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touched on this, to ensure that this community and the affected landowners and citizens
<br />are able to participate in the decision-making process and that these decisions are not
<br />made in a window-less room in another county far away from here and then present it.
<br />And I think, while I realize that none of us has authority, other than citizens, over the
<br />Department of Transportation, Highways Division, I canÓt imagine that they would want
<br />to enter into some kinds of planning agreements or documents that would create further
<br />problems for them in the future.
<br />And last evening the Mayor said that after he heard my comments that, indeed, he would
<br />be working towards that. Mr. Matsuyama, himself, Burke Matsuyam
<br />and if I mis-characterized your testimony, sir, I hope youÓll correct me, indicated the
<br />willingness of his group to collaborate with the Kohanaiki, excuse me, with Rutter
<br />Development, Kennedy Wilson, LLC, which will be developing the K
<br />I have personally met with Mr. Fuke to learn more about this when I read about it in the
<br />newspaper and he has been kind enough to come to Kona and spend
<br />again, I have strongly urged him on behalf of his representative, his Applicant, to see
<br />what they do to coordinate this. IÓve also spoken with the representatives of Rutter
<br />Development, Kennedy Wilson.
<br />The potential for a traffic congestion disaster out there is great because of the close
<br />proximity of these properties, and thatÓs because of the mauka-makai ahupuaÒa system.
<br />And, indeed, Kamaaina Eight has spent untold, perhaps millions i
<br />hundreds of thousands of dollars to put in a channelized intersection which, to me, from a
<br />common sense standpoint ought to be aligned with properties on the makai side.
<br />Certainly, and thereÓs another intervening parcel, the LeeÓs parcel. And Mr. Yuen was
<br />there last night, he heard me speak about this as well.
<br />So, I urge the Commission, in short, I urge the Commission to take the time if necessary
<br />to obtain the information regarding this whole area. DonÓt do this in a segmented
<br />fashion. Make sure you understand the cumulative impacts. And if the Commission is
<br />concerned about the timeliness of a response for a particular agency, in this case the
<br />Highways Division, I would urge the Commission, through your Chair, to contact the
<br />Division and ask them to come, to be here, so you could ask them
<br />after all, that is their kuleana. That highway is under their jurisdiction and they work for
<br />all of us. And if you have specific questions, and IÓm glad that you do, I would urge you
<br />to ask them to come here, or at least their representative, perhaps the district engineer
<br />who might be able to speak for the branch chief, branch engineer. And I think this could
<br />go a long ways, not only for yourselves but for those of us who live here to hear.
<br />It was suggested by Mr. Fuke that if this matter were to be continued, then it should,
<br />because of the length of time, that the, it should be continued to the next hearing in Hilo,
<br />nd
<br />I believe it was the September 22, and I would urge you in the strongest terms, please
<br />donÓt continue this to Hilo. The people in Kona will be greatly penalized if you continue
<br />this to Hilo in a work day. ItÓs hard enough for most people to
<br />time. And this is important enough, not only for the Applicant, but certainly for all of
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