2019-06-06 Hearing Transcript - Autozone Parts REZ 06-052

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RASHID: No, no I think, I think everything is consistent. I think, like I said, we worked, took whatever comments we got from DPW previously and worked with DOT, and I don't see any conflict with anything that's being proposed, and I mean that, to be perfectly honest, that's an improvement that can actually be done separate from this project, and would still benefit the existing commercial uses in the neighborhood there. So, we don't see an issue with that whatsoever. YEE: I don't need an answer to this. Just a comment since you brought up working with the community. Say, give some thought to where you water spigot is and drainage for all the car washes that will occur there. CLARKSON: Are there any further questions? If not, gentlemen, thank you. At this time, we'll take public testimony on this application. Would Brian Shiroma and Dwight Vicente please come forward? Please raise your right hand. Do you swear or affirm to tell the truth on this matter before the Commission today? SHIROMA: I do. VICENTE: [No response.] CLARKSON: Please let the record show that Mr. Vicente is unsworn. Please introduce yourself and testify. SHIROMA: Okay, good morning, Mr. Chair, committee members. Thank you for allowing me to testify. My name is Brian Shiroma. I am president of H. Shiroma, Inc., the owners of the AutoZone project property. My grandfather, Hiroshi Shiroma, started the—started this property off as an agricultural development from the early 1960's. My grandfather and grandmother were very diligent in their combined efforts to make this business grow, and they were very—they had profited fruitfully and had been, humbly been started—from the start. We are a small family owned business that supports this AutoZone project. Based on the project's location amidst the surrounding commercial properties, and increased South Hilo and Puna District population, this would be a great opportunity for our community to have a, to have in close proximity, a national brand auto specialty parts dealership that is also an environmental leader in recycling and energy management. This is relevant today in Hawaii to have a leader within our community to bring in quality manufacturing parts and to have an added value partner for recycling and energy efficiencies. We believe AutoZone brings to our community quality parts and competitive pricing. All this and value to our community roads, making it safer and keeping our environment cleaner. We would like to reconfirm positively that we give our fullest support to this project and commitment to AutoZone. We humbly ask for your support also. Thank you. CLARKSON: Mr. Vicente? VICENTE: Good morning—is it on? Good morning, my name is Dwight Vicente representing the Hawaiian Kingdom. Unless you know the history here of the Hawaiian Kingdom, you'll be lost. There will be a lot of fraudulent claims that people own lands. If you go back to the late 1800's, under King Kalakaua, these lands were leased out as agricultural lands. They bumped it EXHIBIT A 18