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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> As there are only intermittent streams in the area, and those we have <br /> <br /> are subject primarily to flash flooding, providing irrigation would <br /> necessitate the drilling of wells, building reservoirs or tanks and a <br /> pipeline distribution system. I submit to you that the economics of Ag <br /> in Kona cannot support such a substantial investment. Ours is not a <br /> hobby farm or a tax shelter, but the primary source of our family's <br /> income. Besides my immediate family, the farm supports my retired <br /> <br /> mother, brother and 2 sisters, all of whom are actively involved in the <br /> farm operations. <br /> Coffee prices are very good right now and expanding our fields is a <br /> priority for our family run farm. We can grow into about 100 acres, <br /> <br /> down to about that 1000' elevation, for intensive style coffee and mac <br /> nut production. The lands below the 1000' contour can only sustain <br /> periodic grazing. <br /> I ask for your favorable consideration to expand the Directors request <br /> <br /> E-6, 7 & 8 farther south, at least through our lands in Onouli 2nd, if <br /> not farther to Napoopoo Road. The rationale used in the Director's <br /> request and as detailed above for our farm, applies equally to these <br /> lands. <br /> <br /> We are framers and support the designation and protection of <br /> Important Agricultural lands, but feel the designation should be based <br /> on the realities of Agriculture, consistently applied across similar <br /> lands. We respectfully request your favorable consideration of this <br /> request. Thank you for this opportunity to provide testimony on <br /> amendments to the General Plan. <br /> <br /> Sincerely, <br /> <br /> <br /> Thomas F. Greenwell <br /> <br /> Vice President and General Manager <br /> Greenwell Farms, Inc. <br />