HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-02-04 Letter to Ryan Yamane & Chris Todd - HB 910 - Relating to Banyan DriveHarry Kim
Aloror
Wil Okabe
Alunaging Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deptdp Almragtng Director
County of Hawaii
Office of the Mayor
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA. 74-5044 Are Keohokalole Hwy, Bldg C . Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
(808) 3234444 . Fax (808) 3234440
February 4, 2019
Rep. Ryan I. Yamane, Chair
Rep. Chris Todd, Vice Chair
COMMITTEE ON WATER, LAND, & HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS
Hawai'i State Legislature
Dear Chair Yamane, Vice -Chair Todd, and Committee members:
RE: HB 910, RELATING TO BANYAN DRIVE
Thank you for addressing an issue of great importance to the economic well-
being of Hawai'i County, the redevelopment of Banyan Drive. We support all legislation
that will help the revitalization of Banyan Drive; and HB 910 offers a somewhat different,
but nonetheless welcome, approach to achieving that goal.
Banyan Drive is underutilized and in disrepair. It is the center of tourism in East
Hawai'i, but it is a jewel that is quite tarnished at the present time.
Hawai'i 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.
The comprehensive review of infrastructure called for in HB 910 would surely be
valuable as a stand-alone study, or could generate valuable information for the EIS. In
either case it would be a positive step forward.
Please give HB 910 your favorable consideration.
Sincerel
Harryarry Kir
Mayor
County of Hawari is an Equal Opportunay Provider and Employer