No zone change for this self-storage
Thursday, May 31, 2007 at 09:25PM 
Look carefully on the makai side of Old Government Road just before the Solid Rock Ministries Church on your way out of Pahoa and you'll see a sign giving notice of a new development project being proposed on the 3.3-acre site.
Robert Leetch of Pahoa wants to build a self-storage facility there very similar to one that sparked a controversy a few months ago when proposed for construction on Route 130 next to where the fire station is now being built.
The big difference is that Leetch is applying for only a special use permit to build his self-storage facility, not a zone change which was the downfall of the Route 130 project.
Tim Gardner of Maui applied for a zone change for his project, even though it wasn't required, because a special use permit is good for only five years and he didn't want to risk losing his investment.
But some opponents believed that Gardner only wanted the zone change so that he could intensify his commercial use of the property beyond the storage facility once it was approved, which irked Gardner because written into the permit he was seeking was a clause restricting his use of the site to a storage facility. Others opposed any zone change on principle until Puna Community Development Plan is completed.
Councilwoman Emily Naeole supported the project, citing the need in Puna specifically for storage facilities and generally for more businesses, and said the project had the support of local people in the community although the community didn't turn out to testify in favor of it. Meanwhile, the County Planning Department said the proposal violated the county's general plan and the Main Street Pahoa Association organized a campaign in opposition to the project which was finally, and narrowly, defeated in February when Councilman Dominic Yagong surprisingly changed his vote on the final reading of the bill.
Now Leetch, a Leilani Estates resident and former California contractor, wants to build 10 30 x 120-foot self-storage units and a 4,000 square-foot home on the property where he would live and manage the business. And his proposal, which requires a hearing before the county Planning Commission, seems to avoid the issues that caused problems for Gardner involving the zone change and should be expected to get approved with few problems.
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Reader Comments (8)
If they want commercial rezoning in this spot we would likely support that as well. I expect to make a motion to support this at our next BoD meeting on June 20.
I’m so glad that you are on board with this proposal, it makes sense. No entry and exit to highway #130. It also brings in a new business to the Pahoa area and everyone knows that we need it.
Now what is really needed is to close off the Malama’s existing entry road all together, and open the Kahakai crossing to a four way roundabout. Then open the closed off entry lane at the gas station for entry to Malama shopping center, Pahoa bound traffic from Hilo way can enter here. Hilo bound traffic can enter Malama shopping center from the Kahakai roundabout. No killer left turns across traffic anywhere.
I believe that if Emily and Faye jumped on this concept all of Puna would be backing their every move. Girls it’s time to turn things around. If you want support from the community then get off of your duff’s and start cooking. Or am I just whining again?
The Lack
“Wouldn’t that be an opening to a business on highway #130?”
Mary I believe that the building department would only allow a entry and exit on the Pahoa road. It may back up all the way to the highway but without entry there the danger element is eliminated. The roundabout would only give entry & exit to Kahakai blvd. & highway #130.
Now if the present entry to Malama shopping center were closed and the old Pahoa road were reopened all of the dangerous left hand turns will be dropped out of the equation. This is a win, win situation.
Chunkster, I think you may be right.
The Lack
#1) I don't believe a business of this nature would supply Pahoa w/ jobs as the owner plans to live on & run the business from his proposed home on site...
#2) Is the LONG TERM goal of Pahoa to become an "industrialized community"???
#3) As Pahoa grows, wouldn't it make more sense to have "metal boxed buildings" in an area where they won't devalue the "VILLAGE" feel that Pahoa has had for a long time & will most likely grow more into as time goes on... ESPECIALLY on the old Pahoa Road which is the MAIN Pahoa road...Maybe in the back by the dump would be a good location for these useful but certainly unattractive metal storage sheds, but definitely off the main road???
Been here 35+ years, hope to see some long term far sighted growth & starting w/ METAL SHEDS, in my humble opinion, is a poor choice of businesses on that site...
Concerned...