2024-12-12 Tlaloc Tokuda Testimony

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From: Tlaloc Tokuda To: LPCtestimonv Subject: OPPOSE Kona Hawaii Development,LLC(PL-SMA-2023-000038) Date: Thursday, December 12, 2024 1:05:58 PM Dear Leeward Planning Commission, You have a request from Kona Hawaii Development, LLC (a subsidiary of Diamond Resorts International), to DOUBLE in size their EXPIRED permit in order to build a 100+ room hotel located at 75-5868 Ali'i Drive, with the only access via tiny Kahakai Road. This property has a long timeline of applications with failure to follow through dating from 1998. Diamond Resorts International claims this project will have no impact on traffic, water, sewer, runoff. The LPC should read and ACT accordingly to District 8 Council member, Dr Inaba, who submitted this testimony strongly opposing this project. Dr Inaba always talks for the people, here he states: Opposition to Applicant Kona Hawaii Development, LLC PL-SMA-2023-000038 For a Special Management Area Use Permit to develop a 100-room hotel on a 1. 76 acre parcel located at 75- 5868 A1i'i Drive, TMK: 3/ 7- 5- 18- 11 Hearing: Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 9:30 a.m.— WHCC Council Chambers Aloha Chair DeFranco and Members of the Leeward Planning Commission, I am writing to express my strong opposition to PL-SMA-2023- 000038, which seeks to grant a Special Management Area Use Permit for the development of a 100-room hotel. I believe that approving this permit would have significant negative consequences for the community, particularly in terms of traffic congestion, an already inadequate parking situation, and potential adverse impacts on the surrounding environment. Firstly, the proposed hotel development raises serious concerns about traffic management in the area. A 100-room hotel is likely to attract a substantial number of visitors, resulting in increased traffic flow and congestion. The existing infrastructure is not be equipped to handle such a surge in vehicles, leading to inconvenience for local residents and compromising road safety. In addition to the traffic concerns, the inadequacy of parking facilities associated with the proposed development is alarming. Insufficient parking spaces would not only inconvenience hotel guests but also exacerbate parking challenges for residents in the vicinity. This may lead to a spillover of vehicles into surrounding areas, further burdening the community with parking-related issues. Furthermore, I am deeply concerned about the potential adverse environmental impacts that could arise from the construction and operation of the proposed hotel. It is crucial to thoroughly consider these environmental concerns before granting any permits for development. I urge the Leeward Planning Commission to carefully evaluate the long-term implications of PLSMA-2023- 000038 on the community, particularly in terms of traffic, parking, and the environment. It is essential to prioritize the well-being of residents and the sustainability of the surrounding ecosystem over the immediate economic benefits that the hotel development may bring. Thank you for your attention to this matter. r. I trust