2003-10-03 TRUTTER - Laserfiche WebLink

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MATSUYAMA:Thank you, Commissioner. My name is Burke Matsuyama, and I live in Kalaoa, Kona. I am the president of the Kohanaiki Business Park Association, and I come here today in support of the application. Everyone on the Commission, and especially the Commissioners from Kona, recognizes the importance of Kohanaiki to our community. It is a place where I go with my family to recreate on the weekends and, in fact, my eldest son is seldom home because he's surfing at the most popular surf site, Pine Trees. Kohanaiki provides a place for Kona families to rest and recreate and, most importantly, create ` memories that make living in Hawaii so unique and wonderful. But all of us know the dark history of Kohanaiki, drug use, rave parties, the homeless problems, rubbish, and abandoned cars, and the list can go on and on. This, too, has been the history of Kohanaiki. However, since the Rutter Group has taken control over the property, and with collaboration with groups like Karen's, the rubbish has been cleaned up, abandoned cars towed away, homeless problems addressed. I have personally seen the changes happen. And what it signifies to me is that the developer recognizes the importance of the property, not only as an economic asset but more importantly the value of the land as a community resource. This plan that you will be reviewing reflects this sensitivity and understanding. It is the culmination of over one year of hard work based upon a spirit of collective stewardship between Rutter, Angel, Jim, Curtis, the administration, and the community. Being personally involved in the process, I know that Dave and Ray from the Rutter organization is committed to continue this spirit of cooperation with the community at large. We also recognize the history of controversy with this land. Any feint hearted politician would steer clear of this community issue, but our Mayor is not your run of the mill politician. He has not only shown vision and dedication, but by personally getting involved with the process, he has shown courage. The Kona community owes a large debt of gratitude to Mayor Kim. In conclusion, I would urge the Commission Godspeed in approving this application. We need to continue the positive momentum started a year ago between Rutter Development and community leaders. I am very confident that the process will yield a project that all of us in Kona can be proud of. Thank you. GALDONES:Thank you, Mr. Matsuyama. Commissioners, any questions of Mr. Matsuyama? Commissioner Springer. SPRINGER:Mr. Matsuyama, did I understand you to say that you were a member of the community working group? MATSUYAMA:Yes. SPRINGER:Thank you. 29