HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0159.110 2024-2026P /5. Count l
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From: John Pelletier
Sent: Monday, May 19, 2025 8:18 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: County Council - Special Meeting 05/22/2025 Bill 32 Testimony
Attachments: Jpelletier Bill32_testimony.pdf
Aloha nui,
Please find my testimony for the County Council - Special Meeting on 05/22/2025 attached. The
testimony is in support of an item in Bill 32.
Mahalo piha,
John Pelletier
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Ref. To:
Clef. Dated 2025
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Hawaii County Council
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
John Pelletier
Ahupua`a `o `0`oma, Kailua-Kona, HI
May 19, 2025
jdp2766@gmail.com
RE: Bill 32 Draft 2, Relates to Public Improvements and Financing Thereof for the
Fiscal Year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
Aloha nui kakou, aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and members of the Council,
I'm John Pelletier, a resident of Kona, and I'm writing to express my strong support for
the inclusion of the Kealakehe Regional Park Phase 1 item in Bill 32.
The Kona community has long awaited this regional park that meets the diverse
recreational needs of our residents. This project is identified in the Kona Community
Development Plan and the Hawaii County General Plan, and represents a crucial
opportunity to enhance our community's quality of life and promote well-being through
access to recreational facilities.
Our recreational infrastructure in Kona is insufficient to meet current demands. The
Kealakehe Regional Park would address this gap by providing much -needed green
space, sports fields, and community gathering areas. These amenities would not only
serve as a focal point for healthy activities but also strengthen the sense of community
among residents.
A critical factor that makes this the right time to move forward is the recent progress
regarding the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant. Following the settlement with Hui
Malama Honok6hau, the plant will be required to upgrade to R-1 water standards. This
upgrade will make high -quality, treated water available for irrigation purposes, which
has been a major hold-up in regards to progress on this park. With the availability of R-1
water on the horizon, we must seize this opportunity to move the project forward.
Mahalo foryour time and foryour consideration forthe inclusion of the Kealakehe
Regional Park Phase 1 item in Bill 32.
Ke aloha n6,
John Pelletier