2018-03-20 Letter to Cindy Evans re SB 3058, SD 2, HD 1 Relating to Waiakea Peninsula, Hilo

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Harry Kim Mayor (fouttfli Offirr a 4‘. vat Okabe i1anagiiig Director 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 Keohokable Hwy., Bldg Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 March 20, 2018 Representative Cindy Evans, Chair Committee on Economic Development and Busi ess Hawaii State Capitol, Room 309 Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Chair Evans and Committee embers: • SB 3058, SD 2, HD 1 Relating to Waiakea Peninsula, Hilo Hearing Date: 03-21-18 — 9:50 am; House Conference Room 309 Tha k you for this opportunity to comment on SB 3058, SD 2, HD 1. SB 3058, SD 2, HD 1 was 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 2, is presently in Finance Committee, and we are hoping that some version of SB 3058, SD 2, HD 1 can also move to Finance, giving the community maximum opportunity to consider and weigh in on the various options. As to the overall issue of the Waiakea peninsula, 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. Hawaii County has taken first steps toward revitalizing the peninsula. T administration, Council, 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 impact statements necessary to co plete the redevelopment plan and move forward. The Hawail County budget is severely strapped, and I have already had to impose increases in our property, fuel, and vehicle weight taxes. Therefore, lam hoping the State will provide funds for an EIS. 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. County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.