Phasing out Hilo
mall is a bad idea
The Hawaiian Homes Commission recently discussed the U.S. Department of Interior’s opinion regarding Brookfield Properties’ request to extend the lease for Prince Kuhio Plaza during an executive session. They previously sought a 40-year lease extension, which resulted in strong pushback from the community.
They want the area redeveloped into more housing after the current lease expires in 2042.
This is a bad idea in my opinion. Prince Kuhio Plaza sits in an industrialized, and commercialized , area that is inappropriate for homes. I understand the need for more housing for Native Hawaiians, but jobs are needed also.
If this area is redeveloped, a critical economic driver for jobs and tax revenue in the greater Hilo area will disappear.
I propose that a shorter lease of 15 to 20 years is granted instead with a community benefit package. This would preserve a critical economic driver for the Hilo area and still give Brookfield the ability to amortize the cost of mall improvements over several years. It also makes all the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands’ commercial ground leases in this area of Hilo set to expire around the same time.
As I alluded to above, I understand the need for more housing for Native Hawaiians. However, I strongly believe it would be a mistake to phase out this anchor economic driver to satisfy that need.
Aaron Stene
Kailua-Kona
‘Shocked by all
the suffering’
I went to the Kona Community Hospital’s emergency room a week ago because of a bad staph infection and was shocked by all the suffering surrounding me.
A young man stumbled in, pale and shaking with pain. His thumb crushed by an automobile tire. What did they do? Gave him paperwork to fill out!
Any compassion was woefully lacking. After hours of waiting, I walked out. The young man still hadn’t been seen. Neither had anyone else in the room. Disgraceful.
There has been a huge influx of people and money into Kona the last few years. What is our state government doing with our hard-earned tax dollars?
The people of Kona deserve good health care. Kona hospital is old and overwhelmed, its employees overworked and hardened by the suffering they deal with daily.
We deserve better, but our health seems not to be a priority with our elected officials. Without Urgent Care of Kona, I could have died.
Tami Warren
Kealakekua
