2020-10-15 Leeward Exh B (Public Testimony re AMEND SMA 388)

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overrun as a result it submitted updated building plans which were approved in May 2017. As usual nothing has been accomplished since then. Meanwhile the recent pandemic has decimated the tourism industry around the world. It will likely take years to recover. So, I ask you how can we expect DRI to complete the proposed construction within the next 5 years under this weak economic forecast when it was unable to do so during the previous seven (7) years of strong economic growth? For these reasons, we ask you to deny this time extension request. DRI should be required to apply for a new SMA permit based on updated building plans that must be thoroughly evaluated by the Hawaii Planning Department to determine the potential impact on the environment and"- - - " in Kona. Alternatively, DRI could sell or donate the property to the County through the Public Access Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC). CARR SMITH: Thank you Heidi your time is up. RUFFNER: Thank you, mahalo. M. KOTULAK: I think I'm working now. CARR SMITH: Okay, are there any questions Commissioners for Heidi? Okay, seeing none thank you very much Heidi you can drop off the call we appreciate your patience. RUFFNER: Thank you very much. CARR SMITH: Okay, Margo and Frank let's give it another try here. Let's start with you Margo. M. KOTULAK: Okay, my names is Margo Kotulak. My husband Frank and I have been staying in Kailua-Kona for more than nine (9) years and have been small business STVR property owners at Kona Reef next to the property in question for five (5)years. We had to walk by this derelict eyesore which we believe reflects negatively on the Leeward Planning Commission and the Kailua-Kona Community. Diamond Resorts International (DRI) has done nothing to improve this property during the last decade and we believe they do not deserve the requested for extension for doing nothing. We honestly thought they were bankrupt. Their past action should be considered as the primary reason for denying this extension. We are specially concerned about the proposed changes in the plan which would significantly increase the number of potential guests and negatively impact local traffic and parking capacity. We believe that some significant changes in their plans have not gone through any public vetting process. If that's true that's is also reason for denying approval of this extension. Therefore, we recommend that the Planning Commission should reject the extension request and require DRI to do one of three things. One, despite their inability to act on a plan approved twenty-two (22) years ago and the fact they have not provided off-site improvements like curb, gutters, sidewalks, and utility relocations required by their 2014 extension. They should be required to create and get approval of a new plan which has a lower rental density. Due to 3 EXHIBIT B