HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0560.039 2002-2004 October 18, 2004
To All Concerned:
I am writing to voice my opposition to the University Terrace Project. I feel the
scale of the development is not warranted for the area, and the developers have
not adequately addressed the concerns of the residents in the surrounding
neighborhoods.
From my understanding of the proposed project, the area will be developed for
high-density housing (multi-family apartments, townhouses, and single-family
dwellings) and commercial development (including transient accommodations). I
feel the project is too ambitious for the area. Such a large project will have
unacceptable negative impacts on the surrounding neighborhoods. The
proposed number of housing units will greatly increase traffic on Komohana
Street and on neighborhood roadways with accompanying increase in noise
levels.
Clearing the land will also increase the likelihood of flooding for residents living
downslope of the project. In my opinion, it is overly optimistic to claim that water
run-off will be contained within the development site. Once the land is cleared,
run-off from heavy rains will flow through the site and cause problems for people
living below the project area. Since the Mohouli Street extension opened, I have
noticed that the water flowing through my yard during heavy rains has
substantially increased. Given the frequency of heavy rains in the Hilo area, it is
quite likely that residents living downslope from the development will suffer more
flooding problems, and it is not inconceivable that downtown Hilo businesses
could also suffer from the increased water run-off from the development site.
I also feel that downtown Hilo businesses will suffer if a large commercial area is
developed as part of the University Terrace Project. Downtown businesses are
working hard to draw customers into downtown Hilo; competition from a new
commercial area nearby might cause some of the small stores and service
operations to go out of business.
One of the reasons I voted for Donald Ikeda to represent my neighborhood on
the County Council is because I felt he is more in touch with his constituents. I
feel it is presumptuous of the current County Council members to try to push this
project through in the last few weeks of the current term. Please give more
consideration to the concerns of the people most affected by the proposed
project.
Sincerely,
Janis Shirai
37A Punawai Street 3
Hilo, HI 96720-2046 Comm. No.
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