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COUNTY CLERK (1) Ko n a o a a
COUNTY OF
RECEIVEDAI'I CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Time 2%p.in. By MI
Date FEB 01 2021
February 1, 2021
RE: Hawaii County Council Committee on Planning and Bill 11 - Palamanui Development
Dear Chair Kierkiewicz and the Committee on Planning,
The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization with nearly 500
member businesses that represent a wide range of industries in the private, non-profit and
public sectors in the Kona and Kohala districts on the West side of the island of Hawaii. Our
mission is to provide leadership and advocacy for a successful business environment in our
region.
After advocating for a new West Hawaii campus for decades, Hawaii Community College—
Palamanui was opened in August 2015. This campus became a reality through a collaborative
effort that included significant contributions from Palamanui Global Holdings. Since its opening
five years ago, this campus has provided educational opportunities in programs such as liberal
arts, Hawaiian studies, culinary arts, nursing and natural sciences. Additionally, the campus is
home to the University Center, West Hawaii that offers over 60 degree and certificate programs
including graduate level studies in business administration, education, healthcare and social
work.
The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce supports the growth of Hawai'i Community College-
Palamanui's campus, programs and staffing. We advocate for the expansion or establishment of
ro rams that feed directlyinto the region's keyindustries includingthe visitor industry,
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agriculture, aquaculture, astronomy, aviation, business, education, healthcare, marine and
STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art & math) endeavors.
To continue to grow and thrive, the campus needs the surrounding Palamanui development. To
achieve this, Palamanui Global Holdings continues to work toward this goal. This development
would not only help the college, but also provide jobs during construction and housing for our
community.
The community benefit from the completion of the campus is evident. Now, it's time to complete
the surrounding development. The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce supports Palamanui
Global Holdings request for amendments.
Sincerely,
Wendy J. Laros, M.Ed.
President and CEO, Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce
Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce
75-5737 Kuakini Hwy. Suite 208 I Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Comm. Mk
1'1
Ph. (808)329-1758 Fax(808)329-8564 �l n
info(@kona-kohala.com I www.kona-kohala.com Ref.To: 1'
Ref. Date FEB 2 2021