Favorable Recommendations

LEHUA COURT PROFESSIONAL AND RETAIL PLAZA in Ocean View has received favorable recommendations from the Windward Planning Commission and Hawai`i County Planning Committee. The property is on the mauka side of Hwy 11 and connects with Lehua Lane and Keaka Parkway.

The applicant, William C. Foulk, is seeking to change the site’s zoning from Agricultural to Village Commercial. The 4.143-acre site would be developed with 54,000 square feet of commercial space and another 12,500 square feet of open, landscaped area for periodic craft fairs, thespian events and public gatherings.

In its report to County Council, the Windward Planning concluded that the project “will give residents an opportunity to shop closer to their homes and provide a location for service-oriented businesses, like offices for doctors, tax preparers, hairdressers and the whole host of commercial needs generated by a large residential population.”

In April 2012, many supporters sent in testimony saying, “Such a development will upgrade the area, create businesses, jobs, shopping and service opportunities. Having new services in our area will allow residents to stay close to home for their professional and shopping essentials. At the same time, it will alleviate traffic and driving requirements to meet those needs.

“The Lehua Court Plaza will enhance the value of my property and spur resurgence of the overall economic growth of the Ka`u area.”

At Thursday’s meeting of Hawai`i County Council’s Planning Committee, most testimony was in support of the proposed commercial development across from the entrance to Ocean View’s water spigot site. County Council candidate Richard Abbett encouraged the committee to approve it and work out details on traffic and water.