HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-02-21 Mayor Harry Kim's Testimony re HB 1479, HD 2 ......
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25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo,Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Me Keohokalole Hwy.,Bldg.C • Kailua-Kona,Hawaii 96740
(808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440
February 21, 2017
Representative Sylvia Luke
Finance Committee
Hawaii State Capitol
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Luke and members:
RE: HB 1479, HD 2
Thank you for this opportunity to testify in general support of HB 1479, HD 2.
The County of Hawaii has been partnering with the community in planning the
future of publically-owned commercial properties in Hilo, through the Banyan Drive
Hawaii Redevelopment Agency (BDHRA). While we appreciate the initiatives put forth
in HB 1479 and comparable bilis, we have not wanted to abandon our current partners,
and therefore have been hoping to get input from BDHRA before taking a final position
on the proposed legislation.
Since your hearing on HB 1479 will occur prior to the next scheduled meeting of
BDHRA later on Wednesday, please accept this testimony while recognizing that the
BDHRA has not yet had the opportunity to take a position on a bill that will so clearly
impact its efforts to develop and implement a master plan for the Banyan Drive
peninsula.
We have been monitoring this bill through its committee hearings and appreciate
the amendments in Draft 2 that provide greater clarity regarding lease proceeds as they
involve Hawaiian Home Lands. We do, however, wish to offer the following comments
for your consideration:
1. Having three voting members representing the Hilo community on
the new board does not seem adequate. Should this bill be enacted into law, the
Hilo Community Economic District (HCED) will be the only economic district
outside of the City and County of Honolulu. For this reason, we ask that
consideration be given to providing that the HCED have a voting majority of
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
Sylvia Luke
Finance Committee
February 21, 2017
members from the Hilo community. The cultural specialist, in particular, should
definitely be a cultural practitioner from the Hilo community.
2. Financial support from State general revenues for Fiscal Years
2017 through 2019 should consider opportunities for staffing and facility support,
through reimbursements, as may be provided by the County of Hawaii and the
BDHRA in support of the Banyan Drive redevelopment project.
We appreciate the attention that the Legislature has placed on the disposition of
State lands within and proximate to the Banyan Drive peninsula and the Kanoelehua
Industrial Area, where opportunities exist to optimize the use of these lands for the
benefit of the entire community. Our ongoing efforts with the BDHRA reflect that such
benefits are not simply economic, but social and cultural as well. It is with this
comprehensive approach that we support the intent and purpose of HB 1479 and other
bills introduced during this legislative session that seek to explore opportunities
regarding the use and management of State-owned lands within these two core
economic sections of Hilo.
Respectfully submitted,
Harry Kim
Mayor