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<br /> They are—the neighbors have united. This is how close this area is, this subdivision. These
<br /> people are—they live there, I respect them, they respect me, I do as they ask, and I've always
<br /> done it that way. I've had chicken problems, dog problems, they're all gone, yeah, because they
<br /> asked me to remove `em, and I let the tenants know that this is to be a good neighbor.
<br /> And, I think that's the key here is what is a good neighbor? You know, Mr. Tai is very
<br /> disrespectful of his neighbors, and at best, uses a band-aid approach to fixing it, as he had proved
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<br /> just two days ago by clipping, not cutting down these dangerous trees and removing the roots
<br /> that have grown into our properties. I think his testimony of I don't know trees—well, these
<br /> trees are falling, all right? These trees are overbearing, their roots are going under our houses
<br /> through the rock wall, so I don't know what more you need-to-see about a tree, right? And, this
<br /> has been going on for years, yeah. He disregarded the condition of the rezoning, shows
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<br /> contempt in his compliance of the Planning Department in addition to the Department of Public
<br /> Works. He is deceptive on his true intention on developing on the property by not following
<br /> through on his promise to build, rather profit by the rezoning, which brings me to summarize that 3
<br /> my testimony today that I strongly agree with Planning Director Yee's rezoning of this TMK: 2- j
<br /> 4:028:009. I want to thank him and his staff for bringing this action, to make this abetter
<br /> neighborhood, and its consistent with the zoning, current zoning of this neighborhood. Thank
<br /> you, Commissioners, for your service, and I pray that the wrong that has been done can be
<br /> corrected and set a positive precedence for our Big Island. And, please do not allow any
<br /> deferment on this pressing issue. Thank you very much. Appreciate your time.
<br /> RAFFIPIY: Thank you, Mr.Deluz. Ms. Toma?
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<br /> A. TOMA: Okay, my name is Ann Toma, and I live at 44 Hale Nani Street. I've lived therefor
<br /> 40+years. Most of our neighbors are elderly, so they are not going to come out and say
<br /> anything. In fact, I first encountered Mr. Tai when he first applied for zoning changes for this
<br /> property. Of course,we were not happy with it. We tried but were not able to convince the
<br /> Council or Planning Department about what the residents would likely go through should the
<br /> affordable units be built. Mr. Tai convincingly said he wanted to be a good neighbor and listen
<br /> to our complaints should any arise. September 5`h, 2016, was the first time I contacted him j
<br /> regarding the tall trees, these trees are abutting our property and the potential of it falling and
<br /> landing on our home. His response? He's'riot responsible for any damage caused to our home
<br /> and that I should'speak with my attorney and insurance company, and whenever I emailed him,
<br /> that's the thing I got back. Contact your attorney; contact your insurance company. I did say
<br /> we'll see what happens when the time comes. As far as I'm concerned, Mr. Tai's thoughts are
<br /> always about money and nothing about the welfare of the long-time residents in the
<br /> neighborhood. Our homes are our greatest asset, and of course, we want to take care of it.
<br /> However, why should I have to initiate and pay for cutting of trees that are not on my property?
<br /> Whenever there was an approaching hurricane or tropical storm, I would never stay in the family 3
<br /> room for fear that one of the trees would fall. This is the reason why I continue to email Mr. Tai.
<br /> He is response always came back, "contact your attorney and insurance company." Once he
<br /> stated he would consider, well, he was willing to work with us to come up with the solution
<br /> regarding the cutting or trimming of the trees. However, of course, we would have to pay a
<br /> portion of the cost. My thinking is why do I have to pay a penny towards cutting a tree down or
<br /> trees down that does not belong to me.
<br /> DRAFT
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