HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0843.010 2010-2012 C2mt1. 843
The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii
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The Voice of Business in Hawaii
Testimony to the Hawaii County Council
October 3, 2012
9:00 a.m. C)
25 Aupuni Street , cc')
Hilo, Hawaii 96720 --
Re: Hawaii County Council Resolution No. 303-12 c
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Dear Chairman Yagong and Hawaii County Council Members: ,5 {.
The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii opposes Resolution No. 303-12. The bill proposes
to urge the 2013 Hawai'i State Legislature to repeal Chamber 171C of the Hawai'i Revised
Statutes(HRS)to effectively abolish the Public Land Development Corporation.
The Chamber is the largest business organization in Hawaii,representing more than
1,000 businesses. Approximately 80%of our members are small businesses with less than 20
employees. As the"Voice of Business" in Hawaii,the organization works on behalf of its
members,which employ more than 200,000 individuals,to improve the state's economic climate
and to foster positive action on issues of common concern.
We believe in balancing economic growth with the preservation of our unique
environment while providing opportunities for the future generations of Hawaii's residents. Our
approach is to focus on enhancing the `quality of life' for the citizens of Hawaii. We believe a
sustainable quality of life is based on, but not limited to the following: educated workforce,
lessen Hawaii's dependence on imported oil,develop a wide range of housing opportunities,
affordable to all levels of the workforce and market needs,provide for less uncertainty and more
predictability in development of government and private projects, ensure economically viable
agricultural activities, and plan for growth and sustainability.
As such,the Chamber supports the PLDC's mission and its efforts to collaborate with
members of the public and to assist state and county agencies to increase public benefit by
reinvesting and enhancing state assets. We support working with the PLDC and believe that
positive economic impact for the people and State of Hawaii can result from public initiated
projects.
While we understand the concerns expressed by the public,we believe the PLDC is
addressing those concerns by preparing a Strategic Plan and revised Administrative Rules that
effectively communicates its mission, goals and parameters with regard to environment,historic
preservation and land use for its next board meeting. Once approved,the draft rules will go out
for a public hearing.
Comm. Nip +3• '
Ref. To:
Ref. Date CT 3 2012
In order for the PLDC to provide the public with information on its Strategic Plan and
draft Administrative Rules,as well as invite public comment,the Chamber respectfully asks that
the Council postpone a decision on Resolution 303-12.
Thank you for this opportunity to express our views.
The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii
1132 Bishop Street,Suite 402
Honolulu,Hawaii 96813
(808)545-4300 x 394
info @cochawaii.org