2020-02-06 Exh A PD Initiated Vincent Tai REZ 13-167

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They are the neighbors have united. This is how close this area is, this subdivision. These people are they live there, I respect them, they respect me, I do as they ask, and I've always done it that way. I've had chicken problems, dog problems, they're all gone, yeah, because they asked me to remove `em, and I let the tenants know that this is to be a good neighbor. And, I think that's the key here is what is a good neighbor? You know, Mr. Tai is very disrespectful of his neighbors, and at best, uses a band-aid approach to fixing it, as he had proved just two days ago by clipping, not cutting down these dangerous trees and removing the roots that have grown into our properties. I think his testimony of I don't know trees—well, these trees are falling, all right? These trees are overbearing, their roots are going under our houses through the rock wall, so I don't know what more you need to see about a tree, right? And, this has been going on for years, yeah. He disregarded the condition of the rezoning, shows contempt in his compliance of the Planning Department in addition to the Department of Public Works. He is deceptive on his true intention on developing on the property by not following through on his promise to build, rather profit by the rezoning, which brings me to summarize that my testimony today that I strongly agree with Planning Director Yee's rezoning of this TMK: 2- 4:028:009. I want to thank him and his staff for bringing this action, to make this a better neighborhood, and its consistent with the zoning, current zoning of this neighborhood. Thank you, Commissioners, for your service, and I pray that the wrong that has been done can be corrected and set a positive precedence for our Big Island. And, please do not allow any deferment on this pressing issue. Thank you very much. Appreciate your time. RAFFIPIY: Thank you, Mr. Deluz. Ms. Toma? A. TOMA: Okay, my name is Ann Toma, and I live at 44 Hale Nani Street. I've lived there for 40+ years. Most of our neighbors are elderly, so they are not going to come out and say anything. In fact, I first encountered Mr. Tai when he first applied for zoning changes for this property. Of course, we were not happy with it. We tried but were not able to convince the Council or Planning Department about what the residents would likely go through should the affordable units be built. Mr. Tai convincingly said he wanted to be a good neighbor and listen to our complaints should any arise. September 5h, 2016, was the first time I contacted him regarding the tall trees, these trees are abutting our property and the potential of it falling and landing on our home. His response? He's not responsible for any damage caused to our home and that I should speak with my attorney and insurance company, and whenever I emailed him, that's the thing I got back. Contact your attorney; contact your insurance company. I did say we'll see what happens when the time comes. As far as I'm concerned, Mr. Tai's thoughts are always about money and nothing about the welfare of the long-time residents in the neighborhood. Our homes are our greatest asset, and of course, we want to take care of it. However, why should I have to initiate and pay for cutting of trees that are not on my property? Whenever there was an approaching hurricane or tropical storm, I would never stay in the family room for fear that one of the trees would fall. This is the reason why I continue to email Mr. Tai. He is response always came back, "contact your attorney and insurance company." Once he stated he would consider, well, he was willing to work with us to come up with the solution regarding the cutting or trimming of the trees. However, of course, we would have to pay a portion of the cost. My thinking is why do I have to pay a penny towards cutting a tree down or trees down that does not belong to me. EXHIBIT A 19