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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Page 4 <br /> <br /> programs to keep coastal management protection effective and <br /> updated. <br /> <br /> <br /> PART THREE <br /> COUNTY LIABILITY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE <br /> Since the Hawaii Supreme Court recently ruled that Hawaii <br /> <br /> County, as well as the State , is responsible for protecting <br /> coastal waters, concerned residents are now on solid legal <br /> ground in demanding the County fulfill its duty to protect our <br /> <br /> coastal waters and ecosystems. <br /> <br /> If the County pursues a course of land use decisions and <br /> <br /> permit practices that are in conflict with Federal and State <br /> objectives to protect the environment, the County will be held <br /> liable for resulting adverse impacts and damage to natural <br /> resources. <br /> <br /> County officials, both elected and appointed, will be the ones <br /> held accountable if their decisions cause liability for the <br /> County. These officials are shielded from personal liability. <br /> <br /> However, it will not serve the citizens or the County to retain <br /> officials who create legal liability for the County and <br /> taxpayers. Hokulia is not a game that can be played twice in <br /> <br /> terms of evading responsibility for damage incurred to the <br /> coastal resources. <br /> <br /> <br /> PART FOUR <br /> PUBLIC PARTICIPATION <br /> Island residents are becoming increasingly aware of the <br /> <br /> correlation between land use decisions, the permitting process <br /> and potential adverse environmental impacts on watersheds, <br /> groundwater resources and coastal waters. Everything is now <br /> <br /> up for close examination, e.g., is informed public participation <br /> being hindered or encouraged on LUPAG Map land use <br /> <br /> <br /> 4 <br />