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Testimony of Steven Fox, Holualoa, Hawaii <br /> Democratic Candidate for State Senate, District 3 (Hawi to Miloli'i) <br /> Before the Hawaii County Council <br /> Wednesday, August 4, 2004 <br /> O'oma Rezoning <br /> Aloha. My name is Steven Fox from Holualoa, Hawaii and I am the Democratic Candidate for <br /> State Senate, District 3, which runs from Hawi to Miloli'i and includes the O'oma ahupua'a. <br /> I am here to join the people of West Hawaii who have already voiced their opposition to rezoning <br /> of the O'oma project. Over 250 of us packed the hearing room in Kailua-Kona, to tell you to "Just <br /> say No." Now it seems you are about to tell us: "Whatever West Hawaii wants, it does not get." <br /> The decision you make on this issue is not just about the technical merit of the O'oma project. <br /> The decision you make is also a reflection of how well democracy is working in the County of <br /> Hawaii. It is about whether this Council respects the views of the people who must live with the <br /> decisions made by the Council. <br /> Citizens sit in traffic everyday on the very road you expect to handle the cars going to and from <br /> this development. Citizens have not approved a general plan that envisions urban sprawl from <br /> Keahole Airport all the way to Keauhou. Citizens have not seen a sustainable plan for other <br /> infrastructure, like water and sewer and waste disposal. And this is not the only instance in which <br /> these issues arise. The citizens of West Hawaii cannot keep track of what future developments <br /> have already been granted approvals and what the cumulative effect will be on their lives, their <br /> environment, and their well-being. <br /> We are frustrated because we feel disenfranchised-- who will listen to us, the people most directly <br /> affected by these decisions, and pay attention to what we want? There does not seem to be a <br /> government that is "...for the people" of West Hawaii. Some speak of actions that may seem <br /> silly-tax strikes, separate counties-but these reveal the level and extent of the frustration. <br /> We are an island economy. Our economic well-being depends upon others coming to our island <br /> and spending their money. They do not come here from the mainland or Japan because they like <br /> to sit in bumper to bumper traffic or to look at suburban developments. And the people who have <br /> chosen to live in Hawaii were most often trying to escape the traffic, the pollution, and the ugly <br /> conditions of other places. Hawaii was Paradise. Clean water, clean air, and beautiful views. It is <br /> our responsibility to make certain that it remains that way. Development does not require that we <br /> destroy our environment. Preserving our Hawaii will require 21st century planning and <br /> sustainable development by our government. <br /> We can do it. You can do it. You must do it. For the sake of our citizens and for the future of <br /> Hawaii. <br /> I ask that you support the people of West Hawaii by voting against this bill. Thank you very <br /> much. <br /> r~~*. <br /> BYE - _ <br /> -~1~1 r- <br /> <br /> oO1e_. <br /> ~,,,,ry co„~~u <br /> Comm. No. • 10 7 <br /> Ref. To: Y as ~ ~ 1 <br /> kef. Uate Allri 4 <br /> <br />