2020-10-15 Leeward Exh A (Public Testimony re SPP 20-000219)

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CARR SMITH: Thank you Lisa appreciate it. Any questions for Lisa, Commissioners? Seeing none, thank you very much, thank you for also dropping off the call so that we can lessen the number of windows in front of us. Same for you Mr. Helmuth if you don't mind ending the call you can watch the meeting on the YouTube URL that was provided. Thank you both. Okay, moving on to Joan Channon. Joan Channon. CHANNON: I'm here, am I online. CARR SMITH: Yeah, there you are. Okay, go ahead Joan. Thank you very much. CHANNON: Thank you. I just want to clarify for the Commissioners since I asked about the logistics of this before you see a map. Most everyone that is testifying against this permit lives in a private gated community across the highway. So, they are pretty separate and distinct. I came here in 1986 and I did what Christie did. I bought a hundred(100)year old building in downtown Haw!. It's now Bamboo Restaurant and I had the same issue. There were no permits. So, when these people who don't live on the island but live in a fancy retirement community say there were no permits. These are old structures. The same as I dealt with and everything was grandfathered in. So, I have a restaurant that's been operating almost thirty (30)years in town and I have twenty- five (25) employees. Who are now out of work and I don't really want to speak so much for myself or my retirement or being able to look at the stars in a beautiful place. I want to speak for the people of Kohala. We need jobs and Christie has never done anything but support and hire people in this community and do great events for the community. It's all been non-profit; it's been beautiful bringing events and bringing people in who support the community. Like Lisa said they eat in my restaurant that is what enables me to keep 25 people in town. So, on the behalf of the people of Kohala we support this permit. We need the permit. We need the agriculture that she is going to bring. I will buy the produce for the restaurant and I will employ people. The people that stay overnight will come and eat in the restaurant. The whole notion of doing farm to table is perfect and we can participate that. Arts and crafts market. There are a lot of artists right now because my restaurant and gallery are closed. Who are on unemployment so, I would urge you to allow this Special Permit for someone who is only giving great things to the community. Thank you very much. CARR SMITH: Thank you Joan, appreciate your testimony. Commissioners, any questions, Barbara go ahead. DEFRANCO: Hi Joan, thank you for making it clear about the logistics of Puakea Ranch and Puakea Bay. Because that was a little confusing for me too. I thank you for that. CHANNON: Your welcome. They're two very separate. DEFRANCO: Yeah. 14 EXHIBIT A