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1. <br /> The General Plan specifies this area be used as agriculture in <br /> nature. It is my understanding this area may further fall into <br /> "intensive" agriculture as a classification. My farm is one of <br /> the very few properties in the general area actually pursuing in- <br /> tensive agriculture-multilevel agriculture. [Vaimea Country Club <br /> does not fall into intensive agriculture, nor doeslarge paddock <br /> grazing or 8000 sq.' subdivision lots with a third of that under <br /> roof, including an ohana unit all being rented out to pay the <br /> mortgage. <br /> 2. <br /> Highest and Best Use. The concept of 40 acres and a mule no <br /> longer applies. To keep acres in intensive agriculture is very <br /> hard work and this is also assuming you can find people who will <br /> work for you, to bring in your crop. And a quick look in WHT's <br /> classifieds ads offering jobs with better pay, better benefits <br /> ,better working conditions, and better chance for advancement <br /> will make finding labor very difficult. People dont aspire to be <br /> farm laborers unless it is their own farm. Small farms that can <br /> be managed intensivly with just ones' own family is the only real <br /> working model that will keep all the land classified agriculture <br /> actually producing for the long term. With a small manageable <br /> farm, a family could also have time for a life off the farm in- <br /> cluding full-time employment with benefits continuing-education, <br /> and recreation. This is how to get people back on the land farm- <br /> ing. Small and manageable. I must strongly disagree with some, <br /> regaurding 5 acres as a minimum size for a viable farm operation. <br /> To the contrary, many small operations are some of the most in- <br /> ovative, and on properties considerably smaller than 5 acres. <br /> Quindembo Bamboo Nursery,Lokelani Tomatoes,Island Herbs, and now <br /> the U.of H. is promoting tea and blueberries to be grown up here <br /> on "small" farms. I have also seen Councilman Dr. Holschuhs' let- <br /> tuce in the stores and his operation is manageable enough he <br /> still has time to represent his district in council, and other <br /> civic duties. Thank you Doctor. <br /> <br /> 3. <br /> Enviromental Benefit. In this area of the county there are many <br /> 40 acre parcels being leased together by a handfull of old time <br /> cowboys. This is the last decade this will happen. The land is <br /> just too valuable.The vast majority of landowners of these <br /> <br /> parcels are absentee landowners. I have been here 22years and of <br /> the 20+ large parcels around my farm, I have met the owners of3 . <br /> <br />