HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0663.001 2002-2004
Jul 02 04 09:03a fiei6hborhood Place Puna 808-965-5109 p.2
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i~~`I JUL L AEI 8 r'7
July 1, 2004
Chair Gary Safarik rOUfv i ' " ~
Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations Committee
RE: Resolution 203-04
Deaz IvJr. Safarik:
I wish that I could attend the July 7 hearing on this resolution; unfortunately, I will be in
Honolulu that day. I do wish to comment on Resolution 203-04.
Pahoa is struggling to overcome its unpleasant reputation. New businesses and
restaurants have opened, dilapidated housing has been razed or repaired and the Weed
and Seed federal designation looks extremely promising. Social Service agencies have
also begun to provide many services in the azea including Salvation Army Family
Intervention Services, Boys and Girls Club, Child and Family Services and YMCA
Neighborhood Place of Puna. Churches have reached out to all segments of the
community and designed programs for youth. The people of Pahoa aze working together
to help Pahoa thrive.
One of our greatest challenges is pazking. The tiny road running through the town
prohibits pazking on both sides and the only lazge parking lot at Luquins is constantly
full. 1n order for Pahoa to continue to grow and become a place for visitors to shop and
eat additional pazking is desperately needed. I work in Pahoa and daily all lots (7-11,
Pahoa Natural Foods, banks, Cash and Carry have local resident's cars waiting for a
pa:king space. Unlike Wal-Mart and other lazge parking azeas in Hilo you cannot wait in
the pa~lcing lot for a space, you often have to wait on the street (causing even more
congestion).
The land behind Luquins is needed. I understand that land was purchased for $100,000
and thg county has assessed the value at $301,000. If indeed, the land is now listed at 1.5
million that is an incredible sum for vacant land in Pahoa. Gouging the taxpayers is
simply not an ethical way to make a million. I agree that an independent appraisal needs
to happen.
I hope that the council will look at the greater good for the people of Pahoa and exercise
its eminent domain rights.
Thank you for this opportunity to express my support for Resolution 203-04.
~~z~
Mary Hyslo~
Program Director, YMCA Neighborhood Place of Puna (Pahoa)
• Comm. No. 3
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