2018-02-23 Letter to Donovan M. Dela Cruz and Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran re SB 2972, SD 1 Relating to Development of Banyan Drive

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Harry Kim /favor (Ettu n Wil Okabe Managing Director Barbara j. Kossow Deputy Nianaging Director ffi cr LI 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, :Idg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 February 23, 2018 Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair Committee on Ways and Means Hawaii State Capitol, Room 211 Honolulu, HI 96813 Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Vice -Chair Committee on Ways and Means Hawaii State Capitol, Room 211 Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Chair Dela Cruz, Vice -Chair Keith-Agaran and Committee Members: Re: SB 2972, SD 1 Relating to Development of Banyan Drive Hearing Date: 02/28/18 — 11:00 am; Conference Room 211 Thank you for again addressing an issue of great importance to the economic well-being of Hawaii County, the redevelopment of Banyan Drive. I support SB 2972, SD 1 As SB 2972, SD 1 states, Banyan Drive is underutilized and in disrepairIt is the center of tourism in East Hawaii, but it is a jewel that is quite tarnished at the present time. Hawaii County has taken the first steps toward revitalizing the Banyan Drive peninsula. The administration, Council, community, and Big Island legislators have found common purpose; the redevelopment area has been defined; and a conceptual master plan has been created as a starting point. Now funds are needed to conduct the environmental impact statements necessary to complete the redevelopment plan and move forward. SB 2972, SD 1, provides that "no funds shall be expended unless matched on a dollar -for -dollar basis by funds from Hawaii County." Please know that the Hawaii County budget is severely strapped, and I have already had to impose increases in our property, fuel, and vehicle weight taxes. Nevertheless, this issue is important enough that I can commit to you that I would include $250,000 in the 2018-2019 County budget, in order to provide the matching funds called for. We do believe that it is just and proper to ask the State to share in the EIS expense, given that the redevelopment area consists almost entirely of State land, but we recognize that the County must do its part as well, to the best of our financial ability. Please give SB 2972, S 1 your favorable consideration. Respectfully submitted, Harry Kim Mayor, County of Hawaii County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.