2024-03-18 PL-SPP-2024-000061 M. Ryer Testimony

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Mihaela Ryer 2870 Kaiwiki Rd Hilo, HI 96720 18 March 2024 Hawaii County Planning Department 101 Pauahi St. #3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 To whom it may concern: This letter is in response to a `Notice of Submittal of Application and Planning Commission Hearing Special Permit Request(PL-SPP-2024-000061)' sent on January 25, 2024 to property owners within 500 feet of the perimeter boundary of parcel TMK: (3) 2-6-011:001. The Application is for allowing a "Four(4)-Bedroom Bed & Breakfast Establishment" on a portion of the above mentioned property. My property is located within 500 feet of the perimeter boundary of the above mentioned parcel. The upper Kaiwiki Road neighborhood is a harmonious community where property owners strive to create a healthy, safe and supportive environment, while being respectful of each property owner's right to use their land as they desire. As property owners, we try to maintain the spirit of the community and the rural, peaceful character of the place we call home. Our neighborhood has an agricultural zoning, which, as property owners, we strongly believe plays a vital role in the Big Island's economy and culture. This zoning is an essential tool for: • Preserving the island's unique character and open spaces, • Promoting sustainable agriculture, • Protecting natural resources, such as water, soil and life habitats. The above mentioned Special Permit Request has the potential to alter our community in several important ways. The four main categories that may be negatively impacted by this Special Permit(if approved) are as follows: 1) Land Use; 2) Environment; 3) Infrastructure; and 4) Disturbance of neighboring properties. 1. Land Use impact: Allowing transient accommodation on agricultural land can set a bad precedent of converting agricultural land into non-agricultural commercial uses. This will lead to the loss of land for