HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0964.029 2004-2006
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Support for Bill No. 309 (Amendment E-4)
Submission by, Tim Robertson, Owner Operator Melton Tackle (808)-329-0800
? Growth and Change
? We all recognize that growth and change must occur on the Big Island of Hawaii and in the Kona
community
? It is incumbent upon us to make sure we develop our area responsibly and for the betterment of the
community.
¦ This means improving the infrastructure of our community, including; roads, water, schools and
hospitals
¦ At the present time the only established business sector on the island capable of generating enough
revenue to actually impact the community is Tourism.
? The Project
? The revenue driver of the Kona Kai Ola project will be the mixed-use Marina.
¦ The revenue these entities can create for the community would be able to fund the improved
infrastructure needed for our area (roads, schools hospitals etc), but more importantly it would
probably develop a new economy for the region.
• The Marina itself would have approximately 800 slips, which represents about 300,000,000
worth of boats. The boats will spend between 15% - 20% of their value on repairs and
maintenance per year (this does not include fuel or sundries for daily boat operation)
? This will create hundreds of new, high paying jobs for the community in anew SIC and be a
driver to help develop a sustainable middle economy that is struggling to emerge.
? The Benefactors
? The Community has to be the number one benefactor, this means The Jacoby Group, DLNR and DHHL
have to be good partners to the Kona community. Revenue generated here, must stay here to support the
proper growth and development of Kona and surrounding areas.
? Small businesses, like mine will benefit as will the community being serviced by them.
¦ On a personal note, I in always kidded by friends about my support for this project because they
believe it will increase our business, but what no one seems to recognize is that it will also bring
increased competition which is good for the community. I don t see anyone complaining about
having Lowes, Home Depot, Wal-Mart and Cost-Co to shop at. The only comment I here is we
want a Target store . Competition between businesses is good for the community because it
improves service and keeps prices in line for consumers.
? The younger generations should benefit the most with better schools and better opportunities to live and
work in Kona, right now this is a real problem and if we don t start building this community, they will
suffer the MOST on both fronts.
? Going Forward
? The Community and it s elected officials are ultimately responsible for making the right decision(s) on
this project. There are a lot of questions that need to be answered. Is Jacoby a good Partner? Will the
state and county ensure Kona s community interests are protected?
? I personally have been in business dealings with The Jacoby Group and know them to be extremely
ethical and competent, but Kona must perform their own due diligence on this matter.
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? We need excellent decision makers representing Kona community s interests. They must have
experience in the matters concerning this project or seek council from people who do. This project is
one of the most important decisions in the history of this community.
? There are precious few developers with Jacoby s ability, reputation and dedication to the communities
they help build. I cannot emphasis enough to the various boards and groups involved in evaluating The
Jacoby Group, that they perform this due diligence thoroughly. I believe they will discover what a lot of
other communities have experienced, excellence.