2010-03-05 TPD ENVISION - Laserfiche WebLink

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to preserve and promote the character, health and safety, and the economic potential of Downtown Hilo for future generations.” Where is there economic analysis or even a modicum of common sense in thinking that increased regulation is going to accomplish this? Even without regulations the economics of new building in Downtown Hilo do not work out. The rents affordable will simply not support the investment required. And without sufficient parking and other space constraints, the popular “big box” retailers will not even touch the area. You know, I’m a great believer in property rights, and I think most people are, including those who have worked on the EDH project and government employees and commissioners as well. Wherever they may live, in Hilo proper, in Puna, elsewhere, if they own property I would ask how they would like new restrictive regulations forced upon them. Health and safety issues are a legitimate concern. I do not object to reasonable regulations there. But even then, changing in circumstances need to be considered. An example, in the 1946 and 1960 tsunamis we did not have the warning systems that are now in place. Look what happened last week. Everyone was out of the area in an hour before the projected wave was scheduled to arrive. Now as to property owners within the area, they are stuck with the risk. If they don’t want to assume that risk, let them sell out. If they want to improve their property, or rebuild, or do whatever despite sound economics, it’s using their money and it’s at their risk. If the government wants to be paternal, let them buy everything out and do another redevelopment project outside the tsunami zone. So rather than enact more regulations, let’s do away with most that we have. You know, if you look at it analytically, EDH 2025 effectively creates a commercial gated subdivision, replete with CC&Rs. In gated residential subdivisions, property owners are there by choice, not by fiat. And they protect property values, not destroy them. Will this negate the work that has gone into EDH 2025? Not necessarily. Let there be walking pathways, let there be greenery, let there be vitas, whatever. Let the government or whoever else has a “vision”, do what they are willing to do to attain their wish list. But let’s not let “vision” be imposed at the expense of others and the taking of property rights. You know, evolution is a constant, it’s beneficial, it’s unstoppable. The values and aspirations of my generation are not the values and aspirations of my children, nor of their children. Just as I have nostalgia for what existed in my younger days, the EDH represents the nostalgia of the present generation, at least for those working on it. I’m not sure exactly how representative that is. It would be interesting if we could really envision what will appeal to future generations, but we can’t. One thing I am certain of, however, whatever happens to Downtown Hilo will ultimately be the result of two things: Mother Nature and Economics, not a so-called “Vision”. And, like the change that has occurred in the past, it will be for the better. Thank you for the opportunity to share this. I do have written testimony, I didn’t observe your rules in submitting it in time. I will leave it if you wish. WOODWARD: Very good. Yes, you’re welcome to since we will be, this will be addressed in the future in any case. Commissioner Domingo. 4 EXHIBIT B