The Waimea community has come together in support of Parker School's proposal to about double its current enrollment PROVIDED some clear and measurable conditions were incorporated into the approval of its proposed use permit amendment. However the community felt as if Parker School was listening to the various County Departments and negotiating about their proposals, but at the same time felt its voice was being ignored. There was also the issue of trust. For example, in Parker School's original 2005 use permit, at that time Parker School was required to convey an easement for a pathway to the County for the Greenways path. That 2005 permit condition still has not happened.

Today the Leeward Planning Commission heard the Community's concerns and did listen and asked Parker School to listen and work with the Community to reach a consensus. The vote was 4 to 1 for this continuance. The Commission gave Parker School the choice of agreeing to the continuance or otherwise the application would be denied-- since the County only has a certain period within which to make its determination.

Specifically Commission members asked Parker School to work with the community to reach a consensus to provide safe access around the school on the adjacent roadways (for Parker School students, for neighboring property owners, and for recreational users of these same roadways --pedestrians and bicycle use). Commission members also expressed particular concern about the proposed 450 seat gym and its potential adverse impact on the surrounding neighborhood. At the same time the Commission urged Community members to then assist Parker School to accomplish the improvements needed including helping to pursue fundraising. [ Previously community members suggested the same joint efforts.] To be sure, we all welcome this challenge to be part of the solution.

Zion Estes of Amaraka.com video-ed the meeting. At some point I also hope to have this broadcast available to provide on line --both on his website and mine. FYI: He is working on a Transparency in Government grant. He expects to use these tapes towards that effort. We are also urging the County to make online access to meetings such as that of the Planning Commission available -- by taping and making available "on demand".