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December 29, 2004 page 2 <br /> Honorable Bob Jacobson <br /> • Pages 30 through 33 discuss general goals and policies relating to the economic aspects of <br /> the plan. I propose some specific additions: <br /> o Goal -Strive to provide water for the entire island as it will provide a major impetus <br /> for socio-economic development in all communities. <br /> o Policy -Work with and support local businesses and organizations to provide new <br /> and innovative products and services for the residents and visitors of the Big Island. <br /> (This is to give specific impetus to the county government to work with local <br /> businesses first, before bringing in outsiders to implement projects and activities. <br /> For example: why contract with someone on Oahu to implement a new loan guaranty <br /> program when a local institution need only build up its infrastructure a bit to be able <br /> to satisfy that need on the Big Island? Of course this can be applied to any industry <br /> on island.) <br /> • Page 49 discussed Courses of Action for Kau. I found these to be extremely vague without <br /> any substance as compared to those for other districts. I would like to see the following <br /> added: <br /> o Support the development of financial and educational facilities for the support of the <br /> community within the district. (I would like to see this included because we dream of <br /> developing a community financial and educational center in Ocean View, within the <br /> area to be designated as urban. We hope to be able to obtain federal funding. To <br /> obtain federal funding, the agencies like to see that our projects are part the general <br /> plan of the County of Hawaii. I will be happy to discuss this with you at any time.) <br /> o Develop potable water resources for the Ocean View area. (This will directly help <br /> the improvement of the tax base for the county. You should also say something <br /> specific like this for the Puna District.) <br /> Bob, these are my immediate thoughts. I think the economic section is the appropriate place for <br /> these types of comments. The issues I mentioned directly relate to the socio-economic <br /> development of the District. I believe my suggestions will assist in finding that balance between <br /> preservation and development. I see development coming quickly to Ka'u. These ideas will <br /> help direct development toward the balance we all seek. <br /> Regards, <br /> Bernard Balsis <br /> <br /> General Manager <br /> <br />