HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0459.177 2024-2026From: Donald Rudny
Sent: Friday, September 12, 2025 7.46 PM
To: Inaba, Holeka; Kimball, Heather; Kierkiewicz, Ashley; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt;
Galimba, Michelle M.; Kagiwada, Jennifer; Hustace, James; Onishi, Dennis; Villegas,
Rebecca; Council Testimony i9i o
Cc: Alameda, Christian (Kimo); Miura, Lisa; Nakagawa, Diane C, CU
Subject: Resolution 286-25 (Opposed)
T71
Aloha Honorable Council Members, sr--Na
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I respectfully but firmly object to Resolution 286-25, which requests the Director of Finance to pursue the
purchase of property known as Honolulu Landing using PONC funds.
I have long supported the PONC program, even testifying against its reduction under Harry
Kim and speaking to him directly about its importance. That said, responsible stewardship
requires pragmatism. The proposed acquisition involves two parcels: a 30-acre shoreline lot
with a County tax assessment of $708,000, and a 334-acre inland parcel assessed at $384,000.
Together, they are offered at $3.9 million —nearly four times their assessed value. This raises
serious questions about whether the land is under -assessed or simply overpriced.
Location is another concern. The property lies in Lava Zone 2, where the USGS estimates a
15-25% chance of lava inundation within the next 50 years. Committing more than 10% of
the entire PONC fund to purchase high -risk land at an inflated price is, in my view, not a
responsible use of taxpayer resources.
While I recognize the cultural value of the property, cultural significance alone cannot justify
such a disproportionate expenditure. The Council must ask tough questions about true
property value, financial risk, and long-term public benefit before moving forward. Moreover,
the County should be extremely cautious about endorsing development or investment in Lava
Zone 2, given the clear hazards to residents and taxpayers.
Mahalo for considering my testimony.
Don
Don Rudny
P.O. Box106
Pepeekeo, HI 96783-0106
312-209-5870
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Ref. To:
Ref. Date 1 2025