HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0101.054 1998-2000 0 2100 (-3
Hawaii Carpenters Union
United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Local 745
March 2, 1999
RECEIVED °'
Honorable James Arakaki, Chairman nrtle Y
__ -B
and Members of the Hawaii County Council Date
County Cound .
25 Aupuni Street - '
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
RE: BILL 209 (Draft 4)
Dear Chairman Arakaki and Council Members,
My name is Warren Chong. I am here to represent the Big
Island membership of the Hawaii Carpenters Union, Local 745. I
have also been a resident of this island my entire life and have
resided in Kailua -Kona for the last 23 years.
Over the past decade and a half, we have had an opportunity to
participate and see development plans progress for the proposed
Alii Highway. All parties are to be commended for having spent
extensive time working with the local community to bring forth a
quality and well planned project. Preliminary planning and input
have been voluminous. Lots of energy and money have already been
spent. Many commitments from land owners and developers have been
solidified. It is now time to move forward.
Construction brings balance and economic diversification for
our community. It supports a synergistic effect on other aspects
of our community's economic health. This project'will stimulate
our economy and provide much needed (long term) lateral mobility
for our community. It allows continued economic vitality for our
community, but most important, this project will allow our
community to maintain, preserve and enhance the aesthetics and
quality of the current Alii Drive.
It is no surprise that this project will fit logically with
the zoning ordinances that have been granted in this surrounding
area, as many of these plans are contingent upon and well versed as
to how the Alii realignment would influence their proposals.
Clearly, the breaking of ground for the Oceanside 1250
highway, signals the start of traffic relief going forward to the
year 2020 and beyond. It is no surprise that planning has dictated
a continuity of flow of traffic between North and South Kona for
these projects. These pieces to the large puzzle have been subject
to analysis and scrutiny during the past 15 years.
STATE HEADQUARTERS & BUSINESS OFFICES Comm. No. /0 / • 05 I f
OAHU: 1311 Houghtailing St., Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 • Ph. (808) 847 -5761 Fax (808) 841 -0300 7,+ 7�7 ` 'CIS/'`
KAUAI OFFICE:,Kuhio Medical Ctr. Bldg., 3 -3295 Kuhio Hwy. Suite 201, Lihue, Kauai 96766 • Ph. (808) 245 -8511 Fak kt)249- 3 ' ' " _d f)f)(4
MAUI OFFICE: 330 Hookahi 5t., Wailuku, Maui 96793 • Ph. (808) 242 -6891 Fax (808) 242 -6893 r esent COVNG t—
HILO OFFICE: 525 Kilauea Ave., Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • Ph. (808) 935 -8575 Fax (808) 935-8576 Ref' TO'
KONA OFFICE: 75 -126 Lunapule Road, Kailua -Kona, Hawaii 96740 • Ph. (808) 329 -7355 Fax (808) 326-9776
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P. 2 Alii Highway Funding
There comes a time when we must act upon the best information
and planning we have been able to gather. We must move forward in
an appropriate manner, while considering monetary funding
requirements and the reality of construction costs. To accomplish
what the community has envisioned for this project, Federal Highway
money should be garnered when possible. The County and Federal
funds are a good investment in the long term growth of the Kona
Community. Continued fine tuning of plans are always beneficial,
however, if we do not moving forward, there will be a serious
deficit for effectively managing the reality of traffic growth.
We are familiar with the proposed development and believe it
continues to be viable and beneficial for our community. We hear
and see support for this project by many people and organizations
in our community.
Our membership sincerely urges you to include provisions for
funding this project.
Sincerely,
WARREN CHONG
Sr. Field Representative
Island of Hawaii