HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0042.019 2004-2006
12/30/2004 19:26 FAX 3102761590 THREE D C~j 001/003
3D INVESTMENTS, LLC
433 NORTH CAMDEN DRIVE
SUITE 900
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA 90210 "
TEL.: (310) 27G-1290; FAX: (310) 27G-1590 -
G]
FACSIMII:E TRANSMITTAL SHEET
TO: FROM: ~
Mr. Pete Hoffmann Joseph Daneshgar
COMPANY: DATE:
HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL December 30, 2004
PHONE NUMBER: E-MAIL:
joseph@3dinvestmente.com
FAX NUMBER: NO. OF PAGES INCL. COVER PAGE:
(808) 961-8912
RE: LETTER TO COUPJTY OF HAWAII
NOTES /COMMENTS:
Comm. No.
Ref. To: PrsseatN
Ref. Dase JAN
12/30/2004 14:26 FAX 3102961590 THREE D r~J002/003
3D INVESTMENTS,LLC
433 IVorth Camden Drive, Suite 900
Beverly Hills, California 90210
Tel.: (310) 276-1290; Fax: (310) 276-1590
December 3Q 2004
Mr. Peter Hoffman, Co-chairperson
Mr. Angel Pilago, Co-chairperson
Planning Committee
Hawaii County Council
25 Auptmi Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Written Testimon}~ Objecting to the adoption of LUPAG Amendments I-3,
I-4 and I-5; Bill ] 63 for an Ordinance Adopting the County of Hawaii
General Plan and Repealing Ordinance No. 89-142; TMK No. 9-2-1: 72
and 75; Consisting; of 16,456.547 acres and 3,127.950 acres in Kahuku,
District of Ka'u, L<land, County and State of Hawaii
Dear Co-chairpersons Hoffman a~td Pilago & Committee Members:
We are the owners of the above-referenced property. Over the past twelve months, ottr
family-owned company, 3D Invfstments, LLC, through its local subsidiaries, acquired
these lands along the coastline ne:az Pohue Bay because we believe that the property has
the potential to provide a unique visitor experience in a low impact and culturally
sensitive retreat resort. It is father our intent to incorporate coastal preservation,
recreational and employment oFportunities for the people of this community in our
development.
We believe that the current land use designations on the LUPAG map for this property
should not be changed. The General Plan is a long-range planning tool that sets out the
County's vision for the future of i he island of Hawaii. The establishment of a resort here
remains a viable option for this property - an option that will attract substantial
investment, construct much-needed in&astructure, replace the many jobs lost in the
exodus of plantation agriculture, provide sound management for the azea's natural and
cultural resources, enhance tax re~~enues and stimulate economic development in a region
that has received less than its fair share of all of these.
The Hawaiian Riviera resort project, previously proposed for the azea by its former
owners, was not a realistic or appropriate development for the property. However, the
thoughtfulness, consideration and courage that guided the vision resulting in the current
General Plan should not be disre;azded. This designation was also the primary reason
12/30/2004 14:27 FAX 3102761590 THREE D f~j 003/003
our family decided to acquire this property and it continues to be a guiding principle for
our future investments there as well. We understand that the resort designation in the
LUPAG does not provide an aplrcoval for any specific project as it would also require a
State Land Use (SLU) boundary amendment and the adoption of a zoning ordinance by
the Hawaii County Council. T:~e Planning Commission and the Planning Department
would have the opportunity to review such applications to ensure that any project
proposed here is properly plann~~ and developed before receiving any specific project
approvals.
As the owner of the Maui Lu Hotel, we understand what it takes to develop and operate
such projects. Over the past yeah, our company has made numerous investments both in
the State and in the County of Hawaii, including Waikoloa Highlands Shopping Center
in South Kohala. We believe in the future of Hawaii County and believe we can play an
important role in the future of the Ka'u District.
We would appreciate the opportunity to share our vision for these lands, one that we
believe is consistent with the other goals proposed in the General Plan, including the need
for increased economic development, and greater public access to recreational
opportunities, aloes-density development integrating preservation of the region's coastal
and cultural resources. We also envision an increased potential for integrating the most
recent developments in altema:ive energy generation, sustainable eco-tourism and
aquaculture. We have made a substantial investment in this property and stand willing to
make an even greater investment in the region, including strategic partnerships with the
University of Hawai'I and the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai'I Authority
(NELHA).
In light of the foregoing, the proposal to delete the current resort designation for this
pazcel in the General Plan would send the wrong message to the investment community;
one which suggests that the County of Hawaii does not support its investment in the
development of real property on Use island of Hawaii.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed amendments to the draft
General Plan and we appreciate your consideration in this matter.
Sincerely,
Joseph Daneshgar
cc: Chris Yuen, Planning Director