HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0595.104 2020-2022 I
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KonamKohala
CHAMBER
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F COMMERCE
March 7, 2022
RE: Bill 112 and Bill 115
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 j
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 77
support more housing along with an emphasis on improvements in Hawaii County's
permitting processes.
We support Bill 112 and Bill 115 that changes zoning at Puako-`Anaeho`omalu that would
allow Waikoloa Land Company to develop the Kumu Hou project.
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 investment to
complete the Kumu Hou project will create $1.2 billion in new investment on Hawaii Island.
The Kana-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.
We ask that the Hawaii County Council Committee on Planning pass Bill 112 and Bill 115.
Mahalo for this opportunity to testify.
Sincerely,
Wendy J. Laros, President and CEO
Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce
Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Comm. N °`
04
75-5737 Kuakini Highway, Suite 208 1 Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Ref. To:
www.kona-kohala.com (808)329-1758 1 info@kona-kohala.com Pcf. rate M 2022