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CLAUDIA WOODWARD-RICE _ <br /> P.O. Box 186 _ <br /> Honomu, HI 96728 <br /> (808) 963-6123 <br /> email: ricesofhif8lhilobav.com <br /> <br /> February 6, 2003 <br /> Dr. Fred Holschuh, Hawaii County Council <br /> <br /> 25 Aupuni Street <br /> <br /> Hilo, HI 96720 <br /> Re: General Plan proposed changes for increased Industrial at Pepe'ekeo mill site <br /> Dear Dr. Fred: <br /> Since the end of the sugar industry, the Hamakua coast has seen many rapid changes <br /> due to large amounts of real estate changing hands, and the development of many new <br /> diversified agricultural activities. It is an exciting but also a fragile time, when poor <br /> planning and inappropriate development may undercut economic improvements already <br /> underway. <br /> The BEI concept of aWaste-to-Energy plant (garbage incinerator) to replace the Hilo <br /> Coast Power Co. at the Pepe'ekeo mill site, is ill advised for many reasons: <br /> The site is up-wind of established residential and agricultural communities. No <br /> effective buffer zone exists. <br /> The truck traffic necessary to transport E. Hawaii garbage to the site would cause <br /> endless traffic problems, noise and odors. <br /> • Incinerators do not always operate as planned and notable toxic releases of heavy <br /> metals and dioxins are a likely eventuality. <br /> • Industrial sites should be sited away from the coast in order to minimize marine <br /> contamination. <br /> Residents in the vicinity of the proposed WTE development are nearly unanimous in <br /> rejecting this project, and do not believe it belongs in our rural and agricultural <br /> community. WTE developments have nearly ceased on the mainland due to liability <br /> issues and soaring costs. <br /> Please reject this inappropriate change to the General Plan. Heavy industry should be <br /> phased out in Pepe'ekeo- it does not fit the character or vision of our community. <br /> Comm. No. • <br /> Flle No. <br /> Ref. To: <br /> R,~, n~ FEB 0.7 2003 <br /> <br />