Attorneys yesterday streamlined a quasi-judicial hearing over a California resident’s plan to build an estate on environmentally and culturally significant land on the North Shore.

The county Planning Commission must decide whether to approve the zoning, use and special management area permits that Charles Somers needs for a proposed 8,700-square-foot single-story home, 2,600-square-foot barn and 1,400-square-foot caretaker’s cottage on a knoll overlooking Kilauea Stream. The project’s overall footprint on the narrow 166-acre property is roughly 35,000 square feet, which includes lanais and landscaping.

The contested case hearing was closed after the third all-day session on the matter in three months at the Mo‘ikeha Building. It featured another round of expert witnesses who testified on the impact that the structures could have on the fragile ecosystem and possible mitigative measures.

The commission’s findings of fact, conclusions of law, decision and order is due June 16. Final arguments are slated for June 24. The public will be allowed to comment before the seven-member body votes on the permits.

Read more …

(Source: Kauai Garden Island News)