2018-02-05 Letter to Glenn Wakai, Karl Rhoads, Mike Gabbard re SB 2972 Relating to Devlopment of Banyan Drive

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Harry Kim Mayor !t>uxtf r >af Pa intt`t Wil Okabe Managing Director - Barbara J. Kossow Deputy it Director (Ma of tip Atgar 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane KeohokAlole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 February 5, 2018 Senator Glenn Wakai, Senator Karl Rhoads, Senator Mike Gabbard Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Technology Committee on Water and Land Committee on Agriculture and Environment Hawaii State Capitol, Room 224 Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Senator Wakai, Senator Rhoads, Senator Gabbard and Committee Members: Re: SB 2972 Relating to Development of Banyan Drive Hearing Date: 02/05/18 — 2:45 pm; Conference Room 224 Thank you for convening this triple committee to take up an issue of great importance to the economic well-being of Hawaii County. I support SB 2972„ As SB 2972 states, Banyan Drive is underutilized and in disrepair. It is the center of tourism in East Hawai'i, but it is a jewel that is quite tarnished at the present time. Hawai'i County has taken the first steps toward revitalizing the Banyan Drive peninsula. The administration, Council, community, and Big Island legislators have found common purpose; the redevelopment area has been defined; and a conceptual master plan has been created as a starting point. Now funds are needed to conduct the environmental impact statements necessary to complete the redevelopment plan and move forward. The Hawaii County budget is severely strapped, and I have already had to impose increases in our property, fuel, and vehicle weight taxes. Nevertheless, I can commit to you that I would include $250,000 in the 2018-2019 County budget, in order to provide the matching funds called for in SB 2972. We believe that it is just and proper to ask the State to share in the EIS expense, given that the redevelopment area consists almost entirely of State land, but we recognize that the County must do its part as well, to the best of our financial ability. Please give SB 2972 your favorable consideration. Respectfully submitted, Harry Kim Mayor, County of Hawaii County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.