2018-02-13 Letter to Glenn Wakai and Karl Rhoads re SB 3058 Relating to the Waiakea Peninsula in Hilo

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Harry Kim Mayor ffirr of* 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961 6553, KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokable Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 111! 44. Wil Okabe A hinuguig Director Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director February 13, 2018 Senator Glenn Wakai, Chair Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Technology Hawaii State Capitol, Room 414 Honolulu, HI 96813 Senator Karl Rhoads, Chair Committee on Water ane Land Hawaii State Capit0i, Room 414 Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Chair Wakai and Rhoads, and Co mittee Members: Re: SB 3 Heari 58 Relating to the Waiakea Peninsula in Hilo g Date: 02/15/18 — 1:15 em; Conference Room 414 Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of SB 3058. SB 3058 is not our first choice in resolving the issues surrounding the redevelopment of State land on the Waiakea Peninsula, but it certainly would be a step forward, Our preferred bill, SB 2972, was previously heard by your committees along with AEN), passed unanimously; and presently is in \NAM. As 1 stated in your hearing on SB 2972, Banyan Drive is underutilized and in disrepair. It is the center of tourism in East Hawaii, but it is a jewel that is quite tarnished at the present time. The inability to provide an environment of investmenwitht expiring State leases only aggravates the situation. Hawaii County has taken the first steps toward revitalizing the Banyan Drive peninsula. The administration, Council, community, and Big Island legislators have found cam on purose; the redevelopment area has been defined; and a conceptual master plan has been created as a starting point. ow funds are needed to conduct the environmentaHmpact statements necessary to complete the redevelopment plan and move forward. The Hawail County budget is severely strapped, and 1 have already had to impose increases in our property, fuel, and vehicle weight taxes. Nevertheless, 1 can commit to you that 1 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 County of I-lawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.