Community groups petition planning director to allow Mahukona Resort permits to expire.
In early July both Kako'o and Maika'i Kamakani 'O Kohala submitted letters to the County of Hawaii Planning director asking that he not extend permits and planning approvals issued to the developer planning to build a resort and luxury home subdivision at Mahukona. The permits, which include a change of zone ordinance, an SMA permit and a final plan approval have all exceeded their time limit or the developer has violated conditions of their approval. The developer has failed to comply with a list of conditions given to them by the planning director by a July 14th deadline.
The "developer" in this case is named ""Kohala Preserve Conservation Trust LLC" though they are not a conservation trust or in any way in the business of preservation or conservation. The principals and financial interests are essentially the same as they were when the land was owned by Surety and before that by Chalon.
In most of the violations, KPCT has avoided their obligation to the public for public review, park improvements at Kapa'a and Mahukona, shoreline access, road improvements and environmental protection.
Also,
The planning director's reply: (updated Aug 11.)
The planning director contacted Kako'o attorneys on August 1st to inform them that he has granted the developer virtually every time extension and plan approval to which the community groups had objected. He deferred descision on the preliminary plat map in order to hear comments from other county departments. The only recourse is to appeal to the Board of Appeals.
KPCT appeals the decision (updated Sep: 25 2008)
Surprisingly, KPCT rather than Kako'o has filed with the board of appeals to contest the decision of the Plannind Director. They claim the Director has taken more than 45 days to approve or deny their preliminary plat map and that the subdivision approval should be granted to them by default due to his inaction.
Kohala Mountin News Article (update Sep. 25 2008):
The KMN ran an article on the development at Mahukona.
KAKO'O files to intervene in the KCPT appeal (updated Sep. 30, 2008):
Kako'o filed a petition to intervene in the KCPT appeal to the county Board of Appeals.
KPCT files to postpone the appeal (updated October 7, 2008):