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BOARD OF DIRECTORS THE OUTDOOR
Diane Harding CIRCLE
President July 2, 2023
Maureen Murphy RE: Resolution 199-23 on Emergency Proclamation regarding FKA Uncle Billy's Hotel
Vice President
Denise Soderholm, Dear City Council Members,
Treasurer
Paula Ress You have before you a resolution asking Governor Josh Green to issue an emergency
Secretary proclamation regarding the health,safety and welfare of people due to the conditions
Cheryl Langton at the property formerly known as Uncle Billy's Hilo Bay Hotel,which is located on
Branch Representative State of Hawaii land under Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Directors:
Scott Wilson As the resolution points out,there has been an on-going issue over the last six years
and longer over the"deplorable conditions"on properties within the Banyan Drive
Gordon Aoyagi
Peninsula.We would like to submit that as is presented in the resolution,this is one of
Kathleen Bryan many symptoms of neglect that in ongoing in this incredibly beautiful and unique
Mimi Bomhorst Gaddis crown jewel.
Joan Gossett
Stan Oka We,too, have had long discussions regarding the lack of maintenance and
Jonathan Sudler responsibility for this area and how we can bring all who need to work on this
together. Banyan Drive is unparalleled in its visual,ecological, arboreal, historic,
BRANCHES cultural,economic,touristic,and recreational status and appeal for over 90 years.We
Hawaii must step up indeed to restore and revitalize this corridor of living monuments,
East Hawaii magnificent streetscape and surrounding areas.
Kona
Waikoloa Village As part of a solution to the problems existent today,the County of Hawaii Banyan
Waimea Drive Hawaii Redevelopment Agency was established to develop a "comprehensive
plan for redevelopment of Banyan Drive Peninsula and to facilitate public-private
Kauai partnerships for implementation of the plan," and that the envisioned redevelopment
of the area is"vital for the economic recovery and resilience of Hawaii County."
Oahu
East Honolulu The resolution goes on to list many of the governmental organizations and
Lani-Kailua representatives which might be involved in such an undertaking,such as DLNR,the
M5noa office of the Mayor, Police Chief, Fire Chief,and senators and representatives of the
North Shore area, as well as the Banyan Drive Business Association. If I may, add,what is missing
Greater Waikiki from this list are at least four civic organizations which are deeply involved with the
beautification and tree matters of this area, including the Friends of Lili'uokalani
STAFF Gardens, Friends of Historic Banyan Drive,the East Hawaii Outdoor Circle,and the
Winston Welch statewide Outdoor Circle.We ask that these organizations be integrally included in
Executive Director any plans and efforts in a revitalization of the area.
Jacqueline Wah
Operations Director We would also suggest that while the immediate resolution at hand is for the removal
Myles Ritchie of the buildings on site of the former Uncle Billy's Hilo Bay Hotel,we replace the hotel
Programs Director
not with any structures, but instead, have this become a park returned to the
Helping to keep Hawai`i residents of Hilo, and open to the ocean and Banyan Drive with shade trees planted
clean,green,beautiful,
livable and sustainable y, +
1314 S. King Street#306 I Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 ✓��S l�
Comm. No.
T: 808-593-0300 I mail@outdoorcircle.org I www.outdoorcircle.orRef.To:' PlOD C/
Ref. Dare JUL _ 5 .202
I _ _
for future generations,tables for picnics and gatherings, and a grassy wide expanse
for all citizens to enjoy in a variety of ways.The hotels adjacent on either side of the
property would also benefit from some expansive and attractive green space between
them and for visitors in the area to also enjoy as part of the larger park and
streetscape environment.
We would also further suggest that concomitant with the removal of those structures
that the focus actually center on the very namesake of the area—Banyan Drive.The
trees of Banyan Drive are absolutely iconic and emblematic of the lush tropical
landscape Hawaii is famous for, but sadly,is losing across the state due to
development,disease, and neglect. But this absolutely need not,and indeed, must not
be the case with Banyan Drive.These are Exceptional Trees of Hawaii in all senses of
the law that defines them statewide and we need to address that exceptionalization
issue as well.
We have every opportunity right now to address the conditions of Banyan Drive,
formulate coherent,sustainable and desirable plans, and then assign responsibilities
and resources to carry out those plans from this point forward.This will ensure that
the legacy we have been given we will met with a renewed sense of civic pride and
caring effort to protect, preserve and advance this precious resource for Hilo, Hawaii
County,the State and all of its residents and visitors.
As such,we support this resolution before you today and ask that,as needed,the
Council pass an additional resolution to the governor regarding the need for the state
to work at this time with the county and interested parties on a coherent and
sustainable plan for the entirely of Banyan Drive.We also would ask that the Council
and Mayor direct that the County fully and positively work with the State and
interested parties to resolve current issues that establishes clear and long-term
solutions before the community regarding Banyan Drive.
The Outdoor Circle,the East Hawaii Outdoor Circle and the Friends of Historic Banyan
Drive coordinate closely,and all stand at the ready to work with those necessary in
government and area businesses towards achieving these larger, comprehensive goals
with immediate effect.
We look forward to meeting with elected officials and civil servants who are inspired
to take what existing conditions are right now,and create something that is a
celebrated model of what a city and caring community members can proudly achieve
with efforts working closely and positively together as is our shared kuleana.
Thank you for this opportunity to testify on this resolution.
1 y"
Winston Welch
Executive Director
winston@outdoorcircle.org
808-285-5442 cell
808-593-0300 office
1314 S. King Street #306 I Honolulu, Hawai`i 96814
T: 808-593-0300 I mail@outdoorcircle.org I www.outdoorcircle.org