HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0339.011 2022-2024 P/CiOEAC
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Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii
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Since 1964
July 3, 2023
Council Member Cindy Evans, Chair
Council Member Sue L.K. Lee Loy, Vice Chair ,..-7.,,=:.0;.)
Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs i +'
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Office of the County Clerk v-i f
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street -41? :',P,:..,'
Hilo, HI 96720 ,',
RE: Support for Hawaii County Resolution No. 199-23 Draft 1
Dear Chair Evans, Vice-Chair Lee Loy, and Members of the Committee on Governmental
Operations and External Affairs,
The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii (JCCIH) was established in 1951
and represents over three hundred members of the business community on Hawai'i Island. The
JCCIH is in strong support of Hawai'i County Resolution No. 199-23 Draft 1, which urges the
honorable Governor Josh Green, M.D., to issue an emergency proclamation to provide relief for
damages, losses, and suffering and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the people
affected by the hazardous conditions at the property formerly known as Uncle Billy's Hilo Bay
Hotel.
The JCCIH strives to build a thriving Hawai'i Island Community and recognizes that the Banyan
Drive is an integral part to a thriving community. The Banyan Drive is home to many of the hotel
rooms in Hilo and is therefore an important part of the tourism industry in East Hawai'i. In
addition, Banyan Drive includes popular activities such as the Hilo Walk of Fame, Coconut
Island and Liliuokalani Gardens (Japanese-Style Garden)which is one of Hilo's best-known
landmarks.
Uncle Billy's property has long been a source of trouble and danger, posing significant risks to
the surrounding Banyan Drive Peninsula. Since hotel services ceased in June 2017, the
property has experienced numerous fires, squatters, illegal activity, and security issues,
disrupting the surrounding community and an unnecessary strain on vital resources. The data
provided by the Hawai'i Police Department and the Hawai'i Fire Department highlights the
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Ref. Dote: - 2023
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Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii
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substantial financial burden and public safety concerns associated with the ongoing hazardous
conditions.
The current situation requires immediate attention and intervention, as the hazardous conditions
at the property endanger the well-being of the people in the surrounding area and impede our
community's economic recovery and resilience. An emergency proclamation by Governor Green
can provide much-needed relief to those affected and enable the removal of blighted properties
that create unsafe conditions. It would also pave the way for the redevelopment of the Banyan
Drive Peninsula, which is crucial for the long-term prosperity of Hawai'i County. It is an
opportunity to improve the area,'stimulate economic growth, and ensure our community's
health, safety, and welfare.
Again, please support Resolution No. 199-23 Draft 1 to assist with the well-being and
revitalization of our community.
Sincerely,
p—DocuSigned by:
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Garth Yamanaka
President
Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii
714 Kanaeleluwwi Avenue•Hilo,Hawa+i 96720.4565
P.O.Box 7436•Hrlu.Hnw,ri 96720-898t
Phone: ;BOW 934.0177 • Fax: (9O!}934-0178 • E-r11ar1: icc[n'4Tjccilj.cru