2019-02-04 Letter to Ryan Yamane & Chris Todd - HB 910 - Relating to Banyan Drive

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Harry Kim Aloror Wil Okabe Alunaging Director Barbara J. Kossow Deptdp Almragtng Director County of Hawaii Office of the Mayor 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA. 74-5044 Are Keohokalole Hwy, Bldg C . Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 3234444 . Fax (808) 3234440 February 4, 2019 Rep. Ryan I. Yamane, Chair Rep. Chris Todd, Vice Chair COMMITTEE ON WATER, LAND, & HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS Hawai'i State Legislature Dear Chair Yamane, Vice -Chair Todd, and Committee members: RE: HB 910, RELATING TO BANYAN DRIVE Thank you for addressing an issue of great importance to the economic well- being of Hawai'i County, the redevelopment of Banyan Drive. We support all legislation that will help the revitalization of Banyan Drive; and HB 910 offers a somewhat different, but nonetheless welcome, approach to achieving that goal. 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 comprehensive review of infrastructure called for in HB 910 would surely be valuable as a stand-alone study, or could generate valuable information for the EIS. In either case it would be a positive step forward. Please give HB 910 your favorable consideration. Sincerel Harryarry Kir Mayor County of Hawari is an Equal Opportunay Provider and Employer