HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0106.019 2004-2006 Ann J. Goo PhD. & Norman L. Goody MD
75-809 Keaolani Dr.• Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 • Telephone 808-331-8778 Fax 331-8773 E-mail goody(a~oobox.com
April 12, 2005
Aloha Hawaii County Council and members of the Planning Commission,
We all agree that there is a need for affordable housing in West Hawaii. However this project now
before you does not offer enough of an answer to this crisis to allow the enormous burden on the
entire Kona population by its construction.
We just cannot take another huge subdivision dumping traffic onto our over stressed and deadly
roads. The answer is not another signal, which would be required so that people could exit onto the
highway safely, but well planned major traffic routes including bike and pedestrian pathways. I did
not notice any support of this by this project on the plan. Perhaps it should be considered and the
PATH group should be asked to aid in the development of reasonable and safe routes for both bike
and pedestrians.
The connecting highways must first be made and then the additional sub connector routes
evaluated and added as appropriate. Not just the one that might be right or smart business as an
entry for a new shopping center. Residents will not shop at the new shopping center instead of the
one they are used to in Kona. Will you build a gate and forbid those who live south from grocery
shopping in Kona?
And those who need to be from the South end of the island to work at the resorts up north each
day will they benefit from an extra signal on the highway and the crowds jamming 4 or 5 lights
worth before they can get by as they now have to wait at Henry Street?
We cannot take the draining of our Hualalai well by 350 homes when we have just been told that
we must all reduce water use, even for those of us with farms whose crops or animals must have
the water.
Has anyone really looked at this land from the perspective of the animals that fly over and hunt on
it? Other then an employee paid by the developer?Areal evaluation should be done at all hours of
the day and night to be sure that no protected species are impacted in a way that needs to be
monitored or carefully worked around.
In conclusion: We agree the need for the affordable housing is present but do not believe this
project will provide the affordable housing at this site. To provide it elsewhere will not lessen but
o>~ worsen the traffic dilemma those residents face when they need to come to shop in Kona. Nor
will this project create in any way shape or form a benefit to the people of Kona. It would be a great
boon to the developer and land speculators who profit from it.
Some talk of a moratorium, I lived in a town that took a 7- year moratorium on all new building
permits. I tell you it was scary for all those in construction and there was huge panic. But everyone
in Big Bear Lake California breathed a sigh of relief and was much better off when wells were dug,
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roads were repaired, bridges built and other infrastructure caught up with the huge growth. So
many permits had been issued that there was still a huge amount of new construction as well as a
boom in remodels and repairs. The entire town had a facelift.
Regards
Ann & Norm Goody