HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0520.006 2022-2024 P /Counei I
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COMM.52o
From: Jerry Brower
Sent: Tuesday, December 05, 2023 9:55 AM cD
To: Council Testimonyx.
Subject: Comments on Bill 87 --+
Aloha Council Members, ,,.
I'm writing to urge the Hawaii County to NOT approve the rezoning proposed.in Bill 87 to change 92 Kataniaraa_'ole
Street from resort hotel to limited industrial.
Tourism is the heartblood of this community's economy. We are already having issues with the impression we give
on the walk from the docks into Hilo town, we currently are doing OK'ish on the presentation around the hotels. This
work to renovate and beautify the Banian Drive area needs to continue, but nothing would ruin the whole thing like
walking to the end of the drive and having your eyes assaulted by a car dealership! Besides, what tourist is going to
just wander into a car lot and buy something to ship back to the mainland?!?! None! This would just be destroying
our tourist economy for no good marketing reason.
We currently patronize many of the businesses in this location and my daughter loves Millie's Deli and Snack Shop,
especially the wraps and banana smoothie. It is her go-to stop after her golf lessons at the Naniloa. I go to the
new coffee shop there Big Island Coffee Roasters. Shops like these are an important part of the tourist economy,
esthetics, and our community as a whole. These shops cannot be easily relocated and would likely close down
rather than move. If you pass this bill, you are sending the message that big money now is more important than
MANY small businesses and the future of the Hilo tourist economy.
Please reconsider this rezoning request. I realize that things change and businesses and buildings get bought and
sold, but the current location is a pivotal location to the pier where the cruise ships dock and at the end of Banyan
Drive where the major hotels for Hilo are located. Vendors like Millie's are the spirit of Hawaii that tourists take back
home with them. Locals love that beach and the ice pond, so there should be shaved ice, not car sales. Locals and
tourists enjoying what this island has to offer, not limited-time financing offers.
Thank you for considering this request,
Jerry
Jerry B. Brower
139 Hoomalu Place
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-2616 \\ I //
e-mail: jbrower@jbbrower.net (0-0)
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