HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL-SLU-2022-008-PL-REZ-2022-039 06.08.23 D. Rivera Opposition Testimony From: diana riera
To: LPCtestimony
Subject: I oppose the Kaupuleho Land LLC applications
Date: Thursday,June 8,2023 10:36:08 AM
Aloha,
Having moved up to Waimea town in 1997 after many years in Kailua- Kona,
Waimea provided that essence of a beautiful mountain town in Hawaii
bordered by Pu'us , steams, green natural beauty and tranquility. The energy
and feel of "Old Hawaii" were still prevalent.
Kailua- Kona on the other hand has become an overcrowded small town that
has lost its ocean front tropical feeling , beauty and Pacific charm. We know
this is progress but at what cost? Will this happen to Waimea? Where are we
headed? How do we manage it?
Waimea on the Big Island is considered a jewel by many of the residents of the
other islands. That is what is so attractive and value producing ( but dangerous
as it attracts high value developers)
The rich soil of Waimea allows farmers to produce our much-needed food as
we are so dependent on imports that can be unpredictable during chaotic
times. 1. The self-sustaining lifestyle must be encouraged and not destroyed
by the over-eager development of commercialism in a town of about 11,000
inhabitants. This is a goal for all the islands. We need our small farmers. We
count on our farmers' markets for our weekly fresh produce.
Businesses will come and go but the damage of the land due to commercial
development is short sighted and detrimental to the goals of subsistence . The
tax benefits of overdevelopment will come back to bite the hands that collect
them and long term hurt the citizens of the town.
We are all aware that Counties have a constant need for more income.
However, as a state that has a surplus, we are not coming from a position of
need and weakness but actually from a financially sound position that should
allow us to make long term wise decisions.
Which brings me to our second point - 2. Infrastructure and traffic
management. We are a one lane town.
The commercial traffic on the highway through town is at times overwhelming.
We provide access from all the surrounding communities which use Waimea
town as a thoroughfare to their destinations. Couple this with schools and the
towns normal daily traffic patterns, the main street of Waimea becomes quite
crowded..... Adding commercial buildings at its heart with parking lots and
movement for 75 cars plus is a poor recipe for wise development.
Back to my two point:
Agricultural lands must be maintained and in addition county should not
designate as AG lands that will never produce and enhance our food supply.
Sustainability is of extreme importance.
Commercial must be controlled. Our facade is slowly morphing at the hands of
overzealous developers and investors whose bottom line is not protecting the
needs and the essence of Waimea .
Let's develop wisely .
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Diana Riera