HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0314.003 2020-2022 s
9�
COMMA4
From: Alexia Akbay
Sent: Sunday, August 01, 2021 3:24 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Opposition to Bills 52 and 53
Aloha e County Council Members,
My name is Alexia Akbay, I am a Kona Palisades resident, business owner at the Natural Energy Laboratory of
Hawaii Authority where I employ 10 people full-time, and hold a master's degree in Environmental Public Health
from Yale. I am writing to express my opposition to Bills 52 and 53.
In addition to standing by Council Member Rebecca Villegas commentary on the bills; the fact that we are in the
middle of a harrowing housing crises that continues to gentrify Hawaiians from their ancestral lands, it is simply
inexcusable to convert agricultural lands into residential housing at this time. Doing so effectively sends a message
that we are choosing to prioritize vacation homes over the food security of our island, the health of our communities,
and a livable future. That is not the future that your communities would choose, if afforded that luxury. Our
agricultural productivity does not come close to meeting the needs of our island. Re-zoning for short term gain has no
future foresight. Leaders anticipate future needs and act accordingly.
There is no reason for the Ward family to build these homes other than to increase their income, of which it seems
they are already in excess. The Wards are unable to communicate a community benefit or contribution to affordable
housing because there are none.
I ask that the council strongly consider the legacy they are setting with this decision and act as true community
representatives. Your community needs you now.
With gratitude,
Alexia
Alexia Akbay
Chief Executive Officer
Symbrosia Inc
Symbrosia
+1 724 549 4400
alexia@Umbrosia.ca
Sent via Superhuman
Comm.
Ref. To: PG
1 Fief. Fate AUG � t� �