2019-02-21 Letter to Sylvia Luke and Ty J.K. Cullen HB 910, HD1 Relating to Banyan Drive

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Harry Kim Mayor County of Hawai i Office of the Mayor Wil Okabe Managing 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 Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 Representative Sylvia Luke, Chair Committee on Finance Representative Ty J.K. Cullen, Vice Chair Committee on Finance February 21, 2019 Dear Chair Luke, Vice Chair Cullen, and Committee Members: RE: HB 910, HD1 Relating to Banyan Drive Thank you for addressing an issue of great importance to the economic well-being of Hawaii County, the redevelopment of Banyan Drive. We support all legislation that will help the revitalization of Banyan Drive; and HB 910, HD1 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 Hawaii, but it is a jewel that is quite tarnished at the present time. Hawaii 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, HD1 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, HD1 your favorable consideration. Respectfully Submitted, Harry Kim MAYOR County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.