HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0494.004 2008-2010
September 1, 2009
Donald Ikeda
Chair
Planning Committee
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Chair Ikeda and members of the County Council Planning
Committee:
First of all, let me introduce myself. I'm a Native Hawaiian born and
raised in Kona. My partner and I have operated a small business in
Holualoa for over 20 years.
Three years ago did anyone know what our economy here on the Big
Island would be like? Or, for that matter the state or national
economy? Today, construction has stalled. To some, you might be
thinking GREAT, let's keep it this way! But we must look beyond our
own agendas and see how many local families are hurting for work.
And we now want to chase away Palamanui because they've asked to
delay one of their road connections until they experience some
economic recovery?
Ok, so Palamanui is asking to build this regional mauka-makai
connector road to a later date rather than today. That seems
reasonable given the economy.
Traffic is not the issue today and there are roads being built closer to
Kailua where they are needed.
Palamanui is asking to build the regional park within their development
when they have 100 homes rather than now before the first home is
built. That too seems reasonable.
Palamanui is not changing their commitment to the community,
merely asking for help to meet the economic challenges in today's real
Comm. No, 9
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estate industry.
What we need today is a community college campus and Palamanui is
the answer.
If we support Palamanui, they get started this year on building about
$18 million of roads, water and power infrastructure to the campus
and contribute another $5 million to one of the first LEED Platinum,
zero carbon college campus building footprints in the nation. That's
$23 million dollars of community benefits right now!
Without Palamanui's help, Hawaii Community College at Palamanui is
easily 10 or 15 years away. Who is speaking up for our local families
today? We need the jobs Palamanui will provide and our kids certainly
deserve the access to education that Hawaii Community College at
Palamanui will provide.
If we don't work with Palamanui in giving some concessions, they
could shutter their project like everyone else. Who would lose out
then? Our local families.
It's time we stand up for our kids in West Hawaii and protect the
opportunity to get the Hawaii Community College at Palamanui this
yea r.
Join me in supporting Palamanui's efforts today to help build the
Hawaii Community College at Palamanui.
Sincerely,
Gene "*Bucky" Leslie
Holualoa
324-0109