HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-04-03 Letter to Sylvia Luke and Ty. J.K. Cullen re_ SB 3058, SD 2, HD 2 Relating to Waiakea Peninsula and Kanoelehua4, a 0 0 0 0
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Harry Kim
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Barbara J. Kossow
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25, Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 Hilo, Hawail 96720 (808) 961-8211 Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-50,44 Ane Keolhok5lole Hwy., B,Idg C o Kailua-Kon:a, Hawail'i 96740
(808) 323-4444 o Fax (8018) 323,44,40
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Representative, Sylvia Luke, Chai
Committee on Finance
�aw�ai'i State Capitol,i Room 30i8
Honolulu,1 HI 916,813
Representative Ty J.K. Cullen, Viice-C,hair
Comm�ittee on F'inian'c,e
Hawal'i State Caplitol�, Room 308
Honolulu,1 HI 96813
Re SBi 3058, SD 2, HDI 2 Reil�atin�g to Wal'akea Pen*Insulla and Kanoelehua
Industr*ial Area
'Oft
Heiar*lng� Date: 04/04/2018 -2:30 pm-, H�oiuse L;onferenlce Room
Thank you fooe
' on SB 30i58i, SD 2, HD 2,. We continue to
have concerns about Part I of thi's bill, but hope that it wi'l'l be appirov�ed with further amendments
e foir considerat,' oinf'erence. We fully
proposed by other stakeholders and be availa,bl ion in c
suppioirt Part 1,1, of SB 3058, SD 2, HID 2.
Part I of SB 3058, SD 211 H�D 2 would not be our first choi 'ce in resolving theissues
surrounding the redevelopment of'St�ate land on the Waiiakea Peninsula, but it would be a step
forward. Our preferred bill�, SB 29721 SD 2, HD 1 is also being heard todaand we are hoping
that some version of'both bills can move forwardgiving the commli,un�ity, maximum, opportunity to
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gh various o
weiin on the ptions at the time of conifeirence.,
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As to the overall issue of the Walakea Penins,ula, we agree that Banyan Drive is
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un�derutilized and in disrepa,ir., It is the center of tourism in East Hawaii, but it is a jeweil that is
quite tarnished at the, present time.
Ha,wai ( i County has taken first steps toward revitalizing the peninsula. The
adm:iniiistratioln, Council, comimunitiy, and' Big Island leigislat�oirs have found common purpose- the
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redevelopmeint area has been d:efinied- the Banyan Drive Hawai'i Redevelopment Agency
(BDHRA)1 is, functioning, and a coniceptual master plan has been created as a starting polint.
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ow funds are needed to conduct the envi�roinm�e�n�tal impact, statements necessary to colmpilete
the redevelopment plan and move forward.
The H,a,wai il County budget is severeil:y strapped, and I have already had to impose
increases in our property,, fuel, and veh!i,clie weight taxes. Therefore, I am holpling the State wil!
COU11ty OfUhiwavi is all L""qual Opportunity Provider and ["'nip lover.
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(1i), Changing the makeup of the committee to include appiolintees by the Mayor (perhaps
two or more, by Mayor-� an equal number fewer by Governor);
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(2) Providing that cultuiral)/histoirical expertise be included in the makeup of the
committee*
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(3) Providing that the new committee coordinate, with BDHRA, which was established
under HRS, Chapter 531. The work of the two organizations should be compatible and
complementary. In fact, it would be best i1f, like the BDHRA, the colmmittee's actions
were subject to Windward Planniing Commission review, and Hawai'i County Council
adoption of the redevelopment, plan;
(4) Providing that all meetings of the committele be in Hilo, and open to the public.,
(51) Authorizing and requiring that the district or the committee adopt rullies; and
(6) Provid,i,ng, that public hearings be held at least annually during the life of the
pilot project.
It appears that the prior House committees, have taken some of our concerns into,
account, and we do appreciate the, way the bill has been improved.
Part 11 of S,B, 30158, SID 2, HID 2 would amend Chapter 1711 by modifying public land lease
restrictions in ways we believe are reasonable and workable. Others testifying on this blill may
suggest other improvements which, we hope you will, take into consideration, but otherwise we
believe Part 11 is, very positive, and urge a favorable vote on, it.
Thank you for bearing with this rather long testi rainy.
Respectfully submitted,
Harry Kim
Mayor, County of Hawai'i
"O 1111 otHawai'i is an F','qual Opportunity Provider (and Employer.