HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0795.002 1996-1998
WATUMULL Properties Corp.
April 30, 1998
A AY
The Honorable James Arakaki - Chairman r
County Council
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: TMK: 3-1-6-3:5
Proposed Rezoning
Dear Mr. Arakaki and Members:
We are the owners of the Keaau Shopping Center. It has come to our attention that the owner
of the above mentioned parcel of land, which boarders the proposed Keaau Bypass Road, is
seeking to rezone the parcel from light industrial zoning to retail. As involved and concerned
members of the business community, we must strongly voice our opposition to any rezoning of
this parcel.
We oppose the rezoning for two reasons. First, in the interest of sensible growth, we believe
that all commercial/retail development ought to take place within the Keaau Village. W.H.
Shipman, Ltd. has taken the lead in ensuring the coherent and uniform development of Keaau.
Rezoning the subject parcel will create a second commercial/retail area in Keaau, which is not
needed, and will lead to a hodgepodge of development in the area. By approving the rezoning,
we loose the opportunity for Keaau to grow in a rational manner, with future development
reflecting an appropriate sense of place in both its scale and design.
Second, as the name suggests, the bypass road is intended to bypass the traffic congestion of the
Keaau Village, and allow motorists an easier commute to their homes in Orchid Land Estates,
Hawaiian Paradise Park, and Pahoa. Placing a retail center on the bypass road, together with
the ensuing traffic lights and customer traffic, will defeat the purpose of such a road, and turn
it into just another commercial thoroughfare.
As a landlord we are not opposed to competition in the form of other shopping centers. We
welcome sensible retail development within the Keaau Village, which we believe will create
activity and ultimately bring more people to Keaau.
We ask your assistance in preserving the character and charm of Keaau. Please vote no to the
rezoning of the subject parcel.
Sincerely Yours,
-72L 0
OOmm No.
File T(o.
J.D. Watumull Prosented PG
Vice President Tot
1' 1998
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