HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0595.048 2020-2022 3
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COMMERCEKonaslohalaCHAMBER OF
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February 7, 2022
RE: Bill 112 CD
Dear Chair Kierkiewicz and the Hawaii County Council Committee on Planning, !
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With over 400 member businesses and organizations, the Kona-Kohala Chamber of = '
Commerce brings the business community together to address key issues in our
community, on our island and in our state.
This year, we've identified HOUSING as a top priority and support housing projects at all
inventory levels in West Hawaii. This includes the development of infrastructure to
support more housing along with an emphasis on improvements in Hawaii County's
permitting processes.
We support Bill 112 that changes zoning at Puak6-'Anaeho'omalu that would allow Waikoloa
Land Company to develop Area A of the Kumu Hou project that consists of 264 multi-family
residential units, up to 25 single-family residential lots and associated infrastructure.
We strongly support all phases of the Kumu Hou project and believe it will promote the well-
being of our community and strengthen our local economy. This is the first resort community on
the Kohala coast to prioritize development of affordable workforce rental housing within the
resort footprint. In fact, the project calls for construction of not less than 140 affordable
workforce rental housing units for kama`aina.
Not only will this development provide needed housing, it will also create jobs with estimates of
up to 520 jobs during development and construction. At buildout, estimates include 470
permanent direct jobs and 610 indirect jobs. Additionally, $30 million per year of direct
development-related expenditures are estimated for the next six years. Thereafter, the project
could infuse another$60 million per year for the next 16 years in Hawaii.
The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce exists to provide leadership and advocacy for a
successful business environment in West Hawaii. The Kumu Hou project aligns with our
housing priority as well as our vision to enhance the quality of life for our community through a
strong, sustainable economy on Hawaii Island.
Mahalo for this opportunity to testify.
Sincerely,
7-
Wendy
Wendy J. Laros, President and CEO
Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce
Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce
75-5737 Kuakini Hwy. Suite 208 1 Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Co Nee
Ph. (808) 329-1758 Fax (808)329-8564 ReE 7o; nVVC
info kona-kohaia.com (www,kona-kohala.com €Zefa ate — � ?��