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Shuman 3fouse Bed & Breakfast Inn <br />131 Xa 'W&ni Street, 3fdo, 9fawaii 9672o <br />www.hiho-haivafi.com bighousei4iguCandcom <br />Email to: Hawaii County Clerk <br />counciltestimonygco. hawaii.lu.0 s <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Committee on Planning <br />The Honorable K. Angel Pilago, Chair <br />The Honorable Dominic Yagong, Vice -Chair <br />From: Barbara A Blackshear Andersen <br />Owner and Restorer, Historic W.H. Shipman House, Hilo <br />Committee Date: Thursday, September 18, 2007 <br />1:00 PM <br />Subject: Support Council Bili 176 <br />Establishing a Hawaii County Cultural Resources Commission <br />Please pass this bill to establish a commission made up of qualified appointees to <br />preserve this island's unique cultural and historical resources. Without a commission like <br />this to oversee historic resources, Hawaii Island could easily lose the buildings and the <br />sites that give it/us our special character. The Cultural Resources Commission would <br />present the County departments a place to turn to with historic or cultural issues, <br />knowing the commissioners are well-qualified to make those decisions. <br />Over the past decade of running the Shipman House B&B, hundreds of guests have <br />thanked us for preserving this piece of Hawai is past, and they comment on Hilo's <br />quaint, historic character. They are always surprised and delighted to find a piece of "the <br />real Hawai i" over here, and often express concern that it may disappear with <br />development. In the community meetings for the EnVision Hilo 2025 project, the <br />number one concern was to maintain Hilo's historic character. It provides for a relaxed, <br />grounded quality of life. I'm sure residents all over the island feel the same way about <br />their areas. This commission would provide a win-win situation for both the residents and <br />the visitors. <br />I apologize for the brevity of this letter. The issue is serious, and if the Councilmembers <br />are unsure about this bill, please hold it in committee for further study, rather than reject <br />it. Without a commission like this, Hawaii Island could become just another generic <br />tourist destination, and lose its authentic Hawaiian-ness. <br />Comm: No. �o G f'o • 7 <br />Ref. DO-MTTRM7 <br />Ref. Date ar 1� <br />