2018-02-20 Letter to Donovan M. Dela Cruz and Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran re SB 3058, HD 1 Relating to Waiakea Peninsula in Hilo (2)

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Harry Kim M ay o r estutifti Offirrtf vur Wil Okabe Managing Direc tor Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director 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 20, 2018 Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair Committee on Ways and Means Hawari State Capitol, Room 211 Honolulu, HI 96813 Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Vice -Chair Committee on Ways and Means Hawari State Capitol, Room 211 Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Chair Dela Cruz, Vice -Chair KeithAgaran and Com tee Members: Re: S 3058, SD 1 Relating to the Waiakea Peninsula in Hilo Hearing Date: 02/21/18 — 10:08 am; Conference Room 211 Thank you for this opportunity to testify i support of SB 3058, SD 1. SB 3058, SD 1 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, SD 1, which you co-sponsored with Senator Kahele; it is in WAM and hopefully will be heard at a later date. As to the situation on Waiakea Peninsula, Banyan Drive is underutilized and in disrepair. It is the center of tourism East Hawaii, but it is a jewel that is quite tarnished at the present time. Hawaii Cou ty has taken the first steps toward revitalizing the peninsula. The administration, Co mil, community, and Big Island legislators have found common purpose; the redevelopment area has been defined; the Banyan Drive Hawaii Redevelopment Agency (BDHRA) is functioning, and a conceptual master plan has been created as a starting point. Now funds are needed to conduct the environmental im act statements necessary to complete the redevelopment plan and move forward. The Hawaii 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, SD 1. We believe that it is j st and proper to ask the State to share in the EIS expense, given that the redevelopment area County of Hawai' i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.