2011-04-07 EXHIBITA - Laserfiche WebLink

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it also embodies several of the goals and strategies of the EDH 2025 Plan from developing a network of trails, paths, and green spaces for recreational use to creating more pedestrian friendly amenities – bike paths, parks, landscaping and interpretive signage. The Bayfront Trails project is a major step and an important project that will help to implement many of the actions in the EnVision Downtown Hilo 2025 Plan. It has received tremendous support from the community. Thank you very much. KERN: Any questions from the Commissioners for the testifier? Seeing none, thank you. Jon Miyata, name and address, and you may begin. MIYATA: Sure. Jon Miyata representing the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce, address is 483 Makanaa Street, Hilo. We are here on behalf of the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce which represents both large and small businesses on Hawai‘i Island and has approximately 300 member businesses comprising more than 700 individual members and are here in support of the Hilo Bayfront Trails project. We feel this project will greatly enhance the “Hilo” experience for our visitors and residents alike. The project would provide approximately 6 miles of bike and pedestrian paths from the Port of Hilo to Downtown. This will be a great place for families to ride bikes with their children and for visitors to walk along Hilo Bay, making for an easier and more enjoyable stroll to Downtown. This will also better promote Downtown Hilo and benefit many of our member businesses. This project is needed now; and we hope the Commission will approve the Special Management Area Use Permit. Thank you again for your consideration. KERN: Thank you. Any questions from Fellow Commissioners? Seeing none, thank you. Miles Yoshioka, name and address. YOSHIOKA: Good morning. My name is Miles Yoshioka, 106 Puhili Place in Hilo. I am the office manager for the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce whose office is located in Downtown Hilo. But I am here today as an individual who works in the Downtown area and has direct contact with our visitors and cruise ship passengers. I would like to express my support for the Hilo Bayfront Trails project. Our town really is a beautiful place and this project will make the Bayfront area even more attractive for our community and visitors alike. The planned improvements which include benches, parking, bike racks and signage will create safe pathways which will encourage usage by our families, recreational walkers and joggers. If you could visualize the nearly constant use the walkways surrounding Liliuokalani Gardens presently receive, now imagine that along all of Hilo Bayfront. It may even get me to start walking regularly. 6 EXHIBIT B