HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0400.096 2002-2004 HAWAII OPERATING ENGINEERS;.
INDUSTRY STABILIZATION FUND
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County of Hawaii
Hilo, Hawaii
Chairman Arakaki and Council members,
I am Myles Miyasato of the Hawaii Operating Engineers Industry Stabilization Fund
(HOEISF). HOEISF is a non-profit organization representing both labor and
management of the Operating Engineers Local Union No.3, which includes over 300
contractors and approximately 1,800 heavy equipment operators throughout the State.
I come before you today to testify in support of bill 178. Currently, the construction
industry is thriving predominantly on the west side of the island. We all can agree
traffic is a major issue in Kona, however, stopping development in the opposite
direction of Kailua needs careful consideration. It is my opinion that this project will
offer an alternative to the major traffic route. If the K to K Development Plan is truly our
direction and future, Clifton Kona Coast LLC is willing to contribute funds into the
roadway development. The O'oma master plan will allow support and financial
opportunity as well. The O'oma project is in an ideal location for the K to K plan. The
mauka -makai collector roadways will give access to residents and allow for alternate
shopping, banking, and dining, reducing traffic into Kailua. For all of us familiar with
this area, lunch is very limited to Matsuyama's, Costcos, and Sam Choy's this project
will be very welcomed.
For those of you who are testifying against this project I hope you realize the impact of
denying Bill 178 will have on our welfare as well as the economy as a whole. We have
hundreds of working citizens that depend on this type of development for their
livelihood. If this second reading were held after work hours in Kona we would fill your
council chambers just to show you our work and livelihood is much more important
than sitting in traffic. So if you are not in this traffic with us daily please understand that
we sit in traffic because we need to pay our mortgages, car payments, groceries, and
provide for the health and welfare of our spouses and children.
Delaying this rezoning will not solve the traffic problem, but it might actually create a
bigger problem of future unemployment.
Thank you, on behalf of our membership and organization -as I ask the council for
your support of Bill 178.
Myles Miyasato
Stabilization Representative
Comm. No.
Ref. To: P~ese~t •
1432 Middle Street • Honolulu, Hawaii 96819 Ref. Date JUL 2 2~~4
mom,.. Phone: BOS) 845-6221 Fax: (808) 847-8048