HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0898.152 2020-2022 P/Counci
bill Iqy
COMM.898
From: Diane Ware
Sent: Monday, April 17, 2023 2:41 PM W „Pc:7)
To: Council Testimony o '
Subject: Bill 194 in support of overriding mayor's veto
Aloha members of Hawai'i County Council, - '`�
Thank you for this opportunity to comment. 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. Forexample, 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.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!
Diane Ware
808-967-8642
P. 0. Box 698
99-7815 Kapoha
Volcano HI 96785
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1 Ref. Dote APR 1 9 2023