HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0106.048 2004-2006 i. ~
KOI'IA-KOIIALA 75-5737 Kuakini Hwy:, Suite 208
CIIAMBER KailWar~4o HI9G740,,,,
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www.kona-kohala.com .info@kona-kohala.com
May 17, 2005
Honorable K. Angel Pilago, Co-Chair
Honorable Pete Hoffmann, Co-Chair
Planning Committee
Members of the HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Re: Bill Nos. 29 - 32 -Suffolk Investment, LLC and Puaa Development, LLC
Dear Councilpersons Pilago and Hoffman:
The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, which represents over 600 member
businesses, is concerned with Kona's infrastructure deficit, particularly our roads. We
are also equally concerned and alarmed over our housing crisis. Because of the sheer
absence of meaningful affordable housing, we are facing and will continue to face, a
labor shortage. If these issues are not addressed properly, and soon, not only will our
quality of life diminish, but our economy will suffer.
In that regard, it is heartening to find developers like Suffolk Investment, LLC and Puaa
Development, LLC that are willing to step up to the proverbial "plate" and come forth
with a plan that helps address these issues. While these developers' proposals will not be
the answer for all of West Hawaii's infrastructure and affordable housing concerns, their
projects will surely help.
Beriveen these brio prejec±s, ±here will be a total of 350 housing units' 250 will be rental
units for a minimum of 20 years and will target those individuals and/or families with
less than 120% of the median income, with a minimum of twenty (20) percent being
directed at the 80% or less than median income group. There has been no private
developer today or in the recent past that has comp forth with such a program!
Additionally, of the remaining 100 units, 20% will be affordable. There will be a total of
270 affordable units on this site located in the heart of Kona.
On the issue of traffic, the developers of these projects will construct a new mauka-makai
road between Kuakini Highway and Queen Kaahumanu Highway. They will also install
traffic signals at this new road's intersection with the Queen Kaahumanu Highway, as
well as make extensive improvements at the Kuakini Highway intersection. When
completed, it will result in a new road linking mauka Kona at Hualalai Road to Kuakini
Highway and possibly to Alii Drive.
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A small neighborhood center is also being proposed to help address the servicing and
shopping needs of area residents. In so doing, it would help minimize traffic from the
hundreds of homes in this area to Keauhou, Kailua, and other parts of Kona. With the
presence of 350 homes adjoining the neighborhood center, this area would be
transformed into a small village of sorts.
It is our understanding that the developers have agreed not to have any of these uses,
including the affordable housing units, available until all of the roadway improvements
have been completed.
From our perspective, these are projects that are definitely needed not tomorrow but
today. These are projects that help with our affordable housing, infrastructure deficit, and
are timed in a manner so as to fulfill the principle of concurrency. We respectfully
request your favorable and expeditious consideration of these measures.
The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce represents over 600 member businesses from
Ka'u to Kohala. The mission of the Chamber is to advocate a successful business
environment in West Hawaii. Our vision is to provide leadership for enhancing quality of
life incorporating our unique cultures and resources.
Sincerely,
~1
Eric von Platen Luder, President
Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce