Hilo news: Banyan Drive redevelopment bills advance

(BIVN) – The effort to facilitate the revitalization of Banyan Drive is again under consideration at the state legislature.

There are a few bills that deal with the state-owned lands on the Waiakea Peninsula. Some have already had hearings.

For example, Senate Bill 2972 requires the state to allocate revenues to the county’s Banyan Drive Hawai‘i redevelopment agency, and help fund environmental impact studies.

SB2972 SD1: RELATING TO LAND DEVELOPMENT

Requires the department of land and natural resources to allocate ten per cent of revenues collected from commercial properties within the Banyan Drive redevelopment area to the Banyan Drive Hawai‘i redevelopment agency. Appropriates funds from the special land and development fund to assist the county of Hawai‘i in conducting the necessary environmental impact studies necessary to complete its redevelopment plan for the Banyan Drive redevelopment area. Requires matching funds from the county of Hawai‘i. (SD1)

Introducer(s): K. KAHELE, DELA CRUZ, GALUTERIA, INOUYE, KIM, WAKAI, K. Rhoads

The bill had a hearing on February 12 on Oahu. Hawaii County Planning Director Micheal Yee was on hand to testify.
At the hearing, the Department of Land and Natural Resources explained their position.

A different senate bill, SB 3058, which would establish the Waiakea peninsula redevelopment district, went before a joint committee on February 15.

SB3058 SD1: RELATING TO PUBLIC LANDS.

Establishes procedures for designating public land redevelopment districts, planning committees, district redevelopment plans, and designated redevelopment district revolving funds. Establishes powers and duties of planning committees. Appropriates funds. Establishes the Waiakea peninsula redevelopment district, planning committee, and revolving fund until 6/30/2028. (SD1)

Introducer(s): K. KAHELE, GALUTERIA, INOUYE, S. Chang, Dela Cruz, Kidani, Nishihara, Shimabukuro, Wakai

Once again, DLNR officials were present for the hearing. James McCully, a representative of Hilo’s business community, also testified.