HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0632.001 2014-2016KAILUA VILLAGE BUSINESS
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
75-5751 Kuakini Hwy #202
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
T: 808.326.7820
F: 808.326.5634
Twitter: kailuavillage
Web: www.KVBID.org
COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAII
RECEIVED
Timee,j :05PM By -1 '
Date 1177,111, ww
TESTIMONY
Hawaii County Council
Bill 136 West Hawaii Micro Housing
Last week the Kailua Village Business Improvement District was
informed of the County of Hawaii's plans to construct micro housing
units to shelter another 40 people adjacent to the Friendly Place day
shelter and the existing 31 -unit Emergency Shelter off Pawai Place in
Kona's Old Industrial Area. Should this proposed project proceed,
there will be significant impacts felt by the surrounding business and
land owners.
Certainly there is a deep need to address the sheltering and social
needs of Kona's chronic homeless individuals. Is this proposed
location appropriate for the addition of non -conforming residential use
within a busy light industrial corridor?
Should this facility be constructed, KVBID's concerns regarding project
impacts including pedestrian and vehicular access, safety, lighting,
roadway improvements, loitering, nuisance complaints and vagrancy
need to be addressed. These same ongoing concerns were voiced
years ago after the existing shelters opened.
An offer was made by a private landowner to relocate these facilities to
an alternate site on a larger land parcel near town. Has this proposal
been given due consideration?
In the haste to meet a state imposed deadline, meaningful community
outreach has been overlooked.
In summary, we met with the County Managing Director, Housing
Director and several others and voiced our concerns. KVBID
encourages County Administration and their Housing Agency to
continue to outreach and collaborate with the Kona community and its
stakeholders.
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