HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0400.021 2002-2004 Zeopu ~atate cv~~ee ~azrn
75-816-F ALILA-AU r
P.O. BOX 437
HOLUALOA, HAWAII 96725 gv~3w
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Caunty Goundl
January 26, 2004
Mr. James Y. Arakaki
25 Aupuni St.
Hilo, Hawei'i
96720
Aloha Mr. Arakaki;
Please do not be badgered by the crowd of dissidents that do not speak for the many thinking
citizens on this Kona Coast. The Big Island has no money and at least $50 million dollars is
needed to care for the deteriorating infrastructure. Another $20 Million to maintain after the
infrastructure is brought up to a standard that will meet the needs, and that is only the beginn-
ing, cost will continue to rise.
I talk to many people every day. They say that more taxes is not their first choice. BUT they do
say if we don't let someone else pay them we will have to. The consensus is, let the newcomers
pay the bill.
Now to my strongest thought on allowing more development. Ifistory and statistics prove mora-
toriums and stifling growth are the most certain method known to a resort or tourist community
to destroy their economy. Allowing growth that insures quality, hence a good tax base is a favor
to the Kona Coast and all of the Big Island. The small loud mouthed group represented thwsday
at the Council hearing in Kona, aze in every community. They think of the their own wants and
likes only. In this case it imperative that the council stiffen their backs, do what is good for the
Island. Demand quality and make certain the developers pay as they go. We need money and
lot's of it just to pay for the wear and tear that is being done daily by the present influx of new
users.Opponems say the traffic is out of control, it's gridlock Well it is they who wmribute
to the gridlock. Another 100 autos will only make it tough if you choose to use the routes during
a busy hour. And only those who do will suffer.
My last important point. I am a native of a small Island off the California coast, only 26 miles
from the mainland. Grew up there, worked for Safeway Stores for 7-1/2 cents and hour, punched
out at 6:pm THEN swept the floors, on our own time!! And attended school half day. I saw our
lovely community go from well dressed ladies and gentlemen, families, as visitors come enjoy
what was then a jewel of the Pacific Coast. And we prospered. Then a selfish group of
hamburger operators, junk curios stores operators, rowboat renters, tenement housing, invoke
controls, keep it like it is they said By electing their own to control the Vllage. No vacant
land sales, selfish planning committees, prejudice and selfishness prevailed. Result:it is a nickel
and dime resort and a nickel and dime crowd to go with it. There are no fine hotels as we know,
leaving taxes behind. The tiny village on Catalina Island which once was a proud nationally
known resort now must go to the County of Los Angeles and the Federal Government to meet
their needs. That is the near future for Kailua-Kona and the Coast if you allow the selfish small
group to Wile. NOW FOR THE IRONY ! i Some of those same folks who said we like it like it
is, now Gve along the Kona Coast and others are on the Hilo side. And more talking about
coming.
Have a good day,
~ Comm.Y
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