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From: Adele Henkel <br /> To: WPCtestimonv; LPCtestimonv;Council Testimony; Kimball. Heather; Kaaiwada.Jennifer;Onishi. Dennis; <br /> Kierkiewicz.Ashley; Kanealii-Kleinfelder. Matt;Villeaas. Rebecca;Galimba. Michelle M.; Inaba. Holeka;Hustace. <br /> James;cohmavor(d)hawaiicounty.aov <br /> Subject: Do NOT recommend GP2045 go through <br /> Date: Wednesday,February 5,2025 11:31:49 AM <br /> To all concerned, <br /> At the January 16,Planning Commission meeting,a testifier said there was a"mistake" in the designation of a <br /> particular parcel of land.The new map showed it was set to be"Conservation"when it was designated"Urban" <br /> Land use.This is significant since Conservation will only allow a park--no living,farming,or building! <br /> The Planning Director acknowledged the mistake and said it would be fixed but how many"mistakes" are in the <br /> map we don't know about?This alone should have the Planning Commissioners recommend the Hawaii GP NOT go <br /> through! <br /> Read the testimony below from a prominent business owner on Big Island sharing more insights why this plan <br /> should not be recommended! <br /> Here's a position opposed to the General Plan 2045,challenging its feasibility,priorities,and potential <br /> consequences. <br /> Opposition Position to the General Plan 2045 <br /> "While the General Plan 2045 sets ambitious goals for sustainability,economic growth,and infrastructure <br /> development,there are critical flaws in its approach that could hinder its success.The plan lacks feasibility, <br /> overestimates resource availability,and places undue burdens on taxpayers and rural communities. <br /> 1.Unrealistic Transportation Goals <br /> The plan prioritizes multi-modal transit and emerging technologies while neglecting practical infrastructure needs: <br /> •Mass Transit Limitations:Expanding public transportation is idealistic,but given the low population density,mass <br /> transit will remain underutilized and costly. <br /> •Neglect of Rural Needs:Vision Zero and Complete Streets focus on urban centers,but rural roads remain <br /> deteriorating without sufficient funding. <br /> •Autonomous Vehicles&Smart Roads: Investing in future technology is premature when basic road maintenance <br /> remains underfunded. <br /> 2.Housing Policies Worsen Affordability <br /> The plan's zoning changes and affordable housing policies may exacerbate the housing crisis rather than solve it: <br /> •Urban Growth Boundaries Increase Prices:Restricting land use in rural areas artificially inflates property values, <br /> making housing even less affordable. <br /> •Overcrowding Solutions Overlook Economic Realities:Policies ignore that overcrowding results from low wages <br /> and high living costs,not just housing shortages. <br /> •Regulatory Burdens on Developers: Strict zoning and sustainability mandates deter private investment,reducing <br /> housing supply and increasing costs. <br /> 3.Infrastructure and Utility Investments Are Unfunded and Impractical <br /> The plan assumes major infrastructure expansions without realistic funding mechanisms: <br /> •Green Infrastructure&Energy Transition:Renewable energy projects are costly,and residents will bear the <br /> financial burden of transitioning away from fossil fuels. <br /> •Broadband Expansion: While beneficial,the cost of rural broadband investment is unsustainable without private <br /> sector buy-in. <br /> •Water Conservation Mandates:Restrictions and green infrastructure initiatives may increase costs for consumers <br /> without clear efficiency benefits. <br /> 4.Economic Development Overlooks Local Challenges <br />