HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0595.020 2020-2022 I
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From: Kurt Delacruz
Sent: Monday, February 07, 2022 9:27 AM r o $
To: Council Testimony =M ` y°
Subject: Testimony in Support of Kumu Hou Project at Waikoloa
Aloha and good blessings to our esteemed council members.
My name is Kurt Dela Cruz and I would like to offer this letter of support for the Kumu Hou project at Waikoloa-
more specifically in support of the 140 affordable rental units being proposed.
As a lifelong resident of Hawaii Island, I, like many of you have witnessed the tremendous growth in population and 3
the considerable strain such growth has placed on virtually all aspects of our community. Whether we are sitting in
traffic in Puna or lamenting the overcrowding of such special places like Punalu'u, or simply finding a parking stall in I
your local shopping area, the dramatic growth have certainly caused great challenges for citizens of this island as well
as the government we have in place to meet these challenges. To say we have outgrown our infrastructure would be
an understatement, causing us to be players in the game of perpetual catch up. Yet from what have have learned,
growth is the necessary evil that keeps things afloat. Much of our economy is predicated on growth -be it our
construction industry, our shipping and commerce sector, or even our hospitality industry which requires a steady
passage of visitors ready to spend their dollars in our community. In short,the greater numbers, the better. Our
economy is the backbone of much of our governmental services and great efforts are achieved in order to ensure that
our economy is healthy, robust, and always growing. Yet such growth is not without consequence, and often, it is the
lifelong residents of this island that are profoundly impacted, and often make the greatest sacrifices.
Perhaps the greatest impact on our current residents is the cost of living, and more specifically, the price of
housing. This is why I am in support of the Kumu Hou project. It is of no secret that many of our visitor industry
workers in the Waikoloa region do not live in Waikoloa. Some may travel from "nearby" communities like Waimea
and Kohala, but many more travel great distances - even as far as Ka'u and Puna to work in the area. Providing
affordable rental properties for these workers is long overdue. This commitment to our local workforce is long
overdue. While the county has made accommodations to schedule hele-on bus schedules to coincide with the work
times of those far traveling employees, the time has come to truly make a statement in support of our workforce by
providing affordable rentals in the area of their work. There are partners in place who are making a strong
commitment to the people who represent the heartbeat of the visitor industry - our workers. It is time for our county to
do the same.
Lastly, I am not all too excited about the timeshare units and family homes that also come with this proposal. Yet I
understand that for me to say "A'ole" .....no timeshares, no family homes, ONLY affordable rentals is simply not the
way these proposals work. Although reluctant to embrace other aspects of the proposal, I must offer my support to the
entire project in hopes that we can now make a greater commitment to our local workforce. I humbly encourage you
to make the same commitment by voting to support the proposed Kumu Hoa project.
If I may be of further assistance, you can call me anytime at(808) 937-1760.
Sincerely,
Kurt Dela Cruz
Comm. No.
Refre To. P -!
Ref. Date - 8 2022