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HIATT & HIATT <br />Jerry M. Hiatt Hon. Mahilani E.K. Hiatt (Ret.) <br />(808) 937-4179; jtaw .corn (808) 938-7841; meh(a),hiattlaw.eom <br />Leeward Planning Commission <br />Hawai`i County Planning Department <br />101 Aupuni Street, Suite 3 <br />Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 <br />Re: Ka `upulehu Land LLC — Subdision of Lot 11-A, Pu'ukapu Homesteads 1st Series <br />Kamuela, District of South Kohala TMK: (3) 6-4-024:027 <br />March 12, 2023 <br />Via email only Planning@hawaiicounty.gov <br />Dear Members of the Planning Commission: <br />I am writing to voice my support for Ka`upulehu Land LLC's proposed subdivision of their <br />5+ acre property at Pu'ukapu Homesteads in Waimea. I live in Ahualoa, about 25 minutes from <br />the property, and I am very familiar with that location, having driven past it frequently for more <br />than 30 years. I have also known John Metzler, a principal of the owner of this property, for more <br />than 20 years. I am very familiar with the quality projects that John has built over his 50+ years <br />of doing business here in Hawai`i. Based on my extensive contact with John, I can safely say that <br />this subdivision will be well planned, beautifully designed, completed on time and will have the <br />best interests of the community as its ultimate purpose. There is clearly a very serious shortage of <br />housing on the Big Island, especially for young people, and the existing 5 acre zoning on this <br />parcel is no longer consistent with surrounding uses, as Waimea has expanded. <br />It is also true that the demand for locally sourced agricultural products has been steadily <br />growing and this project may present opportunities for the residents on this proposed subdivision <br />to participate in the many surrounding farmers markets. This project has been designed to be <br />affordable enough for our young families, while offering enough space for a range of intensive <br />agricultural activities. The existing homes there already compliment Waimea's upcountry style <br />and it has been assured that any new homes there will also be designed and built to honor this <br />traditional style. For all of these reasons, I believe the project will be helpful for the community <br />and a better use for the existing land. <br />Thank you for taking the time to consider these comments. I would also be very happy to <br />answer any questions you may have about John. I may be reached at the number noted above. <br />Aloha, <br />Je M. Hiatt <br />xc: John Metzler (via email) <br />46-3976 Pu'aono Road, Honoka'a, Hawaii 96727 (Hiattlaw.com) <br />