HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL-REZ-2022-000039, PL-SLU-2022-000008 06.08.23 D. RIERA TESTIMONY DeVera, Ashley
From: diana riera <verapearls@hotmail.com>
Sent: Thursday,June 8, 2023 10:36 AM
To: LPCtestimony
Subject: I oppose the Kaupuleho Land LLC applications
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
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