ OPPOSITION TO<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style=""></span>)<span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>LEEWARD PLANNING COMMISSION’S<span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style=""> </span>MOTION TO DISMISS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; )<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Section 7-9 APPEAL<span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style=""> </span>)<span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p>&nbsp; <br></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: Arial;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;">MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF APPELLANTS’ OPPOSITION <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: Arial;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;">TO LEEWARD PLANNING COMMISSION’S MOTION TO DISMISS <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>I.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><b style=""><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>INTRODUCTION<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>This is an appeal from a decision of the Leeward Planning Commission of the County of Hawaii (hereafter “County” or “Commission”) approving an amendment to a use permit<a style="" href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[1]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a> approved in 2005 for Parker School. <a style="" href="#_ftn2" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[2]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a> A use permit amendment was requested by Parker School to expand its campus at its Kapiolani Road location, to increase enrollment, and to add new facilities including a large gymnasium that would be available to the public for non-accessory purposes (non-Parker School related activities). <a style="" href="#_ftn3" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[3]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Appellants’ appeal does not seek to block Parker School from carrying out the requested expansion and enrollment increase but instead seeks to reverse the Planning Commission’s exclusion of certain supplemental use permit conditions that were agreed to by Parker School (hereafter the “Supplemental Conditions”). <a style="" href="#_ftn4" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[4]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>At the Commission’s hearing, without reservation Headmaster Sturges on behalf of Parker School, affirmed Parker School’s agreement with these Supplemental Conditions<a style="" href="#_ftn5" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[5]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a> and in fact lauded their importance.<a style="" href="#_ftn6" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[6]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="">&nbsp; </span>These Supplemental Conditions specifically addressed key community concerns – especially with regard to traffic congestion on the adjacent roads, pedestrian safety accessing the campus area, non-accessory use of the proposed gymnasium, and a number of other conditions that implemented policies in the recently enacted South Kohala Community Development Plan, County Ordinance #08-159. <a style="" href="#_ftn7" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[7]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Parker School submitted the Supplemental Conditions to the Planning Department following meetings with community members and groups, including the Waimea Community Association’s Planning and Design Review Committee, the South Kohala Traffic Safety Committee, and in particular with Margaret Wille, an Appellant in this case. <a style="" href="#_ftn8" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[8]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>At its February 26, 2010 hearing, the Commission voted to approve the use permit application but without these Supplemental Conditions – referred to by the Commission as the “Sturges/Wille Agreement”.<a style="" href="#_ftn9" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[9]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Following a behind closed door “executive session”<a style="" href="#_ftn10" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[10]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a>, the Commission explained that its decision to exclude the subject use permit conditions was based “on advice of counsel” and described the document containing the Supplemental Conditions as a “third party agreement”. <a style="" href="#_ftn11" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[11]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Likewise in its Memorandum in support of its Motion to Dismiss, the Commission describes these Supplemental Conditions that were agreed to by Parker School as a “private contract between Appellant Margaret Wille and Carl Sturges, Headmaster of Parker School”.<a style="" href="#_ftn12" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[12]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Appellants disagree with the Commission’s decision to exclude the agreed to Supplemental Conditions that were submitted by Parker School, and therefore filed this appeal. <a style="" href="#_ftn13" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[13]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p><span style=""><br></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><b style=""><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </span>II. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <div style="font-family: Arial;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style=""></span>APPELLANTS FOLLOWED THE COMMISSION’S OWN<span style=""></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center; font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style=""></span>RULES IN FILING THIS APPEAL WITH THE BOARD <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><div style="text-align: center; font-family: Arial;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>OF APPEALS AND DISMISSAL OF THEIR APPEAL FOR<span style="">&nbsp; </span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><div style="text-align: center; font-family: Arial;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style=""></span>DOING SO WOULD BE IMPROPER AND UNJUST.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></b></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Procedurally, this appeal is made pursuant to the Planning Commission’s<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Use Permit Rule 7-9: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <br style="font-family: Arial;"> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Within thirty (30) calendar days after the date of the <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Commission’s written decision, any person aggrieved by <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>the decision may appeal the Commission’s action to the <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Board of Appeals in accordance with (Appeals) Section <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>25-2-20 of the Zoning Code.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Planning Commission County of Hawaii Rules of Practice and Procedure, <o:p></o:p>Rule 7 “Use Permits”, Section 7-9 “Appeals”<span style="">&nbsp; </span>(2006).<a style="" href="#_ftn14" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[14]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>In its Motion to Dismiss, the Commission now asks that this appeal be dismissed, in effect, arguing that its own Use Permit Rule 7-9 was illegal and inoperative. The Commission’s arguments are without merit. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Hawaii County’s Planning Commission’s Rule 7-9 “Appeals” expressly provided for an appeal to the Board of Appeals from a Planning Commission decision in the case of a Use Permit decision. This<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Rule 7-9 was in effect when the Planning Commission hearings for Parker School’s<span style="">&nbsp; </span>use permit application were held in 2009 and 2010 and was still in effect when Appellants filed this appeal on April 12, 2010.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;">A. The County Zoning Code does not bar Appellants’ Appeal. <o:p></o:p></span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> <br></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Appellants acknowledge that Hawaii County Planning Commission Rule 7-9 co-existed with Hawaii County Zoning Code Section 25-2-66, which section provides for appeal from the Planning Commission directly to the Third Circuit Court. <span style="">&nbsp;</span>The County of Hawaii Zoning Code provides: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; </span>Within thirty days after the date of the commission’s <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>written decision, any person aggrieved by the decision <o:p></o:p><span style=""></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>may appeal the commission’s action to the third circuit court <span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Hawaii County Code Chapter 25 (Zoning) Section 25-3-66 (Appeal of a Use Permit Decision) 1983 (2005 Edition). <a style="" href="#_ftn15" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[15]</span></span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a style="" href="#_ftn15" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style=""><br></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>There is however nothing in this Zoning Code section to indicate this is the exclusive route to appeal from a decision of the Planning Commission. Therefore there is nothing in the County Code that precluded Appellants from appealing to the Board of Appeals pursuant to Planning Commission Use Permit Rule 7-9 ”Appeals”.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Appellants contend there was a choice of avenues for an appeal available.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>By choosing the administrative route for this appeal, Appellants sought to avoid several potential preliminary challenges: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <ul style="font-family: Arial;"><li><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Primary jurisdiction issue: Whether questions of primary jurisdiction are applicable</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></li></ul><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; in this case (when there is jurisdiction in the judicial forum, but the matter is better left to&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; initial review by the administrative agency);</span><o:p style="font-family: Arial;"></o:p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"></span><ul style="font-family: Arial;"><li><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Exhaustion/ripeness for judicial review issues: Whether failure to pursue and exhaust <br></span></li></ul><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; all available avenues of administrative recourse would rt in the case being dismissed; <o:p></o:p></span><ul style="font-family: Arial;"><li><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Contested case issue: Whether the Planning Commission’s hearing on this Special Use <br></span></li></ul><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Permit application was a “contested case” hearing within the meaning of the State’s <br></span><br style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Administrative Procedures Act, Definitions HRS 91-1 (5) “Contested case”; <o:p></o:p></span><ul style="font-family: Arial;"><li><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Participation at commission hearing issue: Whether Appellants McCain, Walker, and&nbsp;</span></li></ul><span style="font-family: Arial;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wooddell would be barred from a direct appeal to the Court because they did not testify </span><br style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"></span><br style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; at the Planning Commission’s hearing. <o:p></o:p></span><br style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Absent the prospect of facing these threshold issues, Appellants certainly would have preferred to appeal directly to the Circuit Court rather than to another County of Hawaii administrative agency which is represented by the same Office of Corporation Counsel, and incur considerable additional costs to do so.<span style="">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;">B. The County Charter Does Not Bar This Appeal to the Board of Appeals. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>The Commission argues that its Use Permit Rule 7-9 “Appeals” was inconsistent with the scope of the Board of Appeals’ authority prescribed in the County Charter, and that this commission Rule 7-9 was therefore inoperative.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Hawaii County Charter, Section 6-9.2, provides in pertinent part: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>The Board of Appeals shall establish its rules of procedure and shall: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>a.) Hear and determine appeals from final decisions of the planning <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>director or the director of public works regarding matters within their <span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br></span></p><p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; respective jurisdictions;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">b.) </span>Conduct hearings in accordance with Chapter 91, Hawaii Revised <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Statutes, and this charter.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Hawaii County Charter 2000 (2008 Edition), Section 6-9.2<span style="">&nbsp; </span>“Board of Appeals”, subsections (a) and (b). <a style="" href="#_ftn16" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[16]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Appellants acknowledge that Charter provisions trump inconsistent planning commission rules. Appellants however believe the County’s Charter section 6-9.2 should be read consistent with the Commission’s rule in light of Subsection 6-9.2(b).&nbsp; <o:p><br></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>The Commission in its Memorandum omits any mention of Charter Subsection 6-9.2(b).<span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Subsection “b” provides for hearings, and should be interpreted as meaning that the Board of Appeals can also conduct hearings that are authorized under some other ordinance or rule.&nbsp; <o:p><br></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>In its Memorandum, the Commission misstates when it contends: “Appellants’ reliance upon administrative Rule 7-9 is misplaced since the County Charter explicitly states that this Board <u>only</u> has jurisdiction to hear and determine appeals from final decisions of the planning director.” (emphasis added) <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Subsection “a” of the above Charter section allows for appeals from decisions by the Planning Director and by the Director of Public Works, but does not include words of limitation, such as “only”, “exclusively”, or “is limited to”. In contrast to subsection “a”, subsection “b” is simply a more general authorization to conduct hearings. (The Commission’s Memorandum makes no mention of subsection “b”.)<o:p> <br></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Admittedly this Section of the Charter is somewhat vague and ambiguous. Arguably, as contended by the Commission, this Charter section should be read narrowly such that only subsection “a” confers Board authority. However given that the County’s Planning Commission rules provided for a use permit appeal to the Board of Appeals, the County was in effect holding out to the public that this Charter subsection “b” allowed for other authorized hearings. It follows that this Charter section should be interpreted more broadly to confer additional authorization on the Board of Appeals to hold appeal hearings as otherwise authorized by ordinance or rule, such as Planning Commission Rule 7-9.<a style="" href="#_ftn17" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[17]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Charter provisions and agency rules are subject to the same general rules of statutory construction. See e.g.<u> Save Diamond Head Waters LLC et. al. v. Hans Hedemann Surf, Inc.</u> et.al.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>___ Haw. ____,<span style="">&nbsp; </span>____ P.3d ____ , Sup. Ct. No. 27804 (July 13, 2009) at pages 17-18.<span style="">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>A government entity cannot promulgate rules consistent with a certain interpretation, but then argue that interpretation is in error. By virtue of promulgating Planning Commission Use Permit Rule 7-9, the County has been acting as if an appeal from the Commission to the Board of Appeals in the case of use permits is within the Board’s authorized scope of authority, in other words, within its jurisdiction. The County is therefore estopped from arguing otherwise. Providing a rule for an appeal in a certain type of case, and then construing applicable law to say such an appeal should be dismissed because the appellants followed the agency’s own rule, is absurd.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Certainly the law is clear that in the task of statutory construction, absurd and unjust results should be avoided. See e.g. <u>E &amp; J Lounge Operating Co. Inc v. Liquor Com’n<span style="">&nbsp; </span>of City and County of Honolulu </u>118 Haw. 320, 349, 189 P. 3d 432, 461 (2008); <u>Whitlow et. al. v. Jennings et. al.</u> 40 Haw.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>523, 529 (1954).<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Hence the County’s legal framework for affording its citizens the right for review of an agency decision should not be interpreted in a way that undermines that right.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Clearly, based on equitable principles of estoppel, the Commission is precluded from arguing that Appellants reliance on the Commission’s own appeal rules, was in error.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>As stated in <u>Nakamine v Board of Trustees of the Employees’ Retirement System</u> 65 Haw 251, 255, 649 P. 2d 1162, 1164-1165 (1982) “Where an administrative agency, by the failure to follow its rules, prejudices the substantial rights of a party before it, it may be necessary for the court, to modify the decision and order of the agency, to fashion relief appropriately remedying the prejudice caused. “65 Haw. 251 at 255, 649 P.2d at 1165.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>And see <u>Bruins v. Healy Tibbits Builders Inc.</u> 2005 HI Wrk. Comp. Lexis 31, Case No. AB 2004-503 quoting <u>Rosa v. CWJ Contractors, Ltd</u>., 4 Haw. App. 210, 219 ftn 12 (1983) (In quasi-estoppel or judicial estoppel “[a] party is precluded from asserting to another’s disadvantage, a right inconsistent with a position previously taken by him.”); See <u>also Potter v. Hawaii Newspaper Agency</u>, 1997 Wrk. Comp, Lexis 79, Case No. AB 94-005 (1997).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>It is a basic tenet of administrative due process that an agency provide clarity of appeal procedures that are readily understandable and provide a reasonable avenue to secure review of an agency’s decision. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">See e.g. <u>Aged Hawaiians v. Hawaiian Homes Commission et. al</u>. 78 Haw. 192, 212-213, 891 P. 2d 279, 299-300 (1995). (discussion of the adequacy of an agency’s procedures with respect to whether the procedures satisfy basic due process requirements under 42 USCS § 1983). <br></span></p><p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><br><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;">C. Deletion of Planning Commission Rule 7-9 Subsequent to the Planning Commission’s Hearings and Decision in This Case, As Well as Subsequent</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> <b style="">to the Filing of this Appeal, Does Not Bar Appellants’ Appeal.</b>&nbsp; <o:p><br></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Appellants acknowledge that subsequent to the filing of this appeal, Use Permit Rule 7-9 was deleted from the Planning Commission’s Rules. This appeal was filed on April 12, 2010 and the effective date for removal of Rule 7-9 was April 18, 2010. <span style="">&nbsp;</span>As of April 18, 2010, the Planning Commission’s Use Permit Rules, Rule 7-10<span style="">&nbsp; </span>“Appeals” provides “The Commission’s decision may be appealed to the Third Circuit Court.”<a style="" href="#_ftn18" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[18]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>In its Memorandum, the Commission refers to this Rule 7-9 as the “<u>outdated</u> version of the Planning Commission Rules of Practice and Procedure (2006)”. <a style="" href="#_ftn19" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[19]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="">&nbsp; </span>By implication, the Commission seeks to retroactively impose on Appellants this change in the Commission’s rules. The Commission is not at liberty to treat Planning Commission Rule 7-9 as outdated while it was still in effect. From a practical perspective, the public cannot be expected to know when an agency’s procedural rules, though still in effect, are nevertheless “inoperative”.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>III. CONCLUSION <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: Arial;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;">THE BOARD OF APPEALS SHOULD DENY <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: Arial;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;">THE COMMISSION’S MOTION TO DISMISS <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>The Planning Commission’s Use Permit Rules of Practice and Procedure that were in effect at the time this case was heard and decided, and in effect when this appeal was filed, provided for appeal of a use permit to the County’s Board of Appeals. Appellants appropriately acted consistent with those rules in filing this appeal.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>The Hawaii County Zoning Code concurrently provided for appeal of a use permit directly to the Circuit Court. These two avenues of appeal co-existed without conflict.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="">&nbsp;</span>The Planning Commission is equitably estopped from claiming the County Charter should be narrowly construed so as to render its own Use Permit Rule 7-9 inconsistent with the County Charter.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>For the above reasons, the Planning Commission’s motion to dismiss should be denied. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p><br></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">DATED: Kamuela, Hawaii<span style="">&nbsp; </span>June 1, 2010 <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>_____________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Margaret Wille <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: Arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Attorney for Appellants<o:p></o:p></span></p> <div style="font-family: Arial;"><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%"> <!--[endif]--> <div style="" id="ftn"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ftnref" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[1]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Pursuant to Hawaii County Code 25-2-60 “Use permits are permits for certain permitted uses in zoning districts which require special attention to insure that the uses will neither unduly burden public agencies to provide public services nor cause substantial adverse impacts upon the surrounding community.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ftnref" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[2]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Record on Appeal Item #101: “Letter from Leeward Planning Commission to Carl Sturges/Parker School approving amendment Request (action at 2/26/10 meeting)” dated 3-16-10, at pages 724-739<o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ftnref" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[3]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Record on Appeal Item #2 “Transmittal by Island Planning to Planning Director Of request for amendment to Use Permit 05-001”, dated 8-17-09, at pages 2-108, in particular at pages 7-9.</span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ftnref" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[4]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> See Appellants’ Appeal to the Board of Appeals from the Decision of the Planning Commission Regarding Parker School’s Application to its Use Permit 05-001 (hereafter referred to as “Appeal”), at pages 2-3. <o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ftnref" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[5]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Record Item #80 “Email by Carl Sturges attaching Official Agreement w/Margaret Wille”, dated 2/18/10, at pages 641-647 (the “Supplemental Conditions”).<o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ftnref" name="_ftn6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[6]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Record on Appeal Item # 100 “Hearing Transcript”, dated 2/26/10, at pages 694-699, in particular at pages 694-695 (Testimony of Carl Sturges, Headmaster of Parker School). <o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ftnref" name="_ftn7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[7]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Appeal at pages 4-5, and attached Affidavits generally.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ftnref" name="_ftn8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[8]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Appeal at page 3 and Affidavits attached thereto, as well as the Additional Exhibits Submitted to the Board of Appeals on May 11, 2010, including sections of the South Kohala Community Development Plan, Exhibit B Nos. 1-5. <o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ftnref" name="_ftn9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[9]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Record Item # 99 “Record of Voting Leeward Planning Commission County of Hawaii” for Parker School USE 05-001 dated 2-26-10, at page 689<span style="">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ftnref" name="_ftn10" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[10]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Record Item # 99 “Leeward Planning Commission Voting Sheets” page 687 for “Executive Session”. <o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ftnref" name="_ftn11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[11]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp; </span>Record Item # 100 “Hearing Transcript” dated 2/26/10, pages 690-723, in particular at pages 721-722) (Statement of Commissioner Watanabe).<span style="">&nbsp; </span>That the Commission’s deliberations were carried out “behind closed doors”, in an executive session, raises additional concerns under the “exclusiveness principle”, in other words, that the commission’s conclusions must be based on evidence submitted into the record at the public hearing.” See e.g. <u>Sandy Beach Defense Fund v City and County of Honolulu et. al.70 </u>Haw. 361, 390-391, 773 P.2d 250, 268 (1989).<o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ftnref" name="_ftn12" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[12]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> See Commission’s “Memorandum in Support of Motion” at page 2.</span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ftnref" name="_ftn13" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[13]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp; </span>Appeal at pages 3-5 and attached Affidavits of Appellants.<span style="">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ftnref" name="_ftn14" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[14]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> A copy of the Planning Commission Rule 7 (Use Permits) Section 7-9 “Appeals”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">is attached as Exhibit 1.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ftnref" name="_ftn15" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[15]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> A Copy of Hawaii County Zoning Code Section 25-3-66 is attached as Exhibit 2.</span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ftnref" name="_ftn16" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[16]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> A copy of Hawaii County Charter 2000 (2008 Edition) Section 6-9.2 is attached as Exhibit 3.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ftnref" name="_ftn17" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[17]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> In the event a government entity deliberately decides to read its Charter more narrowly or more broadly concerning an agency’s powers and responsibilities, certainly that in itself is not wrong. But, in advance of doing so, the proper course of action is to <u>first</u> change the ordinances and rules that would need to be correspondingly revised, so that the public can respond appropriately.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ftnref" name="_ftn18" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[18]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> A copy of the new rule for appeals in the case of a use permit, Rule 7-10,<span style="">&nbsp; </span>effective April 18, 2010, is attached as Exhibit 4.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ftnref" name="_ftn19" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[19]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">&nbsp; </span>Commission’s Memorandum at 5.</span></p> </div> </div> <!--EndFragment--> <p><a href="http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/556" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/556#comments Wed, 02 Jun 2010 04:30:11 +0000 margaretwille 556 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home Parker Ranch and Waimea Plaintiffs Agree to Extend Connector Road Settlement Agreement. Road to be Open By August 28 http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/554 Parker Ranch requested that Plaintiffs January Herron Whitehead and LaVerne Til (represented by Margaret Wille), agree to an extension of the Connector Road Settlement Agreement to allow Parker Ranch additional time in which to complete the Connector Road Project. According to the 2007 Settlement Agreement, the original deadline for completion was May 8, 2010. The new agreed upon date for completion -- opening of the road to the public - is August 28.<br><br>In exchange for extending the road completion deadline, Parker Ranch has agreed to an additional Settlement condition: Concurrent with the opening of the Connector Road on or before August 28th, Parker Ranch will&nbsp; allow public (pedestrian) access onto the section of the Trails and Greenways easement that is located on Parker Ranch property between Kahawai Street and Opelo Road. An additional portion of Parker Ranch property will be included so the public will have access on both sides of the stream bed. This added access area will be permitted until the permanent trail location is opened to the public.&nbsp; <br><br>Attached is a plan showing this added&nbsp; alignment. More information will be made available once the precise terms of the Amendment to the Settlement Agreement are finalized.Mayor Kenoi's administration assisted the parties in reaching this agreement.&nbsp;<font size="1"> </font><br><br>This Amendment to the Settlement Agreement embodies a key objective of Parker Ranch's 2020 Master Plan objectives:<br> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]-->"<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><font size="2">To create greenways, trails, and additional park areas to preserve the town’s rural-ranch charm and country lifestyle” <br>and also furthers directives and guidelines contained in the South Kohala Community Development Plan. <br><br>&nbsp;<a name="" target="" classname="" class="" href="http://ahualoa.net/wtg/status.html">HERE</a> is a great website outlining the various segments of this Trails and Greenways trail. The section at issue here is #D on this information sheet <br></font></span> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/554#comments Sat, 29 May 2010 03:15:10 +0000 margaretwille 554 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home Flicks of Interest Here in Hawaii: Princess Kaiulani and The Descendants http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/553 The film, <span style="font-weight: bold;">"Princess Kaiulani"</span>, now showing in local theaters is based on the true story of Hawaiian Princess Ka'iulani. So head to the theater, grab some popcorn and enjoy the film. Back in October I wrote an "angry" blog about the former title to this film: "Barbarian Princess". Glad to see such an insulting title has been renamed (a title that was insulting not just to Princess Ka'iulani but to all Hawaiian people). See my previous blog about this film title here <a name="" target="" classname="" class="" href="/home/?q=node/312">HERE</a> <link rel="File-List" href="file://localhost/Users/margaret/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_filelist.xml"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-noshow:yes; color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment-->See commentary about the the film in terms of facts and omission of related facts and the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom by greedy US businessmen <a name="" target="" classname="" class="" href="http://barbarianprincessmovie.com/Barbarian_Princess.html">HERE&nbsp; </a><br><br>Interesting hearsay: Are you aware "plantation elite"&nbsp; here on the Big Island actively participated in plotting the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom? Not long ago bundles of letters plotting the overthrow of the monarchy were discovered here on the Big Island. I assume those letters have since been destroyed. <br><br>Filming of Kaui Hart Hemmings' novel <span style="font-weight: bold;">"The Descendants"</span> has now arrived on the Big Island. Read about the novel <a name="" target="" classname="" class="" href="http://www.kauiharthemmings.com/">HERE.</a> AND read about the film: <a name="" target="" classname="" class="" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1033575/">HERE</a>. Perhaps you will catch sight of George Clooney and crew. Read more <a name="" target="" classname="" class="" href="http://www.nileguide.com/destination/blog/hawaii-big-island/2010/04/26/the-descendants-brings-george-clooney-to-hawaii/">HERE</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; Before the Big Island shooting,&nbsp; the crew spent time on Kauai and in Honolulu, read more <a name="" target="" classname="" class="" href="http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20100524/BREAKING01/100524037/%E2%80%98Descendants%E2%80%99+film+crew+%E2%80%98depressed%E2%80%99+at+leaving+Kauai">HERE</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; Kaui Hemmings is from Hawaii. Her father is politician Fred Hemmings: read more <a name="" target="" classname="" class="" href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2008/jan/19/familyandrelationships.family">HERE.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>HEY Mayor Kenoi -- maybe you should arrange for a picture of you with George to put in your scrapbook? Next to the one of you with the Emperor of Japan?&nbsp; Just musing for fun. <br><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <link rel="File-List" href="file://localhost/Users/margaret/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_filelist.xml"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; 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mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--> <link rel="File-List" href="file://localhost/Users/margaret/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_filelist.xml"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; 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mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/553#comments Wed, 26 May 2010 18:29:29 +0000 margaretwille 553 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home Crunch Time for the County Budget: Councilman Pete Hoffmann Comments http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/551 June 7th is the big day for Council input into the Mayor's revised budget proposal. The Council hearing starts at 7:30 am -- Hilo Council chambers......&nbsp;&nbsp; (so get up early if you want to comment!!).<br><br>A few of my thoughts:<br>1. All in all the Mayor has done a good job on the budget, most particularly in his focused and successful effort to secure the TAT funding.... and do give him a lot of credit here. He has also managed to maintain a relatively good working relationship with County workers. Do not minimize this achievement. (In contrast to Cruella d' Lingle) <br><br>2. Yes there are some good ideas coming from Council members as to where additional cuts can be made. These ideas should be evaluated and appreciated. See Pete Hoffmann's discussion of some ideas: BELOW.&nbsp; <br><br>3. I am opposed however to bringing the income side of our County budget balance sheet down to the barest minimum -- so as to completely avoid any raising of taxes. I assure you the mayor is not lightly proposing raising any taxes. There needs to be some cushion -- a resilience factor so to speak.&nbsp; For example although I totally agree with not allowing top end management to do 89 day holdover contract stints, I oppose a blanket freeze on hiring and believe some funds for unfunded positions should remain in the budget -- instead of forcing the Administration to kowtow and beg for funds from the Council each time it needs to hire someone. <br><br>4. If the Council wants to avoid raising all taxes, then the Council should come up with some ideas as to how to bring in more money in other ways-- not just how&nbsp; how to tighten the budget belt even tighter.&nbsp; I would start with the theme that more money should be collected from those who most directly benefit from government services..... such as by way of impact fees. Impact fees (new development fees) are based on the police power of the County (not a delegated taxing authority). In most municipalities this is a major source of income. Here instead we do minimal fair share exactions and don't do a good job of collection those funds. <br><br>As I recall the County would have raised over&nbsp; 30 million more dollars had a basic impact fee ordinance passed when recommended by the national consultant -- Duncan associates.&nbsp; Not to mention, of the 108 million in fair share fees assessed, only about 8 million has been collected. Shouldn't we do an audit on that account?&nbsp;&nbsp; Or else come up with some other creative idea --- high stakes bingo parlors on off island ferries,&nbsp; for example. <br><br>5. I agree with Councilman Greenwell: We are not obtaining federal and other grant funds that are readily available... To start with the Research and Development Department should report to the Council every month on what grants are available and what effort is being made to pursue each of those grant opportunities (and these lists should be more widely distributed to non-profits and businesses that might also be eligible to secure these grants). Perhaps there should be a citizen advisory committee simply to review grant possibilities and help distribute the information.<br><br>READ more about the budget issues in West Hawaii Today 5/25 "Mayor wants budget transparency, Council wants budget cuts"&nbsp; <a name="" target="" classname="" class="" href="http://www.westhawaiitoday.com/articles/2010/05/25/local/local02.txt">HERE</a><br><br>SEE HOFFMANN'S COMMENTS ATTACHED BELOW: <br> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/551#comments Wed, 26 May 2010 07:56:55 +0000 margaretwille 551 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home State DOT Wants Your Comments on the Transportation - Road Priorities List for 2011-2014: "the STIP" Ranking. http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/550 <br> <link rel="File-List" href="file://localhost/Users/margaret/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_filelist.xml"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {mso-style-noshow:yes; color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-noshow:yes; color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><img alt="" style="width: 480px; height: 330px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/CDP" border="0" hspace="" vspace="">&nbsp;</o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The STIP (Statewide Transportation Improvement Program) is the State’s priority planning document for traffic <span style="">&nbsp;</span>(roads and alternative traffic including bikeways and pedestrian walkways) for the next four years, with some consideration for options in years five and six. Only certain qualifying state and county roadways can be included on this list: proposed roadways must be at least "collector roads" (not a neighborhood road) and be consistent with the County’s regional transportation planning. <span style="">&nbsp;</span>Compliance with these requirements is important because the projects that make it to the final STIP list are eligible for federal funding of 80%. <span style="">&nbsp;</span>In previous years DOT tended to allocate a certain percentage of funds for each district. However the consequence of doing so was that<span style="">&nbsp; </span>generally only smaller projects were funded in each district.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Now DOT has taken a more functional approach so that pressing large projects also have a chance of being funded.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">As part of this process, DOT (Department of Transportation) solicits public input as one consideration in ranking the list of projects.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>DOT’s deputy director Jiro Sumata has been holding information presentation around the County so that folks have some idea of projects are being considered in their area. This preliminary list includes proposed projects, including the cost and a general time line,&nbsp; for about double the number of projects that will be on the final list and eligible to receive funding. At this point the public can also suggest other road or alternative transportation projects that should be included on this list. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">On May 19<sup>th</sup>, Deputy Sumada met with Kohala residents (about 20 in attendance) to discuss the listed Kohala area projects.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>The first questions asked focused on the Kawaihae to Waimea regional bypass.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Alternative routings for this road are still under discussion.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>The entire road will cost more than one hundred million dollars. Only the first five miles is included on the STIP list – at a cost of 65 million, including about 13.5 million for acquisition of rights of ways. Based on the STIP timeline, this initial section will not be constructed until 2016 (assuming it now makes it to the final STIP list).<span style="">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">So where is the "first phase" of this Kawaihae to Waimea state bypass, asked the attendees?<span style="">&nbsp; </span>At first Sumada said it might be the Waimea end.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>However, after some discussion with the DOT staff, Stanley Tamura, the DOT Highways Division district engineer, said current plan is for the Kawaihae section to be completed first– given that this road is central to the immediate development plans for Kawaihae Harbor. At past meetings attended by Director Morioka, the inclination seemed to be to start the first phase from the Waimea end, not the Kawaihae end -- but the basis for that proposal seemed more political than based on common sense and logic. [This road is # HS18 on the attached list]<br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Howard Hall made a good suggestion: could the State build this state bypass road to a lesser standards so that a longer portion could be built during phase 1? Deputy Sumada answered that in order to qualify for federal funds, federal design guidelines would have to be followed. [I think that suggestion deserves more follow-up.] </span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span>I asked why the Lalamilo Connector Road [from Mamalahoa by the rodeo grounds to the vicinity of the transfer station] is not on this list.... considering that the County has now spent about three-quarters of a million completing the required environmental studies<span style=""> for this road </span>-- including completing an&nbsp; “agricultural buffer” study to determine additional measures that would be provided to protect the proximately located Lalamilo crop fields.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>There was no specific answer to this question. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dave Gomes also raised a good question: why don’t we focus on getting the final section of the Saddle Road completed -- all the way to Queen Kaahumanu Highway.<span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>We also asked whether additional funding could come from the Federal military budget under DAR (Defense Access Road) funding --which pays for 100% of the road costs. Sumada explained that the Big Island did well getting DAR funds for upgrading a major portion of the existing Saddle Road. He said one of Maui’s roads is now in line for DAR funds, not more on the Big Island.<span style="">&nbsp; [This item is confusing on the list -- it is the second part of item HS37 --&nbsp;&nbsp; and should read from MP 42 , not from MP6.]</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The other road discussed was Mamalahoa Highway from Waimea to Mudlane, a county project.<span style="">&nbsp; Deputy&nbsp; </span>Sumada explained the importance of reconstructing<span style=""> this stretch of road [it is built on dirt with little base, hence doesn't hold up under the current level of traffic. He said we need a third lane so that every time a vehicle wants to turn left (across the other lane) all traffic behind the vehicle is not at a standstill). I was concerned about some of the beautiful trees along this section of roadway -- Deputy Sumada replied that this phase of improvements would all be done within the existing road right of way. [On the attached table this road is listed as HC 11]</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style=""></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="">In my opinion there should be an entire section on alternative transportation and pedestrian bike projects on this STIP list. On the list there is HS-31 for National Recreation Trails programs. and bus transit is at HC 13 and 14. <br></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style=""><br></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="">Deputy Sumada encouraged everyone to fill out a survey form -- to help the department rank the various projects. I have provided the form for comments -- in two different formats BELOW (htm and excel). <br></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style=""><br></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">CHECK OUT THIS STIP LIST AND SEND YOUR COMMENTS to DOT by JUNE 7TH... &nbsp; email address at hwy.stip.projects@hawaii.gov &nbsp; or fax to 808--587-1787 or mail to DOT (address provided on attached Table).&nbsp;</span> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><font size="2"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style=""></span><o:p></o:p></span>IF you would like to learn more about the State's STIP process, check out HDOT's website <a name="" target="" classname="" class="" href="http://hawaii.gov/dot/highways/STIP/fy2011-2014.htm">HERE -STIP HAWAII</a></font><!--EndFragment--><!--EndFragment--><br></p><br><br><br><br><br> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/550#comments Tue, 25 May 2010 21:51:35 +0000 margaretwille 550 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home WAIMEA TRAILS & GREENWAYS Project Moves Forward Toward Completing the EA and NEPA Studies. http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/549 The consulting firm working with the Parks and Recreation Department -- Kimura International -- has sent out its initial scoping letter asking for suggestions to complete the preliminary Environmental Assessment plan. Attached BELOW is the consultant's "Early Consultation" letter and a copy of the draft Trails and Greenways Map.&nbsp; If you or your organization&nbsp; want a copy of the initial map plan, request one from:<br>&nbsp;Leslie Kurisaki &lt;lkurisaki@kimurainternational.com&gt;.&nbsp; Suggestions for this preliminary draft are requested by June 14th.<br><br>Photos of Clem Lam -- coordinator/chair/dedicated leader for the Trails and Greenways project. <br><br><img alt="" style="width: 318px; height: 238px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/TGW1.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <img alt="" style="width: 317px; height: 237px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/TGW2.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br><br><br><br><br> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/549#comments Tue, 25 May 2010 21:26:08 +0000 margaretwille 549 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home SKCDP Action Committee Meets and Discusses Priorities. Hoffmann Makes Presentation on the CIP; Seeks Advice from Action Comm. http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/548 Notes from the South Kohala Community Development Plan Action Committee Meeting 5.24.10 and Related Issues,<br><br>THE members are Leonard Librizzi, Jeannie Palermo, Achahn Schulze, Fran Tabor, Robin Inada, Nancy Alvord, Mike Fischer, and Margaret Horwatt. There is one vacancy .(who knows when it will be filled....)<br><br><br><img alt="" style="width: 480px; height: 360px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/cdpac1.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br><br><br>1.One would think this were a secret society -- given how difficult it is to come by notice of the Action Committee's meeting and the agenda. This information should be available on the County's Community Planning website; but only info on the Puna CDP is available <a name="" target="" classname="" class="" href="http://www.hcrc.info/community-planning">THERE.</a>&nbsp; I also tried to get a copy of the agenda from the Planning Department and that did not work (same as last month). <br><br><br>2.Committee officers were selected: Mike Fischer&nbsp; chair and Jeanne Palermo&nbsp; vice chair. <br><br>3. The committee's initial priorities were chosen:<br> a. Kawaihae water issues -- wells and coastal water quality.<br> b. Puako evacuation route.<br> c. Waikoloa emergency road.<br> d. Waimea traffic issues.<br> e. Preservation and access on to the Puu. <br> <br> 4. Council member Pete Hoffmann made a presentation<br><br>a. about the Budget and the&nbsp; CIP -- Capital Improvement Projects. The first thing he said was news to me -- that none of these projects are funded in the proposed budget. So how are these projects expected to be funded:&nbsp; Answer: General obligation bonds, grants, and facilities improvement districts (an underutilized funding method according to Hoffmann). The Council will meet on June 7th, starting at 7:30 am to hammer out the Budget. See West Hawaii Today for more information about the Budget issues<a name="" target="" classname="" class="" href="http://www.hawaii-county.com/cgi-bin/webcal/webcal.pl">&nbsp; HERE</a><br> <br> b.&nbsp; about the Planning Department's power play vis a vis the CDP Action Committees -- acting as if these committees only have minimal power and can only have input at the discretion and at the pleasure of the Planning Director. In other words, the Administration's position seems to be that the Action Committee's role is only to advise the Planning Director and the Planning Director will let the Committee know if she wants any advice on currently proposed South Kohala developments.&nbsp; <span style="font-weight: bold;">Wrong</span> said Hoffmann.&nbsp; He is disturbed by the&nbsp; Planning Director's letter prescribing a lesser (subservient) role for the CDP Action Committees.&nbsp; He encouraged the South Kohala Action Committee to act consistent with the power was granted by ordinance.&nbsp; A copy of the Planning Director's letter, dated April 12, 2010 to the North Kohala CDP Action Committee chair Robert Martin is provided below. <br><br>In contrast to the Administration's position, the CDP Action Committees do have some broad powers, for example:<br>"Provide ongoing guidance and advocacy to advance implementation of the CDP goals, objectives, policies, and actions." Section 16.6 of the law establishing the Action Committees. "The purpose of the CDP Action Committee is to be a proactive, community based steward of the plan's implementation." Section 16.4.<br><br>The South Kohala CDP explicitly confers on the CDP Action Committee the authority to:<br>"Review and comment on various types of development applications including subdivisions, PUD's, plan developments, and cluster developments, on a timely basis, and provide a public forum for these reviews".&nbsp; Also as a District-wide Policy, the SKCDP states: <br>"It is recommended that the Planning Department provide opportunities and forums for public review and comment on all subdivisions, PUD's, plan developments and cluster developments, proposed in the District of South Kohala." SKCDP Section 1.6. <br>Reckon that provision is written off as a mere recommendation that can be shelved. My point has always been that the Planning Department should see the Action Committees as a valuable partner in working towards a more prosperous County (prosperous here including improving the quality of live).<br><br>This letter from the Planning Director&nbsp; follows from an opinion written by the Office of Corporation Counsel -- Lincoln Ashida, at the helm, as drafted by Deputy Corporation Counsel Amy Self (the attorney assigned to the Planning Department). Amy Self was formerly with Carlsmith &amp; Ball, generally known for representing developer interests.&nbsp; In my opinion, Corporation Counsel Lincoln&nbsp; Ashida's stance related to transparency and community participation in government&nbsp; decision-making has been decidedly "anti-community".&nbsp; Keep in mind that Lincoln Ashida is not just the attorney for the County, but also a member of Kenoi's cabinet --and as such is a political advocate for certain interests and positions in the Administration.... at least that is how it appears to me. He is one of the status-quo holdovers from the Kim Administration.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br><br><br>A related matter: County Council Planning Committee Communication #796 2009 Annual Report on the County General Plan<br>At the May 18th Council Committee on Planning, the Administration's&nbsp; 2009 Report on the Hawaii County General Plan was discussed.&nbsp; Council member Ford had asked that the Planning Director attend this meeting, but she was unavailable. The report was replete with a lot of interesting raw data -- but not much in the way of planning guidance [e.g. in what way we could do better and how). There was however one subject that was totally and conspicuously absent : Chapter 15 of the General Plan: "Plan Implementation". I did not see any mention of the Community Development Plans or the Community Development Plan Action Committees. Wouldn't it be great if the Planning Department were to forward to the Action Committees the relevant sections of that report and encouraged some community participation in this assessment. Don't forget, as the General Plan provides "Implementation requires translating these broad statements to specific actions, systematically evaluating progress, and active community participation. ..The Community Development Plans are intended to be the forum for community input into managing growth and coordinating the delivery of government services to the community." General Plan Section 15.1.<br><br>Keep in mind the current Planning Director and the Deputy Director are both attorneys, previously in the office of corporation counsel. I believe the Planning Director should instead be "by trade" and or schooling, foremost, a planner. As provided for in the Hawaii County Charter section 6-7.2 "Planning Director", in part, provides: " The planning director shall have a minimum of five years training and experience in a responsible planning position, or a degree in planning, engineering, architecture, geography, or another planning-related field and three years experience in a responsible planning position."<br><br>Another related matter: Lack of Appreciation for Transparency and Public Input in the context of Charter Commission Amendments:<br>Both the Planning Director and Corporation Counsel Lincoln Ashida should be sent to the "dog house" for a time out --- to think about the importance and value of public participation. There were two proposed Charter amendments, which were favored by a majority of the Charter Commission members, until the Planning Director and Corporation Counsel Lincoln Ashida stood in opposition:<br><br>Charter Amendment 25 would have memorialized the Community Development Plans and the CDP Action Committees [The Planning Director commented that the Administration may not want to continue the Action Committees, and therefore better not to include in the Charter -- or words to that effect]. <br><br>Charter Amendment 30 would have required that all Boards and Commissions maintain a public information website. [Lincoln Ashida opposed and directed Research and Development Director&nbsp; Randy Kurahara to oppose this amendment....Randy noted if this Charter Amendment went into effect he would have to have a public information website for the Energy Advisory Committee and for the Food and Sustainability Committee. So?&nbsp; Wouldn't that be a good idea anyway! ? Mass Transit Director Tom Brown also opposed this idea -- totally absurd for that Department to oppose.&nbsp; Basically, Ashida said the County already does provide this public information more or less, and besides it is too much work.&nbsp; My point -- no the County does not already do this, and the website could be built over time starting with just the basic information.&nbsp; <br><br>Another note about the importance of public input and participation in government decision-making. <br><br> <meta name="Title" content=""> <meta name="Keywords" content=""> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"> <meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 2008"> <meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 2008"> <link rel="File-List" href="file://localhost/Users/margaret/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0clip_filelist.xml"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">In the 2006 case of <u>Leslie v. Hawaii County Board of Appeals and Planning Department</u>, the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled against the County took the Planning Department to task for giving short-shift to public input on development applications.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>In that case the Supreme Count found against the Planning Department and the Board of Appeals for reading the word “shall” in the Subdivision Code as a discretionary requirement and not a mandatory requirement. The provision in question <span style="">&nbsp;</span>concerned whether the Planning Department must require developers provide information about any proposed development improvements&nbsp; -- so that it would be available to the public.&nbsp; In rejecting the County’s “its an unnecessary waste of effort” argument, <span style="">&nbsp;</span>the Court reflected upon the following exchange from the deposition of Planning Director Chris Yuen:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Q: Do you find that the public can help you and your Department make better decisions by providing information to the Department? <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;">A [by Chris Yuen]: Very often that true. In some cases though, there is, there is not a statutory means to implement what people might want. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Q: If the public had more information, could it then provide better information to the Department making its decisions.? <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;">A [by Chris Yuen]: I think generally, yes. </span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[109 Haw. 384, 126 P. 3d 1071,<span style="">&nbsp; </span>at 1081]<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">In this case the attorney representing the County was <span style="">&nbsp;</span>BJ Leithead-Todd, the current Planning Director. <span style="">&nbsp;</span>Following this decision in the <u>Leslie</u> case, Planning Director <span style="">&nbsp;</span>Yuen responded by asking the County Council to immediately delete the subdivision code provision requiring that the pertinent information be required in the development <span style="">&nbsp;</span>application (so that the public could no longer complain that the Planning Department was not providing this information).&nbsp; At the Council hearing on that proposed Code revision, the Planning Director promised to shortly follow-up with other amendments to the code including <span style="">&nbsp;</span>concerning issues relating to pubic input and participation. Despite that promise, the Planning Department <span style="text-decoration: underline;">never</span> proposed any such follow-up amendments to the Subdivision code. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> &nbsp;<br><br>So enough complaining......&nbsp; time to move along. <br><br> <br><br>COUNCILMAN HOFFMANN DISCUSSING BUDGET MATTERS WITH THE SKCDP ACTION COMMITTEE. <br><br><img alt="" style="width: 191px; height: 255px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/cdph1.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace="">.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <img alt="" style="width: 192px; height: 256px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/cdph2.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <img alt="" style="width: 192px; height: 256px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/cdph3.JPG" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br><br><br><br><br><br><img alt="" style="width: 480px; height: 648px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/CDPACL1.jpg" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br><br><img alt="" style="width: 480px; height: 569px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/CDPACL2.jpg" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br><br><img alt="" style="width: 480px; height: 459px;" src="/home/sites/default/files/u1/CDPACL3.jpg" border="0" hspace="" vspace=""><br><br><br><br>The notation at the bottom of this letter indicates it was intended for distribution to both the North and South Kohala CDP. <br><br><br> http://www.margaretwille.com/home/?q=node/548#comments Tue, 25 May 2010 21:21:51 +0000 margaretwille 548 at http://www.margaretwille.com/home