HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0027.009 2000-2002 4.t1 IS Hawaii Island 106 Ramehamehe Avenue
Hilo, Fleweti 96730
9 Phone (808) 936.7178
Fee (808) 961.44.%
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TESTIMONY OF JAMES R KENNEDY
BEFORE THE HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL
IN SUPPORT OF THE GATEWAY CENTER ZONING REQUEST
January 23, 2001
My name is James R. Kennedy and I live in Papa'ikou I am a Vice President of the Hawaii
Island Chamber of Commerce, and the Chair of its Economic Development Committee The
Hawau Island Chamber is over 100 years old and is the second oldest Chamber in the State It
represents more than 400 businesses on the Big Island, most of which aze here on the east side
The Chamber strongly supports the Gateway Center's zoning request This well-thought-out
development will be a very positive addition to the East Hawau It wtll provide millions of
constructions dollazs, hundreds of permanent tobs, and significant tax revenues For consumers,
it will provlde facilities that well not only provlde added convenience for many in the Puna
district, it will also provide a venue that may well attract an even broader vanety of shopping
opportunities than we presently enjoy, which would be a benefit to all of East Hawaii
We understand that Shipman has completed the revised traffic study requested last yeaz and that
the Department of Transportation has reviewed the road design and found that the development
will have "minimum impact" on the road system We note that, with the coming of the East
Hawaii Campus of Kamehameha Schools, this area is also a natural choice for thoughtfully
planned residential development In this context, the Gateway Center is a very complementary
component for the future, as well as the present
In conclusion, we think that the Gateway center is good and timely protect and we urge its
approval
Comm. No. ~
N51e No. Z ~
Ref. To:
Alfilieted with the Chamber of Commerce of the United Stetee Ref. Date JAN 2 ~ ~nm