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Loren Lewisohn - 965-9329 <br /> HCR 3, Box 13536, Keaau 96749 <br /> <br /> Dear Chairman James Arakaki and County Council Members: <br /> This is my written testimony opposin~~The Gateway Shopping Center, respectfully <br /> submitted for County Council Hearing on 2/22/01, 9:00 am, Bill 195. <br /> 1. I oppose the proposed shopping center because the island is increasingly <br /> experiencing the effects of globalization -which is counter-productive to tr~}yR~~ <br /> sustainable development. nn~~_s.~~~ BY <br /> <br /> 2. Adopting a sustainable ecological oriented plan represents a more viable X01"~'~ <br /> because as a community, we will upon adoption of this plan, be able to save the <br /> `aina. This in turn represents long-term self-sustainability. <br /> 3. Our focus can be promoting eco-tourism and educational models that reflect <br /> sound self-sustainable community development. <br /> 4. This can include products, shops and services that more closely reflect a natural <br /> versus unnatural orientation. Shops which carry crafts and locally produced art <br /> and agricultural products are much more akin to preserving the spirit of the islands <br /> and presenting a responsible image that can be replicated in a network movement <br /> of local self-reliance, self-sufficiency and economic recovery. <br /> 5. Restaurants such as McDonald's Inc. do not fit in this category. For instance, <br /> each McDonald's hamburger consumed is responsible for the destruction of 55 <br /> square feet of irreplaceable tropical rainforest. The effects of deforestation are a <br /> serious concern, particularly in Hawaii. For this reason, including a McDonald's <br /> restaurant or a whole slew of them - is an unsightly blight on the landscape and <br /> irresponsible business practice. Please include Rainforest Action Network "Save <br /> the Rainforest" planning ideas in all future plans and the General Plan. <br /> 6. Where, I ask, is the architectural committee that considers aesthetic beauty? <br /> The bottom line is that we have to pass these unsightly strip malls which offend the <br /> sensibilities for both residents and tourists alike. <br /> 7. The Big Island of Hawaii is, fortunately, not the Mainland yet! The current <br /> trends already have supported too much Mainland style development. Where we <br /> once had the opportunity to take historical buildings in Keaau and preserve them <br /> for their cultural ambiance, instead we foolishly bartered the historical and quaint <br /> aspects in a trade-off for plastic development. Enough is enough! <br /> Comm. No. <br /> File No. <br /> Ret. To: CnLh!_. <br /> Ref. uete FEB 2 2 2001 <br /> <br />