2018-03-12 Letter to Ryan I. Yamane and Chris Todd re SB 3058, SD 2 Relating to Waiakea Peninsula, Hilo

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Harry Kim Mayor (g, until ffirr '11' Wil Okabe Alanaging Director Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 March 12, 2018 Representative Ryan 1. Yamane, Chair Committee on Water and Land Hawail State Capitol, Room 325 Honolulu, HI 96813 Representative Chris Todd, Vice -Chair Committee on Water and Land Hawaii State Capitol, Room 325 Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Chair ¥arnane, Vice -Chair Todd and Committee Me bers: Re: SB 3058, SD 2 elating to Waiakea Peninsula, Hilo Hearing Date: 03-14-18 — 10:30 am; House Conference Room 325 Thank you for this opportunity to testfy in support of SB 3058, SD 2, subject to proposed amendments. SB 3058, SD 2, is not our first choice in resolving the issues surrounding the redevelopment of State land on the Waiakea Peninsula, but it certainly would be a step forward. Our preferred bill, SB 2972, SD 2, has a joint referral to EEPNVAL and we hope you wil consider it at a later date, or incorporate it into this legislation. As to the situation on Waiakea peninsula, Banyan Drive is underutilized and in disrepair. It is the center of tourism in East Hawaii, but it is a jewel that is quite tarnished at the present time. Hawail County has taken first steps toward revitalizing the peninsula. The administration, Council, community, and Big Island legislators have found common purpose; the redevelopment area has been defined; the Banyan Drive Hawail Redevelopment Agency (E3DHRA) is functioning, 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. The Hawaii County budget is severely strapped, and 1 have already had to impose increases in our property, fuel, and vehicle weight taxes. Therefore, lam hoping the State will provide funds for an EIS. We 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. County olHawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.