HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-03-11 Letter to Ryan I. Yamane and Chris Todd SB 914, SD 2 Relating to Land Development
County of Hawai‘i
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County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Harry Kim
Mayor
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
March 11, 2019
Representative Ryan I. Yamane, Chair
Representative Chris Todd, Vice Chair
Committee on Water, Land, and Hawaiian Affairs
Dear Chair Yamane, Vice Chair Todd, and Committee Members:
RE: SB 914, SD2 Relating to Land Development
Thank you for this opportunity to comment on SB 914, SD2 and the Waiakea Peninsula in Hilo, Hawaiʻi.
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 Hawaiʻi, but it is a jewel that is quite tarnished at the present time.
Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi 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, SD2.
Respectfully Submitted,
Harry Kim
MAYOR