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<br /> <br /> <br /> r <br /> <br /> Support for Bill No. 309 (Amendment E-4) <br /> Submission by, Tim Robertson, Owner Operator Melton Tackle (808)-329-0800 <br /> <br /> ? Growth and Change <br /> ? We all recognize that growth and change must occur on the Big Island of Hawaii and in the Kona <br /> community <br /> <br /> ? It is incumbent upon us to make sure we develop our area responsibly and for the betterment of the <br /> community. <br /> ¦ This means improving the infrastructure of our community, including; roads, water, schools and <br /> hospitals <br /> ¦ At the present time the only established business sector on the island capable of generating enough <br /> revenue to actually impact the community is Tourism. <br /> <br /> ? The Project <br /> ? The revenue driver of the Kona Kai Ola project will be the mixed-use Marina. <br /> ¦ The revenue these entities can create for the community would be able to fund the improved <br /> infrastructure needed for our area (roads, schools hospitals etc), but more importantly it would <br /> probably develop a new economy for the region. <br /> • The Marina itself would have approximately 800 slips, which represents about 300,000,000 <br /> worth of boats. The boats will spend between 15% - 20% of their value on repairs and <br /> maintenance per year (this does not include fuel or sundries for daily boat operation) <br /> ? This will create hundreds of new, high paying jobs for the community in anew SIC and be a <br /> driver to help develop a sustainable middle economy that is struggling to emerge. <br /> <br /> ? The Benefactors <br /> ? The Community has to be the number one benefactor, this means The Jacoby Group, DLNR and DHHL <br /> have to be good partners to the Kona community. Revenue generated here, must stay here to support the <br /> proper growth and development of Kona and surrounding areas. <br /> <br /> ? Small businesses, like mine will benefit as will the community being serviced by them. <br /> ¦ On a personal note, I in always kidded by friends about my support for this project because they <br /> believe it will increase our business, but what no one seems to recognize is that it will also bring <br /> increased competition which is good for the community. I don t see anyone complaining about <br /> having Lowes, Home Depot, Wal-Mart and Cost-Co to shop at. The only comment I here is we <br /> want a Target store . Competition between businesses is good for the community because it <br /> improves service and keeps prices in line for consumers. <br /> ? The younger generations should benefit the most with better schools and better opportunities to live and <br /> work in Kona, right now this is a real problem and if we don t start building this community, they will <br /> suffer the MOST on both fronts. <br /> <br /> ? Going Forward <br /> ? The Community and it s elected officials are ultimately responsible for making the right decision(s) on <br /> this project. There are a lot of questions that need to be answered. Is Jacoby a good Partner? Will the <br /> state and county ensure Kona s community interests are protected? <br /> <br /> ? I personally have been in business dealings with The Jacoby Group and know them to be extremely <br /> ethical and competent, but Kona must perform their own due diligence on this matter. <br /> Q •Z9 <br /> (:amm. No. <br /> P,=f, To: Ffovww_ <br /> Raf. Uate AUG 2,3 2006 <br />