2017-03-16 Letter to Glenn Wakai and Karl Rhoads RE HB 1310 HD 1 AND HB 1479 hd 2

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Harry Kim Mayor Wil Okabe Managing Director Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director (Offirr off4cAnVor 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Are Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg. C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 3234444 9 Fax (808) 3234440 March 16, 2017 Senator Glenn Wakai, Chair Committee on Economic Development, Tourism and Technology Hawai'i State Capitol Honolulu, HI 96813 Senator Karl Rhoads, Chair Committee on Water and Land Hawai'i State Capitol Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Chairs Wakai and Rhoads, and Members: RE: HB 1310, HD 1 and HB 1479, HD 2 Relating to the Waiakea Peninsula Redevelopment District and Relating to the Hilo Community Economic District Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of the intent and purpose of HB 1310, HD1 and H131479, HD2. We appreciate the attention that the Legislature has placed on the disposition of State lands within and proximate to the Banyan Drive peninsula and the Kanoelehua Industrial Area. Great opportunities exist to partner with private sector businesses to carry out important economic revitalization efforts and optimize the use of these lands for the benefit of the entire community. Our County's ongoing efforts with the Banyan Drive Hawai'i Redevelopment Agency (BDHRA) reflect that such benefits are not simply economic, but social and cultural as well. It is with this comprehensive approach in mind that we support the bills introduced during this legislative session that seek to explore opportunities regarding the use and management of State-owned lands within the core economic section of Hilo. We especially appreciate the work of Senator Kahele, who authored SB1292 and has worked so hard on this issue. County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.