HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0898.088 2020-2022 P/Counc/i(
bill *I
COMM.Pt
From: Hannah Hartmann q
Sent: Tuesday, April 18, 2023 8:35 AM c c7
To: Council Testimony --i
Subject: I Support Bill 194 cc) el:._,
•
Aloha members of Hawaii County Council,
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Thank you for this opportunity to comment. CO
I am asking you to vote in favor of overriding Mayor Roth's Veto in support of Bill 194. The repercussions it
seeks to address remain significant to our island.
The need for this bill was created because many of our residents noted expired rezoning applications being
granted as extensions without due process, especially in the Special Management Areas,where contested case
hearings and mishandled procedures stopped development for cause in the first place. Planning director Kern
has unleashed new rounds of highly controversial developments all along Ali'i Drive, many of which the Police
Chief helped to stop due to significant public safety issues. For example,tsunami evacuation concerns were at
the top of this list after several failed attempts to mobilize residents and visitors to evacuate the area were
experienced.
Therefore,this bill remains a strong need,and I urge your further consideration and support.It is essential that
we increase transparency for future development around our island. It is empowering when our residents
submit testimony with backyard knowledge, especially when conditions appear not to have been met in good
faith. For example,when the time agreed upon within the original rezoning ordinance application expires.To
allow applicants to come back with a two-step process via a simple resolution,without revisiting contemporary
conditions (such as threats from climate change, special management areas &archeological surveys)is a cheap
trick on the public interest.
After three draft revisions,Bill 194 still remains faithful to its intentions for enhanced transparency and
opportunities to address current impact concerns. It also allows for contested case hearings, as well as
appropriate reviews, and rectifications,before extending or granting new rezoning applications.
Thus far,the Mayor's veto has demonstrated an unwise and undemocratic impulse. Our island is at an
inflection point. Should we allow our planning department to extend expired rezoning applications without
contemporary review opportunities?
If so, residents and lineal descendants of these lands,who have been involved in litigations in the past,will be
effectively silenced.As a result,we will be watching our backyards being bulldozed all the more quickly!
I remain in strong support of Bill 194.
Please continue to exert your leadership capabilities.Thank you!
Hannah Hartmann
96721
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