HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0400.046 2002-2004 Kathy Melby 8: Philip Story
PMB 883, P.O. Box 198900
Hawi, Hawaii 96719
808-896-4169 (0322) i~' ~ _
E004 FEB 2 P(9 4 21
COUNl'~ ~r f 11V1-'All
January 29, 2004
James Y. Arakaki
25 Aupuni St.
Hilo, HI 96813
Mr. Arakaki,
During the four years we have lived in North Kohala we have seen residential and
commercial construction in Kona and North and South Kohala occur at an
increasingly rapid pace. In that same time we have observed traffic in the Kona area
increase to levels that routinely cause delay, inconvenience, road hazard and general
motorist misery.
We have seen little or no evidence in this time that county government is addressing
the Kona traffic problem in an effective way.
With the recent application of a Kona property owner to rezone its O'oma parcel to
allow a large project which will certainly cause a significant traffic increase and with
the apparent inclination of the county council to approve it, we have to speak out.
The failure of county government to address already critical traffic issues in Kona
before approving further traffic-causing development seems to us a bizarre departure
from common sense and wise priorities.
We're perplexed. What possible justification could there be for decisions that will
make an already bad traffic problem worse when your duty compels you and your
constituents call upon you to do the opposite?
We don't oppose development. We love this island's thoughtfully planned and
beautiful hotels, homes, condos, commercial projects and shops. But we are not
willing to trade away the good quality of life that makes this island so attractive for any
more of them.
Stop approving development and start building roads and installing mass transit.
Don't add one more vehicle to the roads until the traffic issues are resolved. Figure it
out. Get help. Do whatever you have to do. Advocate for the life quality of all the
people of this island, not the profit interests of a few wealthy landowners.
Comm. No.
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If county government won't voluntarily behave responsibly, the people and the courts
have shown a willingness to compel lawful and responsible government. Let's avoid
that if we can.
Sincerely,
Kathy Melby
Phitip Story