HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0795.004 1996-1998
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May 4, 1998
Mr. James Arakaki, Chairman
County Council
County Of Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Mr. Arakaki:
Subject: Rezoning Of Land - Keaau Bypass
Zoning From ML-20 to MCX
Tax Map Key: 3-1-6-3-95
We would like to support the Planning Department's vision and efforts to further develop the
town of Keaau as a strong growing commercial district supporting the Puna area as well as
supporting the planned Keaau bypass as a fast efficient route between Hilo and Puna.
We are pro development and encourage businesses to locate in the Keaau Town area. The district
of Puna will continue to grow as a large bedroom community for East Hawaii and having a good
growth plan is vital for this area.
Our concerns for planning include the following:
1.) Twenty acres of MCX zoning use would create a large business district that
would detract from the growth of Keaau town and defeat the purposed intent
of the Keaau bypass. The purpose of the Keaau bypass should remain as a
bypass with its mission to support quick efficient travel that reduces travel time
between the Puna District and Hilo.
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2.) Safety should be a key issue in these discussions. A bypass that supports the
evacuation or rescue, from and to Puna should considered. The Puna area
does not have a hospital for emergency medical care. An individual or persons
critically injured needs the quickest route to medical care, A quick exit from
Puna can be accomplished by an uncluttered bypass.
Also, if there is an unforeseen natural disaster, safe evacuation from this area
would be a priority for residence as well as to public organizations providing
such assistance. A bypass with limited commercial activity will help achieve
this priority in case of a natural disaster.
3.) This bypass is being built to eliminate the enormous amount of traffic
congestion at Keaau Town. Today we occasionally have traffic in the
mornings backing up from Keaau Elementary School to Kaloli Drive extending
almost five miles. Also, on the way home on bad days, occasionally we have
to wait nearly five to fifteen minutes to get through the Keaau traffic light.
4.) Further development of the Keaau business area would add synergy to existing
commercial development in Keaau. A good example of this can be seen in the
Prince Kuhio and Puainako area where concentrated commercial activities
have produced a magnetic effect positively assisting all businesses in that area.
Instead, a second business core along the bypass will create an old downtown
out of the existing businesses in Keeau town.
We need to expand Keaau Town into a well planned city. The professional
planners in the County's Planning Department have a vision for the city of
Keaau and we should follow their planning.
In closing, we wholeheartedly support further business development in the Keaau area and
encourage business to invest in the growing Puna area.
Sincerely yours,
I annA`/
Carl H. kuy
President, . O.