HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0400.155 2002-2004 i;
September 10, zooa 2;09 SEP 1 ia(~ 8 3
The Honorable James Y. Arakaki
Chairman, Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
RE: BILL # 178 / CLIFTO'S KONA COAST LLC
SUPPORT TO OVERRIDE VETO
Dear Mr. Arakaki and Council Members,
As some of you may recall, I recently had the honor ofpresenting my opinion to
the Council in person. I come from a family on the mainland that has three different
highway construction/safety businesses. The combined yeazs of which easily pass 300. I
am not an expert on highway safety or traffic flow issues. I have however, been involved
with my families corporation for sometime. I understand basic traffic control and
planning quite well. In fact, I have reseazched the Manual Uniform of Traffic Control
Devices, (MUTCD is the standard Hawaii follows), very closely. I have it on CD ROM
for this very computer. Basically it comes down to a few principals such as prior
planning, future planning, funding and analysis. The prior planning issues are already on
our door steps from previously poor decisions. We need to look forwazd and plan
accordingly. It isn't rocket science, it is simple traffic planning. I understand Governor
Lingle is prepazed to work with Clifto's to move the widening project along. That in
itself is a monumental move in the right direction. We can't place a moratorium on all
residential building in West Hawaii, therefore it is logical to expect that the population
will continue to grow and as supply and demand for housing changes, so will property
costs. i believe a 20% "affordable" housing commitment is more than fair, in fact I find
it unbelievably generous. The reality is people along the western side of the Big Island
need another place to go for basic needs, somewhere to stop prior to Kailua-Kona. If I
never had to drive past Costco again, I wouldn't. Cliff Morris appears a man of his word,
willing to make historic concessions for a mutually beneficial project. His opposition is a
highly vocal minority that believes false information. I believe that Greenpeace would
see all building projects terminated if they had their way. That isn't practical or realistic.
There is an environmental balance that can be achieved and maintained, and as every
person on this side of the Island and thousands of annual tourists could testify, we have a
serious traffic problem. I urge the Honorable Members to do the right thing and override
the Mayor's veto. I am personally appalled that the Mayor's planning person sat and
testified before your committee a few weeks ago and indicated support for this project,
only to turn and run later. I see this as a test of chazacter and as a retired, service injured,
US Mazine, I find that a true judge of a person. Veto the Mayor and stand for your initial
votes! Mahalo!
Semper Fidelis,
M. McGill, USMC Ret.
Comm. No. S~
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