COM 0595.001 2020-2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

and recognizing that we have a role to play in building more affordable housing. I serve on the Vibrant Hawai`i Housing Coalition and there are a number of non-profit agencies and Community Associations that are constantly trying to address our islands affordable housing needs. I'm so impressed that Waikoloa Land is doing this and that they're doing it in the first phase of their development. In terms of the timeshare components and all of that, I will let the Commission make their decision. Thank you, I have one minute to summarize based on the bell. Is that correct? VITOUSEK: Thirty(30) seconds. DONOHO: 30 seconds. So, in terms of accountability, we pay seventy-three (73) million dollars in property taxes to the County of Hawai`i each year and pay nearly sixty(60) million in transient accommodations taxes and twenty-five (25) million in general excise taxes. We believe this project will be a very good addition to Waikoloa Land. Thank you for the opportunity to testify. VITOUSEK: Thank you very much we appreciate your time. Next, we have Bobby Brown. BROWN: Aloha everybody, my name is Bobby Brown, can you hear me? VITOUSEK: Yes. BROWN: Okay great. I am a union carpenter here in Kona coming before you to testify for Kumu Hou at Waikoloa. Also, standing with me today I have written testimony from a hundred and forty-six (146) of my brothers and sisters. They're out there working to put some food on the table today, so they couldn't be here. But I wanted to make mention of their written testimony I think everyone has it. I've been a carpenter here and a member of the Carpenters Union for over thirty-seven(37) years. I'm very familiar with the Waikoloa Land Company and the work that they do. I worked on many of their projects, they put a lot of food on my table, and I appreciate them. And here's our testimony that we're giving today, we strongly support plans for Kumu Hou at Waikoloa. For over forty (40) years the Waikoloa Land Company has been a thoughtful steward of the area, investing in and supporting the community and surrounding businesses. Kumu Hou is committed to using union labor throughout the projects development supporting hundreds of local laborers and our families and showcasing a deep commitment to Hawai`i island. Upon completion Kumu Hou will generate much needed jobs and housing for our local residents. The project will create economic momentum and an investment in our communities when we need it the most. Kumu Hou will generate an additional foot traffic for the surrounding businesses providing a steady stream of consumers who can ensure businesses, especially those who've been impacted by the decline of tourism, because of the pandemic. We want those businesses to have a chance to survive and thrive and this project will help do that. Kumu Hou is a smart, thoughtful development that will attract substantial new investment for the State and County of Hawaii. Through Kumu Hou, the Waikoloa Land Company is taking every opportunity to support Hawaii island residents and create a bright future for the Kohala 5 EXHIBIT B