HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0898.119 2020-2022 P/Council
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From: HULI Hawai'i
Sent: Monday, April 17, 2023 2:05 PM
To: Council Testimony o n
Subject: HULI PAC asks to Vote in favor of overriding Mayor Roth's Veto in SUPPONIkir of A.Oln,:
194 •
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Aloha, members of Hawai'i County Council,
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HULI PAC is grateful for this opportunity to comment. First,we appreciate the majority vote in Support of la 194;:::21r.
We ask our County Council members to vote in favor of overriding Mayor Roth's Veto in strong support of BM 194:-The
repercussions it seeks to address remain significant to our island's public safety, an environmental, and cultural impact
that could protect an equity-based future.
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 in West Hawaii.
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.Therefore,this bill remains a strong need, and we urge your further consideration with majority support.
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,lineal descendants, and cultural practitioners of these lands,who have been involved in past litigations,
will be effectively SILENCED. We would remain far from aligning with our State Constitution and motto. As aresult, we
will be watching our backyards being bulldozed all the more quickly!
HULI PAC remains in strong support of overriding the Mayor's veto in strong support of Bill 194.
Please continue to exert your leadership capabilities.Thank you!
Maki Morinoue
HULI PAC, member
96725
Comm. No. VIT• 119
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1 Ref. Date APR 1 9 2023