HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0939.033 2004-2006
Chairman Stacy Higa and Hawaii County Council
Testimony in support of Resolution 383-06 requesting the Planning Director to conduct a
Study into the feasibility of Amending the General Plan with regard to the zoning of
the"Jacoby" Parcel at Honokohau.
Aloha Stacy Higa and Council members,
I am Rick Vidgen, a 25 year resident and taxpayer
of Hawaii County, living at 78-630 Ihilani Place, Kailua Kona, Hawaii.
This Testimony is in support of this resolution as step 1 in the approval of the Jacoby
Project.
I should advise that I am not a boater (but have used the harbor on occasion) and neither
do I have any vested interest in this project.
However I have become aware of the Jacoby Plans and the part that this project can play
in the improvement of the area and provision of Public Facilities, along with the support
of DLNR and DHHL which they enjoy. It is also obvious that to allow for its financial
viability, it must have the zoning changes that are proposed.
I have been part of the CDP process and support its aims, However I appreciate that this
process is only one facet of the much more comprehensive General Planning process.
Thus planning for progress for the Island cannot sensibly be put on hold for an indefinite
period while one facet of the process is eventually completed. Like many other CDP
participants I fondly remember the Kona of 25 years ago, but fully appreciate that we
cannot shut the doors on either visitors or new arrivals who will come regardless of
artificial limitations. The CDP process will not change the weather and thus Kona will
remain a very attractive place to live.
I fully support the management of development in Kona, it is necessary and desirable for
an acceptable future. However I believe that this project fits within the planned
development corridor, will shortly be served by a 4 lane highway and thus is worthy of
community and County support.
I am also aware the Jacoby comes with a strong background of experience and skills and
(more important) with a track record of successful and community positive developments
across the US. My understanding is that their intentions with this project include some 6171.3 4je
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Ref. Vate . AUG 0 1 2006
innovative approaches to sustainable and ecologically sound development, including, for
example, the use of cold seawater for air-conditioning with resultant power saving.
I believe this project can provide a model for future developments that can unite the
community instead of the divisive history we currently enjoy.
I ask you to support this resolution.
Sincerely