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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-03-20 Letter to Cindy Evans re SB 3058, SD 2, HD 1 Relating to Waiakea Peninsula, HiloHarry Kim Mayor (fouttfli Offirr a 4‘. vat Okabe i1anagiiig 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 Keohokable Hwy., Bldg Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 March 20, 2018 Representative Cindy Evans, Chair Committee on Economic Development and Busi ess Hawaii State Capitol, Room 309 Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Chair Evans and Committee embers: • SB 3058, SD 2, HD 1 Relating to Waiakea Peninsula, Hilo Hearing Date: 03-21-18 — 9:50 am; House Conference Room 309 Tha k you for this opportunity to comment on SB 3058, SD 2, HD 1. SB 3058, SD 2, HD 1 was 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, is presently in Finance Committee, and we are hoping that some version of SB 3058, SD 2, HD 1 can also move to Finance, giving the community maximum opportunity to consider and weigh in on the various options. As to the overall issue of the 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. Hawaii County has taken first steps toward revitalizing the peninsula. T administration, Council, community, and Big island legislators have found common purpose; the redevelopment area has been defined; the Banyan Drive Hawaii Redevelopment Agency (BDHRA) 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 co plete the redevelopment plan and move forward. The Hawail County budget is severely strapped, and I 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 of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. March 20, 2018 Page 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, SD 2, HD 1 that would direct resources, both statutorily and financially, toward the redevelopment of Banyan Drive while providing some local perspective in decisio -making. In prior testimony, we suggested that SB 3058, SD 2, should be improved with the following amendments: (1) Changing the makeup of the committee to include appointees by the Mayor (perhaps two or more 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 u der 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 Hawaii 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 he committee adopt rules; and (6) Providing that public hearings be held at least annually during the life of t e pilot project. It a pears that the House Committee on Water and Land took into account our concerns, and we very much appreciate that. 1 hope you will act favorably on a version of S 058, SD 2 HD 1, an move it along to Finance. Respectfully submitted, Harry Kim Mayor, County of Hawaii County of Hawai i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.