To: Reps Aquino, Lee, and Ito

Aloha:           January 29, 2012

I notice that you have sponsored HB2756 which the Legislative website summarizes as shown below. The bill applies to bus transit centers as well as rail stations. Kailua and Kaneohe are implementing a bus transit center, and this bill would abolish all land use controls and building codes within a quarter-mile of the transit center. This is the worst legislation that could be adopted for our communities. I would appreciate receiving a response from you on this matter prior to our Feb. 2nd Kailua Neighborhood Board meeting.

Thank You,

Chuck Prentiss, Chair, KNB

HB2756 -- RELATING TO PLANNED DEVELOPMENT.

Report Title:
Planned Development; Urban Planning; Transit-related Development

Description:

Authorizes counties to adopt a program to facilitate residential and commercial development in specified areas in relation to mass transit and to expedite approval of development projects within those areas. Exempts certain development projects from all state and county laws relating to planning, zoning, construction standards for subdivisions, development and improvement of land, and the construction of dwelling units. Requires the environmental council to adopt rules relating to transit ridership impact analysis for environmental assessments or impact statements relating to certain development projects.

(Editor's Note: HB2756 would allow any County Government--not just Honolulu--to reward favored landowners simply by declaring a certain area to be a "Bus Transit Center".)