HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0224.007 2002-2004
May 6, 2003
To: Chair of Public Works Committee and Councilmembers
Mayor Harry Kim
From: Hawaiian Acres Road Corporation
Devra Reeves, Vice-President
Acting for Ed James, President per phone contact 5/5/03.
Re: Resolution 65-03
It is the position of the Hawaiian Acres Road Corporation that the Puna Emergency
Access Road be opened for public use in its current condition. Any planned
improvements can be made while the road is open to traffic.
Comm. Nc. ~
Ref. To: ~
Ref. Uate
May 6, 2003
To: Chair of Public Works Committee and Councilmembers
Mayor Harry Kim
From: Devra & Don Reeves
Hawaiian Acres of Orchids
Re: Resolution 65-03
The closure of the PEAR by the Ainaloa Community Association, and now the County,
presents extreme economic and personal hazdship on our small business.
In 1998 we began an orchid nursery in Hawaiian Acres. Upon the construction of the
PEAR, we called and spoke with County officials to confirm that this new roadway was
to be open for public use. After receiving numerous assurances that this road was to
open, we purchased and developed additional acreage in the Kapoho Ag. lots. The
opening of the PEAR was the determining factor in our decision to purchase land in
lower Puna to expand our business.
From our location in the back of Hawaiian Acres, driving around on the highway route
adds 25 minutes each way. A normal business week requires that we travel between our
two farms a minimum of 4 trips. On average this adds an additional 4-5 hours driving
time to our work week. This equates to adding'/z day per week to our current 50-55 hour
work week. This does not take into account the additional costs of gasoline and vehicle
weaz.
This week, the one prior to Mother's Day, is the busiest week of the yeaz for the flower
industry. We made 6 round trips transporting and delivering flowers between lower and
upper Puna this weekend. This totals almost 5 hours of additional driving time to our
weekends work. We worked 15 hours on Saturday and another 13 hours on Sunday to
fill our orders. Where would the extra 5 hours have come from? Only by selling less!
We will lose money because of this road closure. It will be virtually impossible to make
last minute deliveries to other shippers in lower Puna in time to meet the eazly morning
shipping deadlines given the additional distance and time. This will be money lost
because we will not be able to supply that mazket.
The 50 minute drive each direction also impacts our part time and temporary workers.
Who can afford to drive almost 2 hours per day for 4-6 hours of work a couple of days
per week? It's not cost effective for them or us.
When we make less money, we buy less, we pay less taxes and employ fewer people for
less time. By costing small business, everyone loses.
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