HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0595.010 2020-2022 P P2
ISLAND OF COON
t COUNTY OF
WAWAII
V ! S 1072 FEB
, r, ,, 1127
February 8, 2022
County of Hawaii -County Council
Committee on Planning Meeting—Feb.8,2022
Via Email— counciltestimom,Whawaiicount .go
Aloha,
I strongly support plans for Kumu Hou at Waikoloa.For over 40 years,the Waikoloa Land
Company has been a thoughtful steward of the area,investing in and supporting the
community and surrounding businesses.Upon completion,Kumu Hou will be one of the
largest employers on the Kohala Coast and will generate much-needed jobs and housing
for local residents.
Kumu Hou is good for Hawaii Island and will create economic momentum and an
investment in our communities during a time where we need it most.The project will
generate additional foot-traffic for the area's surrounding businesses, bringing new life to
Waikoloa.
The project will support the small,local businesses that have faced severe challenges over
the past year and ensure more of our community members are able to keep their jobs and
provide for their families.Kumu Hou will provide a steady stream of consumers who can
ensure businesses—especially those impacted by the decline of tourism due to the pandemic
—have a chance to survive and thrive.
In addition to the points made above,utilizing my expertise in the tourism industry I can
whole heartly support this development and the overall direction to increase the timeshare
footprint on our island and specifically on the Waikoloa Beach Resort. Knowing the issues
that affect our island from the tourism industry I know that the timeshare portion of the
overall inventory of accommodations on our island paces far below that of all the other
islands and changing the mix of product to include more timeshare will only benefit the
island's consistency and stability in visitation. The timeshare visitor is a return visitor with
a great knowledge of the destination and the customs of the host culture. They are also
more invested in giving back during their stay along with having more time to dig deep into
the opportunities that our Destination Management Action Plan provide going hand in
hand with the Malama Ku'u Home mentality. The timeshare industry consistently
averages 90+% occupancy throughout the year providing a consistent work environment
without the normal seasonal dip and layoffs. This consistent occupancy also supports the
island's airlift stability allowing for airlines to keep aircraft and routes year-round which
in turn provides more opportunities and favorable pricing for our Hawaii Island residents
the accessibility to quality affordable travel to destinations outside our island.
Previous to my joining the Island of Hawai'i Visitors Bureau,I had held management
positions in the golf industry including 16 years on the Waikoloa Beach Resort specifically.
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I am very familiar with the existing timeshare product as well as the adjustment to the golf
product to reduce the overall footprint of the new development. This is a win-win for both
the resort and the island where we will be taking advantage of increasing a very well
managed section of our tourism accommodations inventory all contained within a reduced
footprint.
Supporting Mumu Hou is an investment in Waikoloa and the future of our Hawaii Island
community. Your favorable consideration of this project will benefit many.
Mahalo Nui,
Ross Birch
Executive Director
Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau