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Harry Kim <br />Mayor <br />&wag <br />Offirr <br />sr <br />Wil Okabe <br />Managing Director <br />Barbara J. Kossow <br />Deputy hianaging Director <br />25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 <br />KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 <br />(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 <br />February 26, 2018 <br />Representative Sylvia Luke, Chair <br />Committee on Finance <br />Hawaii State Capitol, Room 308 <br />Honolulu, HI 96813 <br />Representative Ty J. K. Cullen, Vice -Chair <br />Committee on Finance <br />Hawaii State Capitol, Room 308 <br />Honolulu, HI 96813 <br />Dear Chair Luke, Vice -Chair Cullen and Committee Members: <br />Re: HB 2641, HD 1 Relating to Funding for Kanoelehua Industrial Area <br />and Waiakea Peninsula, Hilo <br />Hearing Date: 02/28/18 — 12:00 pm; House Conference Room 308 <br />Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of HB 2641, HD 1, subject to <br />proposed amendments. <br />HB 2641, HD 1 is not our first choice in resolving the issues surrounding the <br />redevelopment of State land on the Waiakea Peninsula and in the Kanoelehua <br />industrial Area (KIA), but it certainly would be a step forward. Our preferred bill, SB <br />2972, SD 1, will be heard in WAM on Wednesday and hopefully will make its way to the <br />House for your consideration at a later date. <br />As to the situation on Waiakea peninsula, Banyan Drive is underutilized and in <br />disrepair. It is the ce ter of tourism in East Hawaii, but it is a jewel that is quite <br />tarnished at the present time. <br />Kanoelehua is not underutilized, but it also is failing into disrepair as leases near <br />their termination, making it difficult for lessees to financially justify any significant <br />improvements. <br />Hawaii County has taken first steps toward revitalizing the peninsula. The <br />administration, Council, community, and Big Island legislators have found common <br />purpose; the redevelopment area has been defined; the Banyan Drive Hawaii <br />Redevelopment Agency (BDHRA) is functioning, and a conceptual master plan has <br />County of Flawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Einployer. <br />