Recent developments on Banyan Drive: Legislators share insights from the recently concluded legislative session

Fresh Take:

Hawaii Island's Eastside lawmakers, all Democrats, shed light on the state Legislature's recent session achievements and Banyan Drive's ongoing redevelopment saga during a meeting with the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce on May 29.

Banyan Drive, a notorious Hilo landmark with its eyesore areas, was a hot topic. House Bill 818, initially proposed to create the Waiakea Peninsula Community Development District, met an untimely end, failing to secure a hearing in the Senate. This bill, introduced by Sue Keohokapu-Lee Loy of Hilo, co-sponsored by Matthias Kusch and fellow Big Island reps David Tarnas and Kirstin Kahaloa, aimed to transfer land and leases within the proposed district from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to Hawaii's Community Development Authority (HCDA).

The demise of HB 818 raised questions about Banyan Drive's potential future. George Applegate, a former Big Island Visitors Bureau executive director, inquired about possible direct flights between Hilo and mainland cities following improvements at Hilo International Airport. Benson Medina, the county's Research and Development Director, revealed talks with Daniel Chun, Alaska Airlines' Hawaii regional vice president, hinting at the necessity of addressing Banyan Drive for potential new direct flights.

Unfortuneately, the bill's pitfalls related to DLNR land leases proved insurmountable, according to Lorraine Inouye, the majority whip, Water and Land Committee chair, and the bill's Senate companion measure sponsor. She emphasized that future organizational efforts for Banyan Drive were underway, assuring that the County and HCDA were making headway in collaborating to move the project forward.

Apart from Banyan Drive discussions, an array of other updates were presented by the representatives. For example:

Senator Tim Richards of Waimea shared that the "Duke" Pia Agricultural Protection Bill, named after a heroic Makaha farmer, is awaiting Governor Josh Green's signature, expected soon.
Rep. Greggor Ilagan highlighted the securing of $2.5 million for studies on alternate routes in Puna and an upcoming blessing ceremony for the Pohoiki Boat Ramp.
Keohokapu-Lee Loy expressed joy about the inclusion of $30 million for student loan repayments related to health care in the budget, with incentives for new health care professionals to stay in rural areas.
Freshman Rep. Matthias Kusch announced the passage of HB 860, a bill allowing for the repair or maintenance of disputed roads without conferring ownership.
Rep. Chris Todd shared that the Legislature allocated $25 million for an outpatient clinic in Keaau, with a $25 million matching contribution from tech billionaires Marc and Lynne Benioff.

Regarding Inouye's comment about Banyan Drive remaining a state project, it may advise seeking further information from local government resources or news updates to get the latest on the project's current status and ongoing redevelopment plans.

The failure of House Bill 818, intended to develop the Waiakea Peninsula, underlines the need for future policy-and-legislation efforts to address the redevelopment of Banyan Drive, a community hotspot on Hawaii Island.
While Banyan Drive's redevelopment is under scrutiny, other important issues in the state are being addressed, such as the Duke Pia Agricultural Protection Bill, awaiting Governor Josh Green's signature.
In a positive turn, $30 million has been allocated for student loan repayments related to health care, with incentives for new health care professionals to stay in rural areas.
Crimes and justice, fires, accidents, and general news are pressing matters, but the ongoing discussions about Banyan Drive's redevelopment hold substantial implications for business, tourism, environment, and the community at large on Hawaii Island.
In the realm of politics and war-and-conflicts, the Duke Pia Agricultural Protection Bill gains attention, while the redevelopment of Banyan Drive continues to be a priority for local lawmakers, aiming to attract direct flights to Hilo International Airport.
Migration and community development intersect as the County and HCDA strive to collaborate and move forward with the Banyan Drive project, addressing issues related to car-accidents, leases, and negotiations with Alaska Airlines.
As the 2023-2024 legislative session unfolds, keeping abreast of policy-and-legislation updates, general news, and local government resources may provide insight into the next steps for Banyan Drive's redevelopment and Hawaii Island's long-term economic future.