2016-02-04 Hearing Transcript - PD Initiated Redevelopment Area Banyan Drive

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KANUHA: I believe that, that parcel is owned by Hawaiʽi Forest and Trails. No? HEIT, GORDON (from audience): Benda Trust—Benda Trust is a private trust. KANUHA: Yeah, there’s a, there’s that private parcel in there between the Naniloa and Country Club Condominium. IKEDA: Okay, I’m surprised. I thought was, it all belonged to the State. Thank you. HEAUKULANI: Commissioners, any other questions for staff? Director Kanuha, do you want to add anything? KANUHA: Yes, the purpose of this designation really is to provide an opportunity for the newly designated redevelopment authority which would be created by the County. The authority would basically consist of a board of five members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Hawaiʽi County Council. This would be pretty much the exact same process that was utilized when the initial Hawaiʽi Redevelopment Agency was convened back in—you know, in response to the tidal wave action of 1960. At that time, that, that agency and this newly created agency would still, you know, retain a lot of authority. And, what the Hawaiʽi Redevelopment Agency did back then in order to create what we have today was, was a lot more than we’re envisioning for what will happen under this particular designation. At that time, there was a need to acquire, condemn, readjust properties for the purpose of redeveloping that area. Under this particular effort, all it is, is an effort to coordinate some economic revitalization of Banyan Drive within the proposed designated area. We don’t anticipate the need for condemning leases or taking hold of property, that kind of an effort. That will come after the agency gets appointed. A master plan within this boundary will be prepared. That master plan, by the way, will come to this Commission for your approval prior to it going to the County Council and the agency for their review and approval. Once that is done, then the agency itself will not be implementing any of the recommended actions. The agency would then either put out proposals for the development corporations to come forth and implement, you know, whatever redevelopment scheme comes forward. What it does, essentially, it provides more redevelopment and economic opportunities for existing leases or landholders within this designated area. Currently, there are certain restrictions in terms of existing buildings or existing uses or activities that would restrict, you know, further improvement, further investment into the area. This designation would allow this agency to provide additional opportunities, for example, adding density in certain areas perhaps allowing the reconstruction of facilities that, under the current laws, rules, and regulations, could not be reconstructed in that particular location. Things of that nature. It’s, it’s very akin to what the State is doing in Kakaʽako in Honolulu, and it’s, we believe it’s an opportunity for everyone in the area to have an opportunity to basically, you know, create some revitalization for that area. We—the State is pursuing various efforts. 4 EXHIBIT C