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Communication 939
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<br /> Resolution No. 383-06
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<br /> Page 2 of 4
<br /> 3. Pursuant to and consistent with the map attached hereto as "Exhibit A", the General Plan and
<br /> Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide map shall be amended to include Open, Resort, and Urban
<br /> Expansion area designations within the lands situate at and adjacent to the Honokohau Small Boat
<br /> Harbor that aze owned by the State Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the State
<br /> Department of Land and Natural Resources.
<br /> At the July 18, 2006 Planning committee meeting there were approximately eleven (11) members of the
<br /> public who presented testimony in opposition to Resolution No. 383-06 and approximately six (6)
<br /> members of the public who presented testimony in support of Resolution No. 383-06.
<br /> Public testifiers at the Hilo Council office were: Theresa Nakama (oppose), Kahu Kahai (oppose), David
<br /> Tamas, representing Jacoby Development (support), Mazk McGuffy, representing the Hawaii Island
<br /> Economic Development Board (support) and Russel Sugi, DLNR Land Division (support).
<br /> Public testifiers at the Kona Council office were: Fred Duer (support), Geri Bell representing the National
<br /> Pazk Service (comment), Jerry Schneyer (oppose), Rick Gaffney (support), Charles Flaherty (oppose),
<br /> Rick Vidgen (support), Janice Palma Glennie (oppose), Marian Wilkins (oppose), Una Greenaway
<br /> (oppose), Mikahala Roy (oppose), Kyle Daeta (support), Shannon Rudolph (oppose), Sue Aronson
<br /> (oppose) and Brenda Ford (oppose).
<br /> In addition to oral testimony submitted above, Committee Chair Pilago noted that some public
<br /> testimonies were submitted in writing and/or emailed from the following people: Phillip Moser
<br /> (opposed), Marie Aguilar (opposed), Marshall Blaan (opposed), Nancy Redfeather (opposed), David
<br /> Vaughn (support), Mr. Jacoby (support), Mikah Kane, DHHL (support), Peter Young, DLNR (support),
<br /> Rocky Mountain Institute (support), Billy Fields (support), Sue Vermillian (support), Sara Peck (support)
<br /> Doug Herkes (support) and Craig Chun (support).
<br /> Public testimony lasted approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. Opposition to Resolution 383-06 generally
<br /> expressed that it was premature and offensive and, as one testifier stated, "presents a lei of false Hawaii
<br /> around our sewage treatment plant rather than working with people to design development based on best
<br /> practices." Other sentiments in opposing the Resolution were that the Kona CDP process should be
<br /> completed first, the EIS process and public input has not even begun, is another example of putting the
<br /> cart before the horse, and appears to be paving the way for an extremely large scale resort development
<br /> for the wealthy before an application for the development is even on file with the County.
<br /> During committee discussions Planning Director Chris Yuen stated the Resolution was premature,
<br /> however if adopted, will have two effects: 1) is that the feasibility study is performed and 2), the proposed
<br /> interim charter amendments proceed for Council action. Should a negative recommendation result from
<br /> the feasibility study, the proposed interim amendments would still come back to the Council to be acted
<br /> upon. Director Yuen stated his opposition is based on the Fact that putting 2,500 time share units in Kona
<br /> presents such a huge growth generator at a time when Kona is currently struggling with impacts of
<br /> growth. The proposed development would have enormous impacts upon infrastrncture and services.
<br /> Director Yuen stated that Kona is like a pot boiling on the stove and, instead of turning down the heat,
<br /> we're turning it up. Director Yuen noted there are between 2,500 and 4,500 visitor units in North Kona.
<br /> This proposal would double existing inventory at a time when there are already 1,000 vacant jobs that
<br /> cannot be filled and no affordable housing for the much needed workers. He said we need to slow down
<br /> to accommodate existing rezonings first.
<br /> PC REPORT NO. 99
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