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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-03-12 Letter to Ryan I. Yamane and Chris Todd re SB 3058, SD 2 Relating to Waiakea Peninsula, HiloHarry 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. March 12, 2018 age 2 Although we think that SB 2972, SD 2 offers the best path forward and builds on work already done, we do not want to risk having this Legislature take no action at all. Therefore, we also support measures, such as SB 3058, SI 2, which would direct resources, both statutorily and financially, toward the redevelopment of Banyan Drive while providing some local perspective in decision-making. We think that SB 3058, SD 2, should be improved with the following amendments: (I) Changing the makeup of the committee to include appointees by the Mayor (perhaps two or ore by Mayor; an equal number fewer by Governor); (2) Providing that cultural/historical expertise be included in the makeup of the committee; (3) Providing that the new committee coordinate with BDHRA, which was established under HRS, Chapter 53. The work of the two organizations should be compatible and complementary. In fact, it would be best if, like the BDHRA, the committee's actions were subject to Windward Planning Commission review, and Hawaiti County Council adoption of the redevelopment plan; (4) Providing that all meetings of the committee be in Hilo, and open to the public; (5) Authorizing and requiring that the district or the committee adopt rules; and (6) Providing that public hearings be held at least annually during the life of the pilot project. Separately, I would like to express my support for statutory reform with respect to expiring State leases. This is important if we are to create an economic environment that encourages investment by developers and business owners. it is not addressed in this bill, but since this is an issue of statewide significance, I would ask you to consider adding another part to this legislation that could then be considered in conference. At any rate, I hope you will act favorably on an amended version of SB 3058, SD 2. Res ectfully submitted,,, ,... 0 Harry Kim Mayor, County of Hawaii County of Hawaif i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.