2025-02-08 Rebecca Melendez Testimony

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It's concerning that the Hawai'i County Planning Department isn't addressing the increasing traffic issues while pushing for broadband and smart grid projects.Infrastructure,especially roadways,is already under significant strain,and these new projects will exacerbate the problem rather than alleviate it. General Plan Page 87 13.13 Support master planning by public and private institutions and landowners which emphasize TOD,affordable housing,and mixed- use development. Page 117 20.e Adopt a Complete Streets ordinance. Hawai'i County Planning Department mentions"Master Planning and Ordinances"but they DO NOT explain what these are in their 2045 General Plan. Page 89 13.44 The development or designation of new resort areas should complement the character of the area;protect the environment and natural beauty;respect existing lifestyles,cultural practices,and cultural resources;and provide shoreline public access. Page 142 28.11 The County shall ensure that golf course developments develop and implement grading and site preparation plans to... It's frustrating to see so many development applications going up all over when the Big Island clearly does not need more resorts and golf courses.The island is already facing resource issues with existing developments,and there are still many years of already-approved projects that haven't even been started yet. The island needs sustainable development that prioritizes the well-being of residents and the conservation of the island's resources. Please read this petition:https://www.change.org/p/help-big-island-resources-and-infrastructure-stay-safe-for-all-who-live-here- and-visit "The West Hawai'i Sanitary Landfill,the only remaining landfill on the Big Island,is forecast to reach capacity within the next 20 to 25 years."https://bigislandnow.com/2023/09/17/big-island-now-poll-no-27-results-more-than-one-solution-needed-to-help-extend- 1 i fe-of-west-ha wa i i-I a nd fi I I/ "Water issues are notjust happening'somewhere else'.In Hawaii the finite boundaries of each island requires geographically defined water self-sufficiency systems that are reliable,safe,and expandable.On each island there are dozens of micro-climates and varied geologic features that impact the availability,methods,and costs to access safe water.http://www.oneesiand.org/hawamm/cjreen- resources/water "HECO issues rolling power outages around Big Island by:Emily Cervantes Posted:Feb 13,2024/05:11 PM HST Updated:Feb 13,2024/ 09:12 PM HST Hawaiian Electric initiated rolling outages for Big Island after several large generators became unavailable and reduced output Tuesday night." https://www.khon2.com/local-news/heco-releases-conservation-alert-for-big-island/ 14.1 Support the State Land Use reclassification to Rural in alignment with the General Plan Rural designation. What is the General Plan Rural Designation?Is this more high-end land use titles changing from agriculture to rural? Page 111 17.4 Land use applications shall identify as early as possible any existing or potential active living corridors that should be incorporated into the County's open space network. Who decides what a living corridor is?Is this the county's way of taking private land areas away through a Land Use Application? I firmly oppose the Hawai'i County Planning Department's 2045 General Plan.I demand the reappointment of the Hawai'i Planning Director to someone who will prioritize addressing Big Island resources,conserving the land,and listening to local voices.We need a leader who will stand with the community,not high-end developers,to preserve the unique character and future of the Big Island.