A derelict Hilo property could be converted into retail and office space, despite disapproval from neighbors.
The Windward Planning Commission on Thursday discussed, but made no decision regarding, a proposal by Big Island developers to rezone a property at the corner of Manono and Lanikaula streets to allow for the construction of an approximately 5,000-square-foot one-story building to be used for unspecified retail purposes.
The site also would include at least 17 parking stalls and would be accessible from both Manono and Lanikaula streets, although access from the latter would be limited to “right-in, right-out” movements.
The current structures on the property, — two dilapidated single-family homes and an abandoned small engine repair shop — would be demolished in the process.
One of the developers, Kurtistown resident Robert Hamilton, told the commission he has owned the parcel in question for 21 years.
“This is an investment property for us,” Hamilton said. “I feel it is a real eyesore. I know the houses are not habitable, and we do have to tear them down, regardless. … We think we’ll make the neighborhood better. It’ll definitely look better than it does now.”
Hamilton said he often needs to call the police to evict squatters from the abandoned houses.
Despite a report from the Hawaii County Planning Department recommending the commission approve Hamilton’s rezoning request, the project received pushback from neighbors, many of whom lamented the gradual encroachment of commercial properties into an area that was previously entirely residential. The site currently is zoned as single-family residential, but Hamilton is requesting that it be changed to industrial-commercial mixed use.
Gail Rhoads said she has lived immediately next door to the property in question for nearly 30 years and has been saddened to see “more and more businesses” move into the neighborhood during that time. She questioned whether housing units would be a better fit for the character of the neighborhood, and predicted that the presence of a commercial building will decrease the value of her home.
“I do not want to live next to an industrial building,” Rhoads said. “I’ve been burglarized at least twice since I’ve moved onto Manono, and I’m concerned about unauthorized activity after hours. I’m concerned about security.”
Rhoads and other neighbors also questioned the project’s impact on traffic.
Lanikaula Street resident Masa Osako said there is always traffic congestion in front of his house, making left turns out of his driveway nearly impossible. Should the project be built, he predicted, traffic will only worsen.
Consultant Sidney Fuke defended the project, noting this would not be the first lot in the area to be converted to commercial or industrial use, calling the area a “place of transition.” He pointed out that a commercial building already exists directly across the street from the parcel.
Fuke also acknowledged the need to implement traffic controls at the project site, saying the placement of the access routes into the property can be adjusted to minimize traffic impacts.
Ultimately, Fuke suggested the commission delay the matter to address those traffic concerns.
“Give us a chance to talk through the roads and see how, if anything, we can ameliorate those issues,” Fuke said. “Maybe we can’t … but we don’t mind having this application be continued.”
The commission voted unanimously to postpone the matter until its next meeting, which is scheduled for March 7.
Email Michael Brestovansky at mbrestovansky@hawaiitribune-herald.com.