2024-11-20 Nancy Carr Smith Testimony #5, #6 & #7

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Nancy Carr Smith 65-1174 Kahawai St. Kamuela, HI 96743 808-896-2239 nancy(Ebalohakohalarealty.com November 19, 2024 Barbara DeFranco, Chair Leeward Planning Commission Via email: 1pctestimony()hawaiicountyg_ov Regarding: LPC Agenda for November 21, 2024 Testimony in Support of items 5, 6, and 7 Aloha Chair DeFranco and members of the Leeward Planning Commission, My name is Nancy Carr Smith, and I am a resident of Waimea on Hawaii Island. I am testifying on my own behalf, in support of Hawaii Island Community Development Corporation (HICDC) 1) State Land Use District Boundary Amendment from an Agricultural District to an Urban District for a 14.321 acre portion of a larger 237.5 acre parcel of land, 2) Change of Zone from an Agricultural 1 acre zoning district to a Single Family Residential 10,000 sq ft, for the 14.321 acre portion of a larger 237.5 acre parcel of land, and 3) a Planned Unit Development for a 43 lot, single family residential subdivision on a 14.321 acre portion of a larger 237.5 acre parcel of land. This project of HICDC's is desperately needed in Waimea. The self-help component along with the affordable housing for sale, are two middle sections of the market that tend to be missing in Waimea. Our kama'aina are watching their kids move to the mainland because they cannot afford to live here, and having these housing products as an option,will provide a possible option for a segment of our community that needs help with affordability. The self-help concept is excellent as it requires the purchaser sweat equity and"buy in"in terms of labor to help build their own home.There is a lot of value in that, on a variety of levels.We are fortunate to have this opportunity in our own backyard, and especiallywith the land having been donated, which cuts down on the cost for HICDC. We all know that these days the cost to build is often out of reach, but we are fortunate to have Keith Kato and his team at HICDC, along with their experience and knowledge of this entire process, at the helm of this important project. HICDC deserves all of our support in order to provide this timely, and affordable opportunity to 43 fortunate families.We should be applauding them for the efforts, along with the land donor,who is helping to make this possible. Let's support housing for locals, by approving Planning Director Kern's recommendation for approval and forwarding a positive vote to the County Council. Mahalo for your consideration! Nancy Carr Smith