COM 0042.087 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2) Under the "Recreation" section, a Course of Action for Hamakua talks about recreational development of Waipio and Waimanu Valleys as well as the development of a park near Hiilawe Falls. I have never heard anyone in the Community ask for increased development of these areas. In fact, what I hear is that we need to protect these pristine areas from overuse before they are ruined forever. 3) Creating sustainable, diversified and successful agriculture ventures is critical to the future of Hamakua. The community has come together to collectively work towards this goal. There are a total of 21 policies outlined under the "Agriculture" section in the General Plan. Some of those policies include: • Assist in the development of basic resources such as water, roads, transportation and distribution facilities for the agricultural industry. • Coordinate and encourage efforts to solve the problems of the agricultural industry in the County of Hawaii. • Ensure that development of important agricultural land be primarily for agricultural use. • Support the development of private and State agricultural parks to make agricultural land available for agricultural activities. • Assist in the development of agriculture. • Assist in the development of water for agricultural purposes. • Encourage, where appropriate, the establishment ofvisitor-related uses and facilities that directly promote the agriculture industry. I think that you would all agree that all of these items address important issues in the success of agriculture in Hamakua. Why then is the only Course of Action for Hamakua: • Encourage large landowners to make agricultural lands available for agriculture. We deserve and expect more support from the County then this. 4) Under the Economic section, policies include: • Assist in the expansion of the agricultural industry through the protection of important agricultural lands, development of marketing plans and programs, capital improvements and continued cooperation with appropriate State and Federal agencies. • Support all levels of educational, employment and training opportunities and institutions. • Encourage the establishment of open farmers markets to allow local agricultural producers to market their products. • Assist in cooperative marketing and distribution endeavors to expand opportunities for local agricultural products for export as well as to the local market. 2