HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0520.029 2022-2024 P/ Courtcif
NI 37
CO 4t4,52D
From: Donald Rudny �.cD
'=CD
Sent: Thursday, November 30, 2023 12:58 PM
To: Council Testimony; Kimball, Heather; Lee Loy, Sue; Evans, Cynthia F.W.; baba, I—1 ka;
Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt; Villegas, Rebecca; Kagiwada,Jennifer; Galimba 1icft le M.;
Kierkiewicz, Ashley
Cc: Roth, Mitch D
Subject: Bill87 (Opposed)
Aloha Honorable Council Members,
I have recently become aware of this rezoning and having some serious concerns about it, I strongly oppose it. The parcel is located
in a very active and sensitive area of the Hilo Community. Rezoning from resort to light industrial so close to Reed's Bay and other
resort uses will detract from the beauty and function of the area. I believe that if the general plan allows for this,it is a mistake. Not
sure what the Council's vision is for this area, but I hope it leans toward a modern resort/tourist area for the Hilo community. The
Reed's Bay/Banyan Dr.area is Hilo's best opportunity for a thriving resort area that can best serve the visiting and transiting tourists
from the cruise ships as well as those visiting Hilo for a longer term. When my wife and I visited about 20 years ago to look for
property,we stayed at the Hilo Seaside Hotel for a week. It was quite an enjoyable stay. The Ponds became one of our favorite
restaurants that we still frequent today. Walking around the area was a very pleasant experience that I will never forget. I'm not
sure I would enjoy having lunch at the Ponds while listening to air wrenches at the Kia service dealership. Dealerships are notorious
for having bright lights,signs, balloons and ever air operated figures to draw attention to their sales and promotions. Is this what
you want in this area of our community?
I did review the WPC transcript and watched the County Council LAAC meeting on this Bill. I found the scrutiny of it quite lacking. I
could go through a list of issues that were not addressed, but suffice it to say,it was pretty much rubber stamped by both
authorities. Traffic wasn't mentioned and the driveways exiting the parcel feed right into the Banyan Way intersection. A traffic
study was not conducted.
My concerns extend beyond just this parcel. I visited the area and am dismayed by the deteriorating condition of the buildings along
Banyan Dr. I would hope there are some leaders in our community who can develop a plan for the future rehabilitation of the whole
resort area. Right now I look at it as a diamond in the rough. Maybe I'm missing something,but I don't see such an effort
emerging. Allowing a car dealership to build in this location supports that conclusion.
As some of you may know, I am originally from Chicago. Its beautiful lakefront is a major asset that was developed and conserved by
the great visionary, Daniel H. Burnham. His famous quote is shown below. These words are still used today in Chicago to counter
attempts to deviate from the plan put in place to preserve and protect Chicago's major asset.
Coma'. i n'.d. 0. 2
Ref. To:
1 Ref. Date • e
" Make no littla plans ; they have
blood and probably thcmsolves will n
Make big plans ; aim high in hope and
a boble , logical diagram ono° record
long after we are gone will be a liv
itself with ever- growing insi3tency .
and grandsons ar -:) going to do things
Let your watchword be order and your
D . F . Burnham, flo
Co
So,my question to all of you,including the Mayor,is,do you have a vision for that area? I hope you do and I hope it aligns with
mine. Please feel free to contact me at any time. In the meantime please stop any further degrade of Hilo's only resort area and
vote no on this rezoning.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Don Rudny
P.O. Box 106
Pepeekeo, HI 96783-0106
312-209-5870
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