HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1168.077 2006-2008
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Murashige, Laura
.
From: Lisa Nahoopii [lisapii@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, June 13, 2008 8:11 AM 2008 JUN 13 RM 8 20
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Testimony on June 13, 2008 at Sheraton Kona
Attachments: TestimonyWHCC.doc
Hi,
Please find attached my testimony that I intend to give in Kona tonight. If you have any questions
please do not hesitate to contact me at 960-6054.
Thank you,
Lisa Nahoopii
Cyan,, No. $.7
Ref. Tos- yam`
Ref. Date, JUN 13 2=
6/13/2008
Good Evening.
My name is Lisa Nahoopii. I was born in Hilo, raised in Kalapana and Kona.. I currently
reside in Kona, but drive to work in Hilo approximately 6 days a month. I work two jobs,
one of which is with the County of Hawaii, Data Systems Department.
I am here this evening as a tax payer and not as a County employee to address the West
Hawaii Civic Center concerns and comments made by this County Council. There are
several myths surrounding what several council members are perceiving about this
project that need to be addressed.
First- Traffic. There was a concern the location of the Civic Center would worsen
traffic. 80% of the current Kona staff live North of Kona Town. The location of the
Civic Center would lessen that traffic. The future recommended residential development
as proposed in the Community Development Plan is also in the area of the Civic Center
and north.
Second - The Civic Center is a convenience and luxury.
1) Currently there are 11 public parking stalls servicing the Real Property, Planning,
Building, Engineering, Fire, Data Systems, Mayors office and Aging - that is 8
county offices - 7 of which actively serve the public. Only one stall is dedicated
for disabled - considering the Mayor's office provides the disabled placards I can
assure you this stall is rarely vacant. We share these stalls with a large private
office, gas station and restaurant. If there is no parking available then the tax
payers pay $7 to $10 for paid parking, many times to find out they aren't even in
the right location to do the business they need to. There are County workers that
walk from Hale Halewai's public parking to work at this building as there is not
enough stalls for the County workers. This is not just about convenience, there is
a Civic Duty to provide MORE than just an office, the tax payers need to be able
to access that office.
2) The office conditions do not allow for any new hires as Hanama Place is currently
at maximum capacity. There are wires covered with duct tape to avoid accidents,
switches in offices that should be in dedicated areas due to noise and heat, make
shift cubicles created with filing cabinets, some employees have to literally move
to allow other employees access to their own desks. Additionally the front
counter that services the public for all Planning, Engineering, Building and Fire
questions share one counter that is approximately 20ft long with those waiting in
a 5 x 20 foot space. Additional taxpayers have to wait outside. This one shared
counter in Kona is less than half the size of the counters that EACH of those
respective offices currently have in Hilo. To give you an idea of how cramped
this space is - each office can have at any given time only 1 set of plans each -
open on this counter.
3) Cost - the County currently spends approximately 1 million dollars a year on
leases in West Hawaii. This does not include the energy bills we are currently
paying - here we are the County of Hawaii - supposed to be the role model of
energy efficiency and where are we being efficient?
Third - Puna. I am going to be blunt here. My family lived in Kalapana and I spent many
years there. Please do not think I don't have an emotional tie to the area. I have family
all over this island and unfortunately I feel some Council members believe they are only
here to represent their district. I feel a connection to each and every part of this island, I
don't see districts or the dreaded thought of East vs West.
With that said - Do NOT penalize West Hawaii because your district is not getting what
you want. Five (5) years ago we had the vision and foresight to plan ahead. I pray each
district has the power to do what is BEST for their area and the tax payers. BUT Unless
this Council knows a way to cut back population growth, then we need to do our CIVIC
responsibility in providing a means to the services we have to provide.
As mentioned, I work 2 jobs as many people on this island do. If I had to pay more taxes
to get this Civic Center - I would because I whole heartedly believe it is a necessity.
Anyone who feels it's a luxury has not been here to see what is really going on.
As for the thought this Civic Center is only aiding in the West vs East mentality - you're
wrong. I am against having a West Hawaii County, but if this Council doesn't step up to
their Civic Duty to the whole island and not just their district, then I am afraid you would
only encourage this division further.
Thank you for your time