HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0337.002 1998-2000
9EP-02-99 15=52 FROM: ADMI N. DIRECTOR ID=9095394955 PAGE 1/3
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Clyde W. Namu'o ~~UNT ~ I ~
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OEPUTY ADMINIST>Z4TIVE DIRECTOR
July 26, 1999
The Honorable James Arakaki
Chair, County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Chair Arakaki:
Recently, we received an inquiry from a member of the Hawaii County
Council regarding the status of the Judiciary's plans for a new Judiciary facility in
the Third Circuit Court. In addition, I read the article in the Friday, July 9, 1999
Hawaii Tribune Herald regarding the Judiciary's interest in renting a portion of the
former J. C. Penney building adjoining Kaiko'o Mall. In light of the above, I
thought that it might be helpful to update the Council on the Judiciary's plans for a
new Judiciary facility in the Third Circuit.
As you will recall, in March 1998, the Judiciary announced the selection of
the former J. C. Penney site as its choice for the location of a new Judiciary facility
for Hilo. However, after subsequent negotiations with the Mayor, the Judiciary
determined that it could not afford the price which the Mayor was seeking for the
property. Consequently, negotiations were terminated.
Subsequently, we asked the State Department of Accounting and General
Services (DAGS? to re-open the site selection study which originally had led to the
selection of the former J. C. Penney site. With the closure of the Sure Save Super
Market, a renewed interest in the Kaiko'o Mall property as a possible alternative
site had developed. This parcel was not considered previously as a candidate site
because it was not available for acquisition. Currently, DAGS expects to complete
the update to the site selection study for the Judiciary's proposed Hilo Judiciary
Complex toward the end of 1999.
Because the new Hilo Judiciary Complex project has been delayed further in
this way, the Judiciary believes it is advisable to temporarily relocate the Family
Court. Our Family Court is currently renting space in the Waiakea Ottice Plaza.
The space which they are utilizing is inadequate and presents numerous security
Comm. No. 337. oaL
131e No. F ~ N
Ref. To: CoUn1cIL
Ref. Date ~ 2 1998
SEP-02-99 15:52 FROM: ADMI N. DIRECTOR ID:9095394955 PAGE 2/3
The Honorable James Arakaki
July 26, 1999
Page 2
concerns. During our negotiations with the Mayor regarding the purchase of the
former J. C. Penney building, he indicated that the County might be interested in
renting a portion of the former J. C. Penney building to the Judiciary while we
await the design and construction of a new facility. Given the inadequate state of
our existing Family Court facilities, and the proximity of the former J. C. Penney
building to the State Office Building in Hilo, the Judiciary began discussing this
possibility with the Mayor and his staff. These negotiations have progressed well.
The request which the Mayor presented to the County Council's Finance
Committee on Wednesday, July 7, 1999, was a result of our negotiations with the
County. We believe that the space which is available in the former J. C. Penney
building will satisfy the particular needs of our Family Court in Hilo. Our
negotiations with the Mayor's office indicate that we are fairly close to an
agreement regarding lease terms. We appreciate the Finance Committee passing
the measure out of Committee, and seek the County Council's support regarding
the Mayor's request.
In the newspaper article, certain council members raised concerns that the
Judiciary would require that the County pay for renovations to the existing J. C.
Penney building, and then tear it down at some point in the future, As indicated
above, because of funding issues, the Judiciary no longer intends to acquire the J.
C. Penney parcel as a permanent site for our new Hilo facility.
In the newspaper article, there also was concern raised about the County
covering the cost of the tenant improvements for the Judiciary in the former J. G.
Penney building. In order for the Judiciary to seriously pursue the idea of moving
and temporarily housing Family Court in a portion of the former J. C. Penney site,
the Gounty will need to provide a substantial allowance for tenant improvements
up-front, because the Judiciary has received no appropriations for such renovations
from the Legislature. However, it is proposed that the funds which the County
expends to cover these up-front costs will be factored into the rent which the
County will charge the Judiciary. In essence, what this means is that the County
will recover its investment to renovate the portions of interior space in the building
that the Judiciary would occupy.
9EP-02-99 15:53 FROM: ADMI N. DIRECTOR ID:9O95394955 PAGE 3/3
The Honorable James Arakaki
July 26, 1999
Page 3
Should you or your staff have any questions regarding this letter, please feel
free to call Clyde Namu'o, Deputy Director, at 539-4902 or me at 539-4900.
Yours very truly,
Michael F. Broderick
Administrative Director of the Courts
c: Mayor Stephen Yamashiro