2019-02-07 Letter to Kaialii Kahele, Clarence K. Nishihara and Mike Gabbard SB 914 Relating to Land Development

Home

Harry Kim Mayor County of Hawai i Office of the Mayor Wil Okabe Managing Director Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 February 7, 2019 Senator Kaiali'i Kahele, Chair Committee on Water and Land Senator Clarence K. Nishihara, Chair Committee on Public Safety Senator Mike Gabbard, Chair Committee on Agriculture and Environment Dear Chair Kahele, Chair Nishihara, Chair Gabbard, and Committee Members: RE: SB 914 Relating to Land Development Thank you for this opportunity to comment on SB 914 and the Waiakea Peninsula in Hilo, Hawaii. Simply stated, we support any legislation that will help the revitalization of Banyan Drive and the rest of the Waiakea Peninsula. Virtually everyone familiar with this area agrees that it 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. The 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 complete the redevelopment plan and move forward. The Hawaii County budget is severely strapped, and I have already had to impose increases in our property, fuel, and vehicle weight taxes. Therefore, I am hoping the State will provide funds for the 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. It will be difficult for the County to find the matching funds, so I would ask you to be as generous as you can. There may be other paths forward that build on work already done, and we do not want to risk having this Legislature take no action at all. Therefore, we will support any measure that directs resources, both statutorily and financially, toward the redevelopment of Banyan Drive. I hope you will act favorably on SB 914, and move it along for further discussion. Res ctfully Submitted, Harry Kim MAYOR County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.