Hokulia recently submitted a subdivision code variance application to Hawaii County.

(Mahalo to the anonymous tipster who sent this document to me)

Private roadways servicing six or more lots have to be built to agricultural standards. The latter obligates Hokulia to pave and fully improve the right of way. However, they want to keep the current roadway shoulder landscaping and grassed swales.

I was deeply concerned about this application. It appeared Hokulia was attempting to reduce the cost of completing the subdivision roadway infrastructure. So, I e-mailed John DeFries to get his perspective:

(Note:  I re-wrote in my own words what he submitted to me per his request)

1. The Hawaii County zoning code was amended after the project was initially zoned A-1a. These revisions mandated that the minimum Agriculture District zoning category be no less than five acres (section 25-5-74 of the zoning code amended 1996 and 1999). So, two new designations (RA-1a and FA-1a) were created include Agriculture District classified lands under 5 acres. This is why Hokulia’s variance application has designated the land as RA-1a, not A-1a

2. Hawaii County subdivision code requires privately owned roadways servicing six or more lots to be constructed to agricultural standards. However, the latter still requires the entire right of way be paved and fully improved.

Hokulia wants to maintain the current roadway shoulder landscaping and grassed swales in lieu of making further roadway improvements. This is why they submitted this application.

3. This proposed variance won’t apply to roadways  required to be constructed to county standards (i.e Haleki’i Street)

Hawaii County is still reviewing this variance application.

Road and Highway Builders LLC was unable to start full scale paving this week between m.m 11-19 on Saddle Road. I received this update from RHB today:

“We have some fine tuning to still do. We did another test today – should get results in a day or so. The dirt is a little better than MP16 but some of the excavations cuts are deep so they go a little slower. I will let you know on the new test results.”

The opening of the Parker Ranch Connector Road may take a bit longer. The Hawaii County Council has to approve a resolution accepting the public use of this roadway. However, Parker Ranch and Hawaii County haven’t completed all the paperwork yet. So, this legislation likely won’t be agendized for the next council meeting on September 21st.

The Makalei Fire station NEPA EA process is moving along. FEMA will likely make a FONSI declaration early next week. I’m absolutely thrilled by this decision. The next step (after the paperwork is processed) is putting this much-needed public safety project out to bid.

From the project manager:

“I just received a call from Donna Meyer at FEMA and she indicated that she hasn’t received any comments regarding the NEPA EA. She will be writing the FONSI Declaration and it should be completed early next week. It will then need to be routed for the appropriate signature from her headquarters.Once I get a copy of the signed declaration, we are required to publish the FONSI in the local newspapers. I will keep you informed when I receive the FONSI.”

I noticed two additional court filings for Keoki Kai’s lawsuit against Hawaii County.

The litigants in Margaret Wille’s Lalamilo roadway easement reservation lawsuit have submitted additional court filings.

Lastly, Hawaii County gave  Bolton Inc. the notice to proceed for the Holu Street Connector Road project yesterday. The clock starts on October 11, 2010. Bolton has 120 working days to complete this project.

Missing Holu Street roadway segment

I’m absolutely ecstatic about this significant milestone. This roadway will benefit  residents living in Kona Highlands, Wonderview, Coastview, and Palisades.

(Related item: Holu Street Connector Road History)