KCFCU proposes Kilauea branch; board and neighbors flag zoning, road and drainage concerns

Kauai Community Federal Credit Union representatives presented architectural renderings and a storyboard to the Kilauea Neighborhood Association on June 8 proposing a branch on the Bill Hayes property across from the post office.

Board President Yoshi L’Hote and several directors heard questions from residents about zoning and infrastructure. Carrie Souza said she was "concerned with infra-structure and traffic impact," and Bill Troutman warned the site access road Ala Namahana Blvd. is "not improved" and would need to be brought up to code. Developers and county rules likely require a subdivision application for the parcel before the project can proceed.

During the discussion, Ron Paul and Beryl Blaich raised whether the parcel's zoning would allow the proposed use. Tim Kallai pressed for drainage and wastewater plans. Andy Friend, speaking from the audience, said the current developer (the Hunt group) carries the initial responsibility to upgrade roads and that if permits lapse the next developer — in this case KCFCU — would have to complete upgrades for greater traffic demand.

KCFCU's architect Mark Ventura and the credit union team said the plan could be modified and that there is room in the design to respond to community input. Ginny Shinn suggested the project follow the local stone building motif. Treasurer Gary Pacheco praised KCFCU's service history to the community.

The board did not take a formal vote on the proposal. Instead, directors agreed to step back, examine the planning consequences of a subdivision change and engage the landowner and planning officials before making any endorsement or opposition.

Votes and next steps: the presentation prompted the long-term planning committee to place the issue on its agenda for further review and to pursue dialogue with the property owner and county planning staff.