HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0494.007 2008-2010
M_- u ALA 75-5737 KUakini Hwy. Suite 208
CHAMBER Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Phone: 329"1758 Fax: 3z9-8564
www.Kona-Kohala.com info@kona-kohala.com
TO: Donald Ikeda, Chair
Hawaii County Council Planning Committee
DATE: September 1, 2009
RE: Palamanui Global Holdings LLC Requested Amendments to County
Zoning Conditions
My name is Vivian Landrum, President/CEO of the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce
(KKCC). KKCC represents over 650 business members and is the leading business
advocacy organization on the west side of Hawai'i Island. The KKCC also actively works
to enhance the environment, unique lifestyle and quality of life in West Hawaii for both
residents and visitor alike.
Over a decade ago, the University of Hawaii perceived the need for higher education in
West Hawaii when its Board of Regents reviewed detailed plans and selected a 500 acre
state owned parcel in North Kona for a permanent facility. While we still dream the
dream of a full fledged University of Hawaii in West Hawaii, the Kona-Kohala Chamber
of Commerce continues to support the parallel need for a permanent Kona Campus and
facilities for Hawaii Community College at Palamanui.
Palamanui has stated their commitment to assist in establishing Hawaii Community
College at Palamanui. With the unforeseen economic climate we are currently
experiencing we believe some of the conditions set forth previously by the County
should be re-examined. When money was flowing and building was brisk, construction
of roads and bonding issues were well within the realm of compliance. However, with
the current virtual collapse of new housing construction, some of these requirements
must be re-examined to allow for Palamanui to continue to move forward with the
overall project, continue with the construction of the Hawaii Community College at
Palamanui and not incur undue hardship in the process. Should these issues not be
rethought, we are in jeopardy of losing our first steps forward and once again, finding
ourselves back to a decade ago - with only dreams in our future.
Mahalo for the opportunity to submit our comments.
Sincerely,
x,
Vivian Landrum
President/ CEO
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