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KonamKohala
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE {
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July 5, 2022
RE: Bill 174
Dear Chair David and the Hawaii County Council,
The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce exists to provide leadership and advocacy for
a successful business environment in West Hawaii. With 440 member businesses and
organizations, we come together to address key issues on our island and in our state.
We support Bill 174, an ordinance to initiate an amendment to Article VI of the Hawaii
County Charter(2020 Edition), by adding a new chapter to establish a department of
building. Upon adoption of this ordinance, it will be submitted to the electorate of Hawaii
County for approval in the 2022 general election.
Initiated in 2018, our members have formed a task force to address the issue of
permitting with a goal to support improvements and efficiency in the permitting process,
especially as it pertains to the County of Hawai'i procedures.
For years, our task force has convened each month to serve as a conduit to Hawaii
County for community input on permitting reform. Our task force members have
contributed by beta testing the new EPIC system, participating in the Mayor's advisory
committee on permitting, and regularly meeting with Hawaii County's Director of Public
Works. Yet, despite the launch of a new county computer system along with ample
opportunities to communicate and collaborate, Hawaii County's permitting inefficiencies
continue to plaque the process creating lengthy delays and barriers to economic
development. We believe it's time for a change and support creating a Department of
Building to manage the duties and functions performed by the Building Division within
the Department of Public Works.
We ask that the Hawaii County Council pass Bill 174.
Sincerely,
4
Wendy J. Laros, President and CEO
Kana-Kohala Chamber of Commerce
Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Comm. No.
75-5737 Kuakini Highway, Suite 208 1 Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Ref.To: Q t�UY1UI
www.kona-kohala.com 1 {808}329-1758 1 info o@kona-kohala.com Ref® Date