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DISTRIBUTED AT LPC 1-18-24 HEARING <br /> Item#3 Kona Hawaii Development LLC <br /> -17-24 Council Member Inaba Opposition <br /> JNSVfoF k{�y <br /> Dr. Holeka Goro Inaba Office: (808)323-4280 <br /> Council Member, District 8,N. Kona °�' Email:holeka.inaba@hawaiicounty.gov <br /> ,Tf OF•MF'•N <br /> HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL <br /> County of Hawai'i <br /> West Hawai'i Civic Center, Bldg.A <br /> 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy. <br /> Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i 96740 <br /> January 17, 2024 <br /> Hawaii County Leeward Planning Commission <br /> Via Email: LPCtestimony@hawaiicounty_gov <br /> Re: Opposition to Applicant Kona Hawaii Development,LLC PL-SMA-2023-000038 <br /> For a Special Management Area Use Permit to develop a 100-room hotel on a 1.76 acre <br /> parcel located at 75-5868 A1i`i Drive,TMK: 3/7-5-18-11 <br /> Hearing: Thursday,January 18, 2024 at 9:30 a.m.—WHCC Council Chambers <br /> Aloha Chair DeFranco and Members of the Leeward Planning Commission, <br /> I am writing to express my strong opposition to PL-SMA-2023-000038,which seeks to grant a <br /> Special Management Area Use Permit for the development of a 100-room hotel. I believe that approving <br /> this permit would have significant negative consequences for the community,particularly in terms of <br /> traffic congestion, an already inadequate parking situation, and potential adverse impacts on the <br /> surrounding environment. <br /> Firstly,the proposed hotel development raises serious concerns about traffic management in the <br /> area.A 100-room hotel is likely to attract a substantial number of visitors,resulting in increased traffic <br /> flow and congestion. The existing infrastructure is not be equipped to handle such a surge in vehicles, <br /> leading to inconvenience for local residents and compromising road safety. <br /> In addition to the traffic concerns,the inadequacy of parking facilities associated with the <br /> proposed development is alarming. Insufficient parking spaces would not only inconvenience hotel guests <br /> but also exacerbate parking challenges for residents in the vicinity. This may lead to a spillover of <br /> vehicles into surrounding areas,further burdening the community with parking-related issues. <br /> Furthermore,I am deeply concerned about the potential adverse environmental impacts that could <br /> arise from the construction and operation of the proposed hotel. It is crucial to thoroughly consider these <br /> environmental concerns before granting any permits for development. <br /> I urge the Leeward Planning Commission to carefully evaluate the long-term implications of PL- <br /> SMA-2023-000038 on the community,particularly in terms of traffic,parking, and the environment. It is <br /> essential to prioritize the well-being of residents and the sustainability of the surrounding ecosystem over <br /> the immediate economic benefits that the hotel development may bring. <br /> Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that the Commission will make a decision that <br /> reflects the best interests of our community that ensures responsible and sustainable development. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> DR.HOLEKA GORO INABA, Council Member <br /> HGI.wpb District 8,North Kona <br />