HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0741.011 2022-2024U����]
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(}f Co$}M1erce L, }ndQstry {A' Hawaii
Council Chairwoman Heather Kimball
Vice -Chair Ho|ekaInaba
County Council
Offime of the County Clerk -,
County of Havvai'i
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35 Aupuni Street
HUO. H|Q672O
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RE: Opposition for Bill 134(Draft 3)
Dear Chair Kimball, Vice -Chair Inaba, and Members of the County Council,
The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry ofHawaii (JCC|0was established in 1951
and represents over three hundred members of the business community on Hawai'i Island. The
JCC|H is inOpposition to Bill 134(Draft 3).which requires the Planning Director tosubmit e
subject area report tothe applicable planning commission and County Council along with each
change ofzoning district application.
The JCCIH has long advocated for streamlining government regulations to create an
environment where the free market can thrive. Bill 134.however, introduces additional
procedural requirements that vvebelieve could undermine this goal. Bymandating subject area
reports for each zoning change, the bill places further interpretative responsibilities on the
County Council and Planning Commission members in a process that we feel is best managed
by the Planning Director and the Planning Department's professional team.
This added layer of oversightiolikely to prolong the zoning application process, which would
impose further costs on applicants. For businesses, or0onizat|one, and individuals navigating
the zoning process, these delays equate to an increased financial burden due to extended
timelines and additional administrative requirements. The current review process o|naody
ensures thorough evaluation without the need for additional procedural complexity, which risks
stalling development initiatives and deterring investment in our community.
|nconclusion, vverespectfully urge the Council toconsider the potential negative impacts nfBill
134onthe efficiency and affordability of the zoning process. We believe that the current
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structure allows for robust review without compromising the agility needed to support our
county's growth. For these reasons, we oppose the passage of Bill 134.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Ka'iu Kimura, President
Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii
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