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So, this is not a direction that I think is the right way to go. So, I'd
<br /> be very concerned if this amendment is made, when it comes up.
<br /> But I understand why you did it, and there's a lot of logic behind it,
<br /> but I would be very careful on using this as a direction of
<br /> precedent for the County of Hawaii. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
<br /> ACTING CHR. SMITH: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Ray.
<br /> MR. RAY: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Generally, I'm very much
<br /> in favor of this project. I think it's well suited for the region, and I
<br /> think Mr. Reynolds, you know, comments about the build out, you
<br /> know, time frame, actually is considerably more lengthy than that,
<br /> as far as, you know, the next couple of years. I don't thi~ilc we will
<br /> see, I think it's more like the next 20 years, actually before, as was
<br /> represented before we see full build out of this project. So, we're
<br /> looking at more of a 15-20 year time frame.
<br /> But, I share Mr. Yagong's concern, you lurow, partially, anyway,
<br /> and this is more just a word of caution, and I'll leave it up to
<br /> Ms. Leithead-Todd. I saw her shaking her head and nodding, as
<br /> far as specific language on the impacts. I believe Mr. Yagong,
<br /> these monies have to be spent regionally anyway. It's not monies
<br /> that can be spent in Waimea or Hamakua.
<br /> But, in regard to the speci5city of the money for Kahalu'u, you
<br /> know, I would caution. You know, one instance comes to mind as
<br /> to recent work that was done at the old airport, being able to
<br /> greatly expand that sports complex, I think, clearly made sense
<br /> from a regional standpoint, that whatever monies were, you know,
<br /> available, and may have been collected, that probably was the
<br /> appropriate use and focus of those monies. You know, and if I had
<br /> to make a choice regionally, versus expanding Kahalu'u Beach
<br /> Park, you know, a couple of years ago, versus putting the money
<br /> into the Old Airport Complex, 1 think clearly, from a regional
<br />
<br /> standpoint, that the monies would have been more better spent at
<br />
<br /> the Old Airport Complex.
<br />
<br /> Just a word of caution, you know, I think we do have to look at a
<br /> regional impact. I mean, clearly, from an overall recrcational
<br /> standpoint, the Old Airport Complex is the key recreational
<br />
<br /> serving, you know, the overall Kona region, and I think that needs
<br />
<br /> to be always kept in mind.
<br />
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