Paintball firm hits bull’s eye with go signal from Zoning

After hearing arguments from both sides, the Zoning board approved last Thursday the conditional use permit request of Top Shot Playstation, which plans to run a paintball business in Sadog Tasi.

The applicant will be allowed under certain conditions to start the outdoor amusement facility on track number 22616 REM. Only a third of the 48,000 square-meter-property will be used for the business, which can be accessed from the Sadog Tasi Mobil gas station on Isa Drive or the Puerto Rico Shell gas station on Chalan Pale Arnold Road. The affected area is zoned as rural.

The board also limited Top Shot Playstation’s hours of operation from 8am to 5pm every day.

The company is also required to employ landscaping “where necessary” to screen from public view their parking lot and storage facilities, comply with storm water management requirements of the Division of Environmental Quality, provide netting surrounding the company property, and to employ “all reasonable measures” to ensure the safety of its players and the public.

Thursday’s board meeting was attended by at least 23 community members. Owners John and Carolyn Hosono, along with their staff and family members, represented Top Shot Playstation while residents of nearby properties that oppose the application were led by John and Lupe Borja-Robinson.

The Hosonos said they decided to put up the paintball business as an additional tourist attraction on island and to support their family. The paintball facility also aims to encourage the public to become active and stay outdoors instead of idling in front of a television or computer.

Those opposed to the project argued that the business would disrupt the peace and quiet in their neighborhood due to the sound made by paintball guns and the traffic it would create in their small area. They also raised concerns about the impact of a paintball facility on the environment and the safety of residents.

Samples of paintball equipment and gear were brought by the applicant to the hearing. The applicant also demonstrated the use of a paintball gun to prove that it won’t create noise pollution and that the paintballs are safe and environment-friendly.

Although the board voted unanimously on the application, they emphasized that the permit has conditions and they encouraged residents to monitor Top Shot Playstation to ensure that they follow the requirements or face the consequences.