Laserfiche WebLink
October 18, 2004 <br /> To All Concerned: <br /> I am writing to voice my opposition to the University Terrace Project. I feel the <br /> scale of the development is not warranted for the area, and the developers have <br /> not adequately addressed the concerns of the residents in the surrounding <br /> neighborhoods. <br /> From my understanding of the proposed project, the area will be developed for <br /> high-density housing (multi-family apartments, townhouses, and single-family <br /> dwellings) and commercial development (including transient accommodations). I <br /> feel the project is too ambitious for the area. Such a large project will have <br /> unacceptable negative impacts on the surrounding neighborhoods. The <br /> proposed number of housing units will greatly increase traffic on Komohana <br /> Street and on neighborhood roadways with accompanying increase in noise <br /> levels. <br /> Clearing the land will also increase the likelihood of flooding for residents living <br /> downslope of the project. In my opinion, it is overly optimistic to claim that water <br /> run-off will be contained within the development site. Once the land is cleared, <br /> run-off from heavy rains will flow through the site and cause problems for people <br /> living below the project area. Since the Mohouli Street extension opened, I have <br /> noticed that the water flowing through my yard during heavy rains has <br /> substantially increased. Given the frequency of heavy rains in the Hilo area, it is <br /> quite likely that residents living downslope from the development will suffer more <br /> flooding problems, and it is not inconceivable that downtown Hilo businesses <br /> could also suffer from the increased water run-off from the development site. <br /> I also feel that downtown Hilo businesses will suffer if a large commercial area is <br /> developed as part of the University Terrace Project. Downtown businesses are <br /> working hard to draw customers into downtown Hilo; competition from a new <br /> commercial area nearby might cause some of the small stores and service <br /> operations to go out of business. <br /> One of the reasons I voted for Donald Ikeda to represent my neighborhood on <br /> the County Council is because I felt he is more in touch with his constituents. I <br /> feel it is presumptuous of the current County Council members to try to push this <br /> project through in the last few weeks of the current term. Please give more <br /> consideration to the concerns of the people most affected by the proposed <br /> project. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> <br /> Janis Shirai <br /> <br /> 37A Punawai Street 3 <br /> Hilo, HI 96720-2046 Comm. No. <br /> Ref. To:Pr <br /> Ref. Late ~ <br /> <br />