COM 0027.009 2000-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4.t1 IS Hawaii Island 106 Ramehamehe Avenue Hilo, Fleweti 96730 9 Phone (808) 936.7178 Fee (808) 961.44.% x tr Chamber of Commerce email ~t oe ~aece gohLLo coin a~hCe t'q~ TESTIMONY OF JAMES R KENNEDY BEFORE THE HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF THE GATEWAY CENTER ZONING REQUEST January 23, 2001 My name is James R. Kennedy and I live in Papa'ikou I am a Vice President of the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce, and the Chair of its Economic Development Committee The Hawau Island Chamber is over 100 years old and is the second oldest Chamber in the State It represents more than 400 businesses on the Big Island, most of which aze here on the east side The Chamber strongly supports the Gateway Center's zoning request This well-thought-out development will be a very positive addition to the East Hawau It wtll provide millions of constructions dollazs, hundreds of permanent tobs, and significant tax revenues For consumers, it will provlde facilities that well not only provlde added convenience for many in the Puna district, it will also provide a venue that may well attract an even broader vanety of shopping opportunities than we presently enjoy, which would be a benefit to all of East Hawaii We understand that Shipman has completed the revised traffic study requested last yeaz and that the Department of Transportation has reviewed the road design and found that the development will have "minimum impact" on the road system We note that, with the coming of the East Hawaii Campus of Kamehameha Schools, this area is also a natural choice for thoughtfully planned residential development In this context, the Gateway Center is a very complementary component for the future, as well as the present In conclusion, we think that the Gateway center is good and timely protect and we urge its approval Comm. No. ~ N51e No. Z ~ Ref. To: Alfilieted with the Chamber of Commerce of the United Stetee Ref. Date JAN 2 ~ ~nm