2009-06-30 TPALAMANUI - Laserfiche WebLink

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And finally, since the reason for eliminating the current residential requirement seems to be due to the economy, it seems fair to extend any current completion d number of residential units based on an upswing in the economy. This developer made a commitment to this county and received permits based on that commitment, or received the permits to go ahead. A few concessions on our part seem fair, but total forgiveness on that commitment is one-sided and unacceptab WATANABE: Do we have any questions of Mr. Sacher? Seeing none, thanks for your testimony. Mr. Freitas? FREITAS: Chairman Watanabe, Director Leithead, Members of the Commission, Aloha kakou. COMMISSIONERS: Aloha. FREITAS: My name is Rockne Freitas. IÓm the chancellor of HawaiÒi Community College and the University of HawaiÒi Center in Kealakekua. IÓm here to present testimony in support of PalamanuiÓs request for amendments. Let me state from the beginning. It is not about several developers making this request; it is about our partnership making this request. The University of HawaiÒi has known for a number of years that tertiary educational opportunities is sorely lacking in West HawaiÒi. So back in 1982 we offered the first classes here. In Ó96 the University of HawaiÒi Center was founded and housed in Kealakekua. In 2003 the Mitsunaga plan was completed that would have brought 75,000 square feet of educational space to Palamanui. In 2004 I entered into a formal partnership via an MOA with Palamanui. Now in 2009 we are finalizing our plans and design for a world-class community college at Palamanui. As you heard earlier, these buildings will be LEED Platinum and they will also house zero carbon footprint Î this is the first on this planet. In the interest of time IÓd like to summarize. Please support their request. It is not about trying to get out of an obligation, but due to economic conditions they are asking for reshuffling of the priorities, so they can move forward to build our infrastructure. And then we can complete our campus. A vote in support of PalamanuiÓs request is a vote for your community college. Mahalo. WATANABE: Thank you, Mr. Freitas. Do we have a -? Yes, Mr. Housel. HOUSEL: Chancellor Freitas -. FREITAS: Yes, sir. HOUSEL: We certainly share all your concerns about the need for a community college in West HawaiÒi. One of my big concerns is the timing of when this community college will be available, and if the economy does not improve in the near future, how much of a delay it may cause this community to lose their community college. Do you share those concerns also? EXHIBIT B 20