Laserfiche WebLink
Harry Kim <br />ittajyr <br />ecX (4fr C 4 11.11U ttf 11 tif 1 aitizzt <br />Wil Okabe <br />fa/law/1g Director <br />Barbara J. kossow <br />Deputy Managing Director <br />Offirr of ftir nor <br />25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2303 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961 6553 <br />KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokallole Hwy. Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 <br />(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 <br />January 29, 2018 <br />Representative Cindy Evans, Chair <br />House Committee on Economic Development & <br />Hawaii State Capitol, Room 309 <br />Honolulu, HI 96813 <br />111, <br />u iness <br />Dear Chair Evans and Committee Members: <br />Re: HB 2233 Special Purpose Revenue Bonds for a geothermal industrial <br />park <br />Hearing Date: 01/31/18 — 10:00 am; House Conference Room 309 <br />Thank you for this opportunity to testify in opposition to HB2233. <br />HB 2233 talks a out "creating economic opportunity for energy intensive industries <br />engaged in commerce"T is sounds like a very worthy goal. But please keep in mind <br />the following: <br />1. The only existing geothermal facility in the State is located in lower Puna, a rural and <br />agricultural district that would be vehemently opposed to being industrialized. It may be <br />a so-called "inconvenient truth," but this community has already borne a disproportionate <br />share of the burden of geothermal development, and to add more energy intensive <br />industry would be considered an outrage. <br />2. Years ago, the Legislature abolished geothermal subzones, so creating an "industrial <br />park near a new or existing geothermal power source" could mean industrial activity <br />anywhere. Until a community has experienced geothermal energy exploration and <br />development, it may not realize what it has in store. Adding "energy intensive industries" <br />to the mix would really be a recipe for disaster. <br />If this bill is meant to fu her industrialize Puna, without naming Puna, it should be a <br />non-sta er. If it is meant to create the possibility of an industrial park anywhere else in <br />this State, 1 can only say "Buyer Beware." <br />Please do not act favorably on HB 2233. <br />County of <br />Respectfully submitted, <br />Harry Kim <br />Mayor, County of Hawai'i <br />wai*i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. <br />