HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0042.056 2004-2006 KA' V FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
"Serving the entire District of Kn'u!"
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December 29, 2004 r;l-)' +
Honorable Bob Jacobson
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni St.
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Bob:
You once told me not to give up in making the comments I think necessary to develop a good
county plan. I am taking you up on that offer. While I have not had the opportunity to review
every section of the revised plan (under bill 163 and drafted December 21, 2001), I have some
comments and a few specific suggestions.
I must state in the beginning that my comments may not be that of the Kau Federal Credit
Union. I make my comments as a business person and a manager of the only financial
cooperative serving the entire district of Ka'u.
• With regards to the maps, I support the expanded urban area for Ocean View. As the ocean
view area grows, a more developed commercial infrastructure will be required to service the
population. I do ask:
o What TMK's does the expansion include?
o Will the conversion of lots within the new zoning be easily converted to commercial
for retail and other similar services for the residents of the area?
With regards to the maps, I question the proposed zoning for the coast line from Honuapu to
north past Pahala. The area around the Punaluu development should continue to be
developed. The revised plan restricts some of that. There will be a need for resort and
other visitor facilities in the future. Upper end housing is also something that should be
desired from the county's view of low impact on the environment while improving the tax
base. This area is already partially developed. I suggest the immediate areas surrounding
the Punaluu development continue to be made available for commercial and resort
development. At the same time, the council should put most of the area to the south and
north of Punaluu (on the ocean side of the Hawaii Belt Way) into conservation to preserve a
large portion of land for us and future generations to enjoy. Then property on the Mountain
side of the Hawaii Belt Way can be opened for development while protecting the coast.
We know much of the land in this part of Ka'u is being bought and sold with the aspirations
development and big profits. Development is inevitable. Look at the house built next to the
shore line with a permit issued by the DLNR. The county plan must protect the shore line for
the use of visitors and residents. The protection of that shore line will also promote socio-
economic development as the surrounding land will eventually be developed. A buffer must
be established now, while setting the stage for balanced development. I believe my
proposal does just that.
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Ref. To: PreaeNN l'L1'C..
Ref. Uate .IAN 2~0~
P.O. Box 347 ? Na'alehu, Hawaii 96772-0347 ? Tel: (808) 929-7334 Fax: (808) 929-8766
December 29, 2004 page 2
Honorable Bob Jacobson
• Pages 30 through 33 discuss general goals and policies relating to the economic aspects of
the plan. I propose some specific additions:
o Goal -Strive to provide water for the entire island as it will provide a major impetus
for socio-economic development in all communities.
o Policy -Work with and support local businesses and organizations to provide new
and innovative products and services for the residents and visitors of the Big Island.
(This is to give specific impetus to the county government to work with local
businesses first, before bringing in outsiders to implement projects and activities.
For example: why contract with someone on Oahu to implement a new loan guaranty
program when a local institution need only build up its infrastructure a bit to be able
to satisfy that need on the Big Island? Of course this can be applied to any industry
on island.)
• Page 49 discussed Courses of Action for Kau. I found these to be extremely vague without
any substance as compared to those for other districts. I would like to see the following
added:
o Support the development of financial and educational facilities for the support of the
community within the district. (I would like to see this included because we dream of
developing a community financial and educational center in Ocean View, within the
area to be designated as urban. We hope to be able to obtain federal funding. To
obtain federal funding, the agencies like to see that our projects are part the general
plan of the County of Hawaii. I will be happy to discuss this with you at any time.)
o Develop potable water resources for the Ocean View area. (This will directly help
the improvement of the tax base for the county. You should also say something
specific like this for the Puna District.)
Bob, these are my immediate thoughts. I think the economic section is the appropriate place for
these types of comments. The issues I mentioned directly relate to the socio-economic
development of the District. I believe my suggestions will assist in finding that balance between
preservation and development. I see development coming quickly to Ka'u. These ideas will
help direct development toward the balance we all seek.
Regards,
Bernard Balsis
General Manager