HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-04-04 letter to Donovan M. Dela Cruz and Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran HB 1219, HD1, SD1 Relating to Public Lands
County of Hawai‘i
Office of the Mayor
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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
April 4, 2019
Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair
Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran
Committee on Ways and Means
Dear Chair Dela Cruz, Vice Chair Keith-Agaran, and Committee Members:
RE: HB 1219, HD1, SD1 Relating to Public Lands
Thank you for this opportunity to comment on the latest amended version of HB 1219, HD1, SD1, as it
would impact the Waiakea Peninsula in Hilo, Hawaiʻi.
Simply stated, we continue to 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, including the creation of the
Banyan Drive Hawaiʻi Redevelopment Agency (BDHRA); and a conceptual master plan has been created as a
starting point. But funds are needed to conduct the environmental impact statements necessary to complete
the redevelopment plan and move forward, and those monies are not available.
Under SD1, DLNR would create a new planning committee to oversee Banyan Drive and would require
that BDHRA be disbanded. This might mean going back to square one, but the tradeoff is that the bill
presumably will provide meaningful funding using current DLNR revenues.
Although we may not agree with all provisions of HB 1219, HD1, SD1, we support a measure that
directs resources, both statutory and financial, toward the redevelopment of Banyan Drive while providing
some local perspective in decision-making.
Therefore, we ask that you act favorably on the proposed amended version of HB 1219, HD1, SD1, so
that a resolution can be hammered out in conference.
Respectfully Submitted,
Harry Kim
MAYOR