2010-03-05 TPD CDH - Laserfiche WebLink

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Namely, the former Western Auto Building on Haili Street, the former Farmers Exchange Building on Kinoole Street, and the Canario Building at the corner of Kamehameha and Haili Streets, just mauka of the Palace Theater, I’m sorry, makai of the Palace Theater. I’m sure you’re all aware of the fact that the Western Auto Building was reluctantly, recently sold, and will soon be the home of a McDonald’s Restaurant here in Downtown Hilo. I’m sure you are also aware that the zoning for that particular parcel is multi family dwellings, hotels, and the like. My family’s ultimate plan for that property was to build: * at least 1 floor of parking, possibly 2, much needed in the Downtown Hilo area, * 1 floor of commercial space, and * 3 floors of condominiums, which would surely enhance Downtown Hilo, and promote residency in the area. About a year prior to even considering the offer from McDonald’s, I personally shared my family’s vision of building the previously mentioned complex on the site with the County’s Planning Department, and did not get a favorable response about our vision. Why? The height of the proposed development. Although we did not build the complex, we ran into numerous obstacles with the City and County in the process of attempting to utilize the complex as it currently stands, which ultimately led us to our decision to consider the offer from McDonald’s. As previously mentioned, we are the largest local family in the State of Hawaii, and are here to stay. We are not speculators, and love to refurbish these old towns, just as we have done in Paia, and the Haiku Cannery, on Maui. We ask that you give the proposed amendments to change the height limit in Downtown Hilo some close consideration, as any future proposed developments could, and should, be reviewed individually, as they are presented. Without claiming to be a legal expert to any degree, it appears that some of the other proposed changes on the table today may violate the rights of property owners, thereby leaving the County of Hawaii open for possible future legal ramifications, at these already dismal economic times. In closing, I am awed that the “powers that be” proposing the change in the height limit in Downtown Hilo has never contacted my family, or any other property owner I know of in the Downtown area, about the proposed changes in the height limit in Downtown Hilo. We need to promote revitalizing Downtown Hilo, while still retaining the charm, and get away from the “Old Plantation Town” mentality. Again, mahalo for allowing me to share my mana’o with you today. 7 EXHIBIT C