In a report issued Monday, a hearing officer recommended that Hawaii County’s Windward Planning Commission deny a special permit to Connections New Century Public Charter School, which seeks to build a new school campus in a neighborhood in Kaumana.
In a report issued Monday, a hearing officer recommended that Hawaii County’s Windward Planning Commission deny a special permit to Connections New Century Public Charter School, which seeks to build a new school campus in a neighborhood in Kaumana.
“The Development does not adequately meet the requirements or guidelines for a special permit as required by Section 205-6, HRS and Rule 6 of the Commission Rules,” Sandra Song wrote in her report.
The school’s attorney, Ted Hong, said Monday via a press release that the decision was not unexpected, and he plans an appeal if the planning commission chooses to adopt the recommendation at its May 1 meeting.
“Unfortunately, sometimes people can’t see beyond their own experience and embrace positive change,” he said. “We will ask the Courts to thoroughly examine this case and (are) confident that an objective review will support the school.”
The charter school, which serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade, seeks to build a new campus on 70.15 acres of agricultural land situated within the State Land Use Agricultural District between Puainako Street and Kaumana Drive.