HILO, Hawaii – During Wednesday’s Banyan Drive Hawaii Redevelopment Agency meeting in Hilo, board member Brian DeLima wanted to ensure the Hilo Bayfront Trails project had a place in the revised plans.

DeLima said he thought trail advocate Peter Kubota “hits the nail on the head by saying at least if you have it on your master plan … you’ll try to implement it.”

“That’s precisely why we left that green strip fronting all the properties,” planning director Duane Kanuha answered.

DeLima said he also likes the planning department’s approach to the Ice House and HELCO property.

Kanuha and DeLima went on to discuss the main difference in the two new conceptual maps; an additional resort and commercial node extending into what would otherwise by green, open park space on the Reed’s Bay side of the peninsula.

“Basically this scenario leaves room for another 600 or 700 rooms,” Kanuha said.

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► MORE: Banyan Drive HRA meeting on Sept. 28

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