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Soriano, BJ <br /> From: Murashige, Laura <br /> Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2006 8:51 AM <br /> <br /> To: Soriano, BJ <br /> Cc: Aiello, Jeanette <br /> Subject: FW: TESTIMONY: Hiluhilu & public school requirements <br /> -----Original Message----- <br /> From: Elizabeth Cole [mailto:cole@kohalacenter.org] <br /> Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2006 7:46 AM <br /> To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us <br /> Cc: Pilago, K. Angel; petehoffmann@hawaii.rr.com; Copman, Linda <br /> Subject: TESTIMONY: Hiluhilu & public school requirements <br /> Dear Council Members: <br /> I wish to provide testimony about Bill 224, which requests changes to <br /> land classification from Ag.3 and Open to Project District for the <br /> Hiluhilu development. <br /> It is my understanding that the State Land Use Commission Decision and <br /> Order for Hiluhilu stated: "Petitioner shall contribute to the <br /> development, funding and construction of public school facilities as <br /> determined by and to the satisfaction of the DOE. Petitioner shall enter <br /> into an agreement with the DOE covering the specific terms of such <br /> contribution prior to final subdivision approval and file such agreement <br /> with the Commission and the County." <br /> it is also my understanding that the proposed County rezoning ordinance <br /> for Hiluhilu makes no mention of public K-12 schools or the need to file <br /> an agreement with the Department of Education prior to final subdivision <br /> approval. <br /> I urge the County Council to amend the zoning ordinance to include a <br /> requirement that proof of a DOE agreement be filed as stated in the LUC <br /> decision. PLEASE CONSIDER THE YOUNGER RESIDENTS OF OUR ISLAND. <br /> Creating housing without regard to its effect on our pre-K to 12th grade <br /> educational system seems negligent. On the other hand, creating <br /> attractive, quality schooling options within a community is part of the <br /> "smart growth" concept that is capturing the imagination of the Island <br /> public. <br /> Educational research suggests that smaller school settings which <br /> encourage parental and community involvement are most effective in <br /> promoting academic achievement. Offering families an opportunity to <br /> have their children and youth educated as close to home as possible not <br /> only benefits the school-community connection, but limits the growth of <br /> school-related traffic. Perhaps the DOE could occupy space adjacent to <br /> the proposed university buildings, allowing for charter school <br /> development or satellite programs to the larger Kealakehe complex. <br /> While the Council and the DOE have the opportunity, please work with <br /> developers to contribute to the character and quality of our education <br /> for younger students, not just those at the community college level. We <br /> need improved educational infrastructure for all ages. f A .~I <br /> Please think about development and growth in a new way, with concern 28~nS' No• I <br /> families as well as for houses and cars. Since children can't easilyRef. To: <br /> advocate for themselves in the public arena, please advocate for them[tgf, <br /> EI. ut~Je~ Cole.. <br /> t <br /> <br />