dirt racer
09-04-2007, 10:14 PM
A brief synopsis of the Zoning Committee meeting today.
The SORT group opposed the rezoning, and also brought up the EIS issue, and asked when it was done.
DPP reported that the EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) being used was from 1990 (17 years ago). This fact led to some concerned discussion amongst the committee as to whether the EIS was still valid.
Tam - reported that the zoning and condemnation issues were separate and were before 2 separate committees. Tam also recognized the need to address the raceway park issue, and noted some experience at the track with the Electron Marathons held there.
Okino - reported that it was his opinion that holding back the zoning request because of the possibility of City acquisition of the property, may not be legal. And acquisition of Hawaii Raceway Park was something the City could not afford.
Apo - reported that because the acquisition of the raceway park issue had not been resolved, it was premature to rezone the property. And that zoning was at the discretion of the Council. And also that relying on a 17 year old EIS was another concern. Apo also commented that the Hawaii Raceway Park site may be the location that is decided upon for a new racetrack.
Garcia - acknowledged the need for a raceway park on Oahu.
The issue passed out of committee with a vote of 3 - 2. Tam, Garcia, Okino in support. Apo, Dela Cruz oppose.
The SORT group opposed the rezoning, and also brought up the EIS issue, and asked when it was done.
DPP reported that the EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) being used was from 1990 (17 years ago). This fact led to some concerned discussion amongst the committee as to whether the EIS was still valid.
Tam - reported that the zoning and condemnation issues were separate and were before 2 separate committees. Tam also recognized the need to address the raceway park issue, and noted some experience at the track with the Electron Marathons held there.
Okino - reported that it was his opinion that holding back the zoning request because of the possibility of City acquisition of the property, may not be legal. And acquisition of Hawaii Raceway Park was something the City could not afford.
Apo - reported that because the acquisition of the raceway park issue had not been resolved, it was premature to rezone the property. And that zoning was at the discretion of the Council. And also that relying on a 17 year old EIS was another concern. Apo also commented that the Hawaii Raceway Park site may be the location that is decided upon for a new racetrack.
Garcia - acknowledged the need for a raceway park on Oahu.
The issue passed out of committee with a vote of 3 - 2. Tam, Garcia, Okino in support. Apo, Dela Cruz oppose.