HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-03-18 Letter to Kaialii Kahele and Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran HB 910, HD1 Relating to Banyan Drive (2)
County of Hawai‘i
Office of the Mayor
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KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy., Bldg C Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740
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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 18, 2019
Senator Kaialiʻi Kahele, Chair
Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Vice Chair
Committee on Water and Land
Dear Chair Kahele, Vice Chair Keith-Agaran, and Committee Members:
RE: HB 910, HD1 Relating to Banyan Drive
Thank you for addressing an issue of great importance to the economic well-being of Hawaiʻi County,
the redevelopment of Banyan Drive. We support all legislation that will help the revitalization of Banyan Drive;
and HB 910, HD1 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 Hawaiʻi, but it is a jewel
that is quite tarnished at the present time.
Hawaiʻi 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, HD1 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, HD1 your favorable consideration.
Respectfully Submitted,
Harry Kim
MAYOR