HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0154.028 2010-2012 Chairman Yagong and members of the County Council, thank you for the opportunity to provide
testimony on the proposal to reconsider Bill 311 on the issuance of Bonds by the County of Hawaii. My
name is Harry Yada and I am the Director of Real Property representing the University of Hawaii Hilo.
It is my understanding that if such reconsideration is approved, there are a number of changes that can
be made to improve the bill. The University supports any action by the Council that will result in the sale
of Bonds to fund a number of worthy capital projects including the extension of Kapiolani Street
between Lanikaula and Mohouli Streets.
• The extension of Kapiolani Street between Mohouli Street and Lanikaula Street would greatly
improve traffic within the area by providing another alternative to Kilauea Avenue and Kinoole
Street for traffic between the greater Waiakea area and Hilo proper. It would also provide
another alternative for traffic between Waiakea High School, the University and the Downtown
Hilo area.
• The extension would also improve evacuation of the Downtown Hilo areas in tsunami and other
emergencies.
• Beyond these benefits, the extension would also provide the following benefits specific to the
University of Hawaii Hilo:
o As part of the University's long range planning process, a primary goal has always been
a strong link between the University and the greater Hilo community around a "College
Town" concept . The extension of Kapiolani Street Extension would be a critical
component of this larger vision of establishing UH Hilo as the State's premier residential
college campus within the State of Hawaii.
o The extension of Kapiolani Street will provide the needed access and greatly assist the
University in the future development of approximately 42+ acres of adjacent land
mauka of the proposed extension that the University is obtaining from the State of
Hawaii. This area will provide opportunities for the future development of student
housing, faculty housing and other mixed uses. The establishment of a "college town"
will require the ability to provide students with a place in which they can live, learn,
work and play.
o The University of Hawaii Hilo is currently updating its Long Range Development Plan and
one of the more exciting concepts in the plan include the improvement of Kapiolani
Street between Kawili Street and Lanikaula Street making it student /pedestrian friendly
and the development of a new major entry or front door into campus. We see the
County's extension of Kapiolani Street between Mohouli Street and Lanikaula Street as a
great complement to this concept.
• Finally, we realize that the University of Hawaii Hilo is also a major economic engine for the
Island of Hawaii and the extension of Kapiolani Street will greatly assist UH Hilo in continuing its
growth and contribution to the local economy.
Again, mahalo for providing this opportunity and the continued support for the University Hawaii
Hilo.
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Comm. No. /5
Ref. To: Peewee* Co tos c: /
Ref. Dote APR 20 2011