HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0209.002 1998-2000v r n 3 C� 3
I
March 10, 1999
Mr. James Arakaki
Chair
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hl 96720
Re:
Kaupulehu Development Plan
Public Hearing 1`, /arch 17,9:00 AM
Dear Chairman Arakaki and Members of ti Council:
HAWAII
ISLAND
Economic
Development
Board
East Hmvall • Hllo
200 K4ncelehua Avg
Sidle 103 -281
Hllo HI 96720
Ph(808) 966- 5116/17
Pa. (808(966 6792
West Hawaii . Kona
Fh St Featlal t31oy
75 -5737
KuaNlnlHMV #2)7
Kwlu.KOn,
HI 96740
Ph (808) 329 -4713
HIEDB's Board of Directors has favorably considered Kaupulehu
Developments' proposed resort - residential project at Kaupulehu, North
Kona.
We have followed the progress of this proposed project from the time of the
Land Use Commission commenced its hearing on this project in 1994. which
unfortunately took twenty -two months to complete.
At present, the project concept is essentia':ly t' e same as presented to the Land
Use Commission. It is still a resort- resirt(ntia( community which will
complement the existing resort develop rn-,t in the area. This is consistent
with the long -term development pattern pro ected in this area by the County
of Hawaii General Plan, and the State Office of Planning's West Hawaii Plan.
An outstanding element in the project is an integrated Resource
Management Plan which we would consider a model of its kind. The Plan
calls for the preservation and proper management of various natural, historic
and cultural resources within or near the project area. It is based upon values
and recommendations gathered in oral in`erviews with kama'aina and
kupuna who have historical ties to the lard in question. Discussion and
communication is ongoing with member.; the community, tn was
urged at the outset of the planning procc+ss. P. 'large (235 acres) area has been
set aside for resource management and recreational use. Native Iiawaiian
practices and access to resources are also ar:icipated within this area.
Comm. No. L 0 9 , o , Io 2
File No. � 2 IK N
Ref. To:
Pre sented C v wv it_
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Ref. Date —LI Z . - 20
Q o
Kaupulehu Developments' plan calls for a -, integrated approach toward
resources throughout the ahupua'a of Kivu ,i.;lehu. This will also include a
long -term partnership through formation o* a Foundation entity to oversee
future direction. We see this as an innov -Gve, positive and responsible
approach which will help to strengthen the identify and cultural significance
of the ahupua'a to visitors and residents
We respectfully urge the Council to evaluate= these applications in light of
these observations. We recognize that f : Mier discussion and community
evaluations and consensus will be essential to the next steps of the planning
process. Our own evaluation is that this Ptoject deserves favorable
consideration, and that it will contribute to the socio- economic benefit of the
larger community.
Thank you for the opportunity to submit these comments.
Yours sincerely.
�NJ Vvw�
Paula Helfrich
Executive Director