05-17-2008, 02:47 AM
My Letter:
Hawaii County Councilmembers:
I have a few suggestions on the issues of grubbing and grading in Native forested lands:
1. For installing a driveway, house pad, septic system and catchment tank pad under 4000 sq. ft. total disturbed area, a Notice to do minimal grading with an inspection fee of $100, to the Planning Department must be filed (no permit required). Failure to comply: $1,000 fine.
2. For larger areas, No more than 60% of native forest may be cleared for residential development. $250 application and permit required. Failure to comply: fine of $ 2500.
3. For commercial Ag use (in Ag zones) , no more than 75% of native forest land may be cleared. This permit needs to be linked to some sort of verification that the commercial ag use is factual. $250 inspection fee. Failure to comply: $2500
4. No clearing within 10' of any property line, except for encroachments.
5. Waivers may be applied for various reasons such as minimum clearances for fire protection, grading in areas which are not Native forest, i.e.. previously cleared land, etc.
I am a General Contractor. I own several pieces of vacant land in native forested areas and I feel that these would be reasonable requirements in connection with the potential development of these properties.
I personally feel that "Pin to Pin" clearing is aesthetically unattractive and a disrespect to the Aina. It is a lazy way to build.
Mahalo for your consideration,
Dan Warren,
Kurtistown & California.