2016-07-29 BDHRA Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chairman DeLima invited Mr. George Applegate to share a few words. APPLEGATE: Okay thank you. First of all, for today, I was asked to speak on behalf of Mr. Ed Bushor with WHR, and first he wanted to convey to everyone that he really is pleased that the State and the County have created this body to determine what’s the best use of the lands. We feel he felt that there‒‒just having a golf course wasn’t there. So he supports everything, and also the Bayfront Trails is a good concept. So what he’s asked is, moving forward, since he’s got the lease on the land still, the lease, existing lease on the land, he’s got obligations, shareholders, investors, that he asked that he could be part of the‒‒have a seat at the table so he can discuss with everyone also, you know, best use of the land and where we go from there. That’s about it. For me, I was born into tourism. My entire life has been in the area. Went to Waiākea- Kai School, and lived in Waiākea town across the Suisan, and was part of the first direct flights to Hilo back in 1967 on World‒‒Pan American World Airways, so watched the whole thing grow. And I’d like to also give personal input into the direction of where we’re going, but I’d like to commend all of you for the fine work everybody’s done. Thank you. DELIMA: Okay, anybody else have anything else to say? Or any questions for Mr. Applegate? Okay, thank you. APPLEGATE: Thank you. Chairman DeLima invited Ms. Kristine Kubat to comment at this time. KUBAT: My name is Kristine Kubat. People probably know me as somebody that’s very much involved in environmental and social justice issues, so I have to say I feel really good about the openness that I hear; it seems like everybody’s really open to some innovative ideas that would address environmental and social issues. And I just wanted to point out a few things, I think there’s still little bit of a disconnect, or a couple of disconnects in the thinking. First of all with parking, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we created this concept as a way that people didn’t need cars, so maybe the people would come in from Hilo Airport and, you know, they could, there was some sort of transportation that could get them to this destination and then once they were there pretty much everything they needed was there and there was a shuttle to bring them into the Downtown area, because I think we already have a really thriving downtown commercial area. I would really hate to see us develop commercial opportunities there that would compete with Downtown Hilo. I don’t think that’s a good idea. And I know you have a consideration for local people. I do go down and use this area and I think that the parking is adequate; you know when you go down in the evening you can pretty much always find a place to park. But I think we wanna look for ways to encourage people to get out of their cars. I think that’s some old thinking that Page 17 of 20 Banyan Drive Hawai‘i Redevelopment Agency July 28, 2016 Minutes