2014-05-01HEARINGTRANSCRIPT-CONNECTIONSCBESSSPP12-138

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In opposition of this development is a Kaūmana community unaware of the proposed project to build a school to accommodate more than 400 students and faculty and staff, until long after the release of the environmental assessment. A full environmental impact study was never completed. A traffic study, more like a car count, was completed in 2010 but traffic conditions have changed drastically since the completion of the Daniel K. Inouye Highway also known as Saddle Road. This is a prelude to the imminent danger that Edita Street will encounter if the development is granted a special use permit. Fortunately, Mr. Gomes was paying attention to the proposed Connections development, and we as a community were able to intervene and participate in the political process before the actual development was granted a special use permit. Mahalo e ke Akua! Often times, the community loses interest when things are you know set aside for a duration of time. We remain steadfast because it is that important. As responsible land stewards, we need to remain mindful of our natural resources. We need to be vigilant with the health and safety of our community. At the same time, it’s our obligation to support education and the many options to learning such an institution can provide its learners. It’s all a delicate balance. Again, we’re not against the development of a charter school. We are against any development of that magnitude in the proposed area as it evidences health and safety concerns at its current proposed site. I urge you to deny a special use permit. I am convinced a more suitable site is available. Thank you for thinking long and hard about the decision that rests on your shoulders. This is a huge kuleana—one that can permanently change the landscape of a neighborhood and an island community. There are just too many cautions that outweigh the benefit of granting a special use permit of this specific site. Thank you. GONZALES: Thank you. Any questions for Mrs. Lee Loy? Charlie. HEAUKULANI: Did you have a specific alternative site you were referencing? LEE LOY, P: I do not. I do not believe that is my kuleana, but I believe one exists. GONZALES: Thank you. Dr. Lee Loy. LEE LOY, H: Members of the Windward Planning Commission, my name is Dr. Henry Lee Loy. I am a resident of 1579 Mele Manu Street in Hilo. I am not against the education of students from the Connections Public Charter School. I think all of us here today agree—we want to promote the best interest of students whether they attend charter, public, private, or home schools. Never should the lives or safety of any student be jeopardized. I oppose the proposed location of the school because it will have only one way in and one way out, presenting a clear and dangerous situation for students, faculty, and the neighborhood residents. Traffic on Kaūmana Drive is increasing the threat of more accidents. A few months ago, I called the County Department of Traffic and commended them for the astute use of “shark teeth striping” painted on the road to warn drivers to slow down because of the dangerous road conditions. I recommended additional “shark teeth striping” be used around the dangerous curve fronting the Kaūmana Caves located about a 100 yards from the proposed 7 EXHIBIT F