COM 0964.015 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The State is required, under the Federal Clean Water Act to protect all waters of the State. it is required to maintain the chemical, physical and biologic integrity of the nation's waters. It is required to protect the beneficial uses of these waters, including water quality for the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish and wildlife. Counties are not entitled to act without regard for Federal and State Programs, or act in conflict with such programs. In 2004, the 2e State legislature of the State of Hawaii passed a Senate Resolution implementing the Precautionary Principle Policy in regard to environmental protection. It says an obligation exists to assess alternatives and select the alternative with least potential impact on human health and the environment, including the alternative of doing nothing. The Precautionary Principle says that when there is reasonable suspicion of harm, and there is scientific uncertainty, then we have the duty to take action to prevent harm. The Hawaii County. General Plan is mandated to protect Natural Resources, Natural Beauty, Unique Habitat and Coastal Resources. Kealakekua Bay and Marine Life Conservation District qualify for protection on all these counts. The coral reef and fish and dolphins are already stressed by human use. By opening the door to higher density development on these lands above the Bay, Amendment F-2 only serves to potentially increase the magnitude of adverse environmental impacts on the water, the coral reef and the fish ecosystems of Kealakekua Bay: It contains no proactive comprehensive integrated program to protect the Bay. Amendment F-2 runs counter to protecting this fragile natural resource. Amendment F-2 runs counter to the spirit and mandate of the General Plan. Neither the property rights of individuals nor the decisions of political leaders should run counter to the mandates of the County Plan and the programs of the State and Federal Governments to protect irreplaceable environmental treasures like Kealakekua Bay and Marine Life Conservation District. As our elected officials, please honor the recommendation of the Planning Commission. Please DELETE proposed Amendment F-2. Please vigilantly protect our beloved Kealakekua Bay and Marine Life Conservation District. Sincerely, Dore Dokos-Loewenthal F.O. Box 503 Captain Cook, Hi. 36704 3