HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0494.008 2008-2010
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KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS
August 31, 2009
County Council Planning Committee
County Council, County of Hawaii
Re: Palamanui - Request for Amendment to Zoning Conditions
Dear Planning Committee Members:
As a developer on Hawaii Island that has experienced the impact of changing world
conditions ourselves, this letter is to voice my support for Palamanui's request to
amend certain of their zoning requirements imposed three years ago. The financial
turmoil being experienced throughout the world has created a perfect storm of events
such that it would be unreasonable to expect the Palamanui developers to move forward
at this time without seriously jeopardizing the future of the project. Further,
working for an educational institution as I do and speaking as a concerned Kona
resident, the vision of a stronger University presence in the community is far too
important for the future of West Hawaii and our youth. To risk that future because of
zoning requirements that are necessary and fair but whose fulfillment would be
difficult at this time does not make sense nor speak to the long term needs of our
community.
I believe that the Palamanui developers are committed to creating a community and
identity for West Hawaii as a place of higher learning. This can be seen in their
priority being given to building the Community College as the focus of their near term
development activities. Allowing them to tie this work to their commercial real estate
development will enhance their ability to recover their investment such that they will
be ready and able to focus on their residential component once the market turns. This
allows the development to proceed and not stand still which is far better for the
economy, and future, of Hawaii Island.
To reiterate, I voice my support for these requested amendments. In their own way,
these changes represent an investment in the future of this community at a time when
such investment is badly needed and they do not indicate an abolition of
responsibilities on behalf of the developer.
Respectfully Submitted,
Gregory C. Chun, Ph.D. Comm `
Vice President, Keauhou-Kahalu`u Education Group Ref. TOi
Kamehameha Schools Ref, rat0 ,,..1. ~n
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