There have been many rumors and misconceptions floating around with regard to the current motor sports facility on Oahu. Paradise Cruisers ˇV Hawaiian Island Hotrods has been involved with the movement to build a new motor sports facility since 2004 and would like to share some of the things we have learned during this process.
Facts:
The current motor sports facility is scheduled to close at the end of March. This is due to the following:
* The lease for the current facility from Campbell Estate has been on temporary extensions for over a decade and will end in April of this year
* The zoning variance which allows for a motor sports facility at the current location has expired
* The EPA has mandated closure of the septic system at the facility
* The aging facility is in need of repairs for safety reasons
* Current activities have outgrown this facility as it was built over 40 years ago
* None of these repairs/renovations can be completed under the zoning variance, nor is it feasible economically to do so.
It is not possible to continue operating under these conditions.
But why do we need a motor sports facility on Oahu? Glad you asked!
* A motor sports facility provides a safe, controlled environment for enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds to participate in their favorite recreational activity without endangering others.
* A motor sports facility provides a venue for advanced driver education which prepares people to handle emergency situations and avoid accidents on public roads.
* There are dozens of thriving, tax-paying, motor sport related businesses on Oahu that depend on enthusiasts for their livelihood.
Loss of the facility means all of these will disappear.
A new "world-class" facility would provide these benefits and more!
* An economic study has shown that holding 4 national-caliber events per year will bring 300 Million new dollars into the State's economy.
* 90% of this amount is spent in the community, not at the facility.
* This "multi-use" facility will allow multiple events to be held simultaneously, thereby providing additional opportunity for safe participation in motor sport activities.
This is nothing but good for public safety and the economy.
There are currently 2 bills passing through the legislature that would promote construction of a new, "World-Class" facility at Kalaeloa (formerly Barber's Point) Parcel 9. They are House Bill 994 and Senate Bill 1734.
Rumors and Misconceptions regarding these bills:
MYTH
These bills are "give aways" of your hard-earned tax dollars
FACT
These bills introduce a new approach to allocating tax incentives. Measurable positive economic growth must be demonstrated before any tax break is given. This is commonly referred to as "Tax Incentive Financing" and mirrors legislation in Texas aimed to stimulate economic growth.
MYTH
These bills support a small "special interest" group;
FACT
Over 160,000 people on Oahu attended or participated in motor sports activities in 2005. This number is projected to triple after the construction of a larger, modern facility.
MYTH
There is no place available to build a new facility
FACT
Under the BRAC '93 Closure Act, Kalaeloa Parcel 9 was designated for use as a motor sports facility.
MYTH
The Department of Hawaiian Homelands owns Kalaeloa Parcel 9 and will be building homes on that land
FACT
DHHL has signed a contract agreeing to exchange Kalaeloa Parcel 9 for a more desirable location that is closer to residential infrastructure.
It is for these reasons that Paradise Cruisers - Hawaiian Island Hotrods humbly asks for your support of HB-994 and SB-1734 which would provide "Tax Incentive Financing" for a new facility.
A general description of the bills can be found at www.paradisecruisers.com by clicking the link ˇ§Click here to see what you can do to save motor sports on Oahu!!ˇ¨
If you would like to read the bills, they can be found at:
Your efforts to encourage House Speaker Calvin Say, Representative Dwight Takamine (Hilo), Senate President Robert Bunda, and Senator Brian Taniguchi (Manoa) to move these bills to conference will be appreciated throughout the community. Contact information can be found at http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov.
All questions, comments, and letters of support can be directed to info@paradisecruisers.com or posted on the discussion forum located at www.paradisecruisers.com. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to read and understand the issues and how they affect our island community.
This message has been brought to you by Paradise Cruisers - Hawaiian Island Hotrods.
