2008-06-20 TKONAHEIGHTS - Laserfiche WebLink

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One of the biggest issues that we are addressing is unchecked fossil fuel cost us that’s increasing. And we know that it’s going to be a huge impact on this island. And this is one of the first major projects that are stepping forward to make sure that these things happen. Now, as the Planning Commission, you need to make sure that the project developers as well as the plan designs that come through, that they make sure that they build green, that they use whatever green buildings or LEED buildings the LEED points that they need to use, that it comes through; because if they don’t do that, then it’s -, then you should cut their line. But if they come through, which I believe that they will after talking to George Atta and listening to what he has to say, as well as the developers of the project, I believe that that is going to come through, and they’re going to put their best effort forward to make sure that the things that they put together is going to be beneficial to Kona. And this is the first project. Now, all we’ve got to do is make all of the other projects exactly like this, and we’re going to do good. Mahalo. RHO: Thank you. Questions? If not, we have two additional testifiers – if you can step back – Tami Gouveia and Mikahala Roy. Can I swear both of you in. Can raise your right hand. Do you swear or affirm to tell the truth now before the Planning Commission? ROY: I do. GOUVEIA: Yes. RHO: Okay. Let’s begin with you, Tami. Your name and mailing address. GOUVEIA: My name is Tami Gouveia, and my mailing address is 73-1427 Kaloko Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI. And I’m here in support of La‘ipala Makai. I graduated Konawaena High School. Mr. Rho was one of my counselors. I, just a child of the residents of Kona and grew up in this community, and I just wanted to share some of my feelings about it. I have known one of the developers, well, the developers for two years now. And I learned about the project about two years ago, what their intentions were. And to be invited to be a part of it as it grows up and continues to be, you know, go through the controversy into the next stage of approval, I think I’m honored to be here. I have five kids of my own and I have to raise that have to come from school here locally. And some of the things that they’ve talked about with me are, that are important to them, are the educational funds. Of course, I’m not going to – excuse me – I’m not going to repeat what everybody else is saying. I totally believe in this project. I think what they’ve brought to Kona is wonderful as far as the development of it. I’ve seen the pictures. In fact, there’s a board out in front that has pictures of everything that they’re displaying that they’re going to be building. And the rainwater harvesting system for irrigation, the solar panels, the photovoltaic, I’ve just seen some here and there of properties outside of Kona Community, but down in the south end of the island and over in the Hilo district or Keaau, that have off-grid dwellings; and it really makes the living a lot cheaper for those of us who live here. And, you know, the cost of fuel -, I have a diesel truck and I have a gas vehicle, and I figured that I’d buy the diesel because EXHIBIT A 21