COM 0604.015 1996-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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1,JG--7'6-98 WED 04 : 2 PM 1508295553 Testimony for m tt e e 8/28 in favor of r :7;09 98 Chairman Chung & members of LH, Hronce Committee, Honokaa residents and other interested inembio 1) public, a warm aloha My name is Richard Boyd and am a of North Kohala. I regret I am unable to be here tonight personally1,(D my testimony in person but a prior commitment to tomorrows and Ukulele Festival here in North Kohala, precludes my atterlif . he plug I am very interested in the ssuc tir-iculture,. In North Kohala there are an increasing number ,i,(ould like to pursue this line of work, given a viable opporluni.'., here tonight and down the road, if Counckma_n 71H o is adopted, are of great interest to us_ what is is of interest to many throughout our island and ehs say that because attended the hearings before tft.d to the possible leasing of this same land to Oji Timber for O-Elo-ning", I spoke with people from Kau, South Kona and ever, o.rood giving a chance to local residents. The failure of local resiHeos ,,,hers to take advantage of this opportunity could spell the death ,..i'ootures down the road. You better believe that the ELNA win o:a wary eye on what happens. The Mayor and his supporters 1 ng and waiting. At those hearings many spoke out •:7. aly ptu s farming and at the same time many local residents scok -.-..47)sire to use these lands for diversified agriculture given the -sarno Oi. My only hope is that all those who spoke at the Eii_NA they wanted to pursue diversified ag, were serious. Although I testify in favor of Mr have certain reservations. Farming is a seven day a week no guarantees. Many from out in North Kohala he lure of hotel jobs which have fixed hours and income even, to low wages and layoffs due to our worsening slate ecr,.„,iii--)ryf. the prospective farmers in Hamakua are not all hob will take it and give a 100 percent effort to make There is no doubt in my mind that all those who H T rsue diversified ag should be given this opportunity t.c., the case may be. Every resource feasible should be „ „--„,i.*3 and both financial and technical assistance should ;t7.ya a chance to get at bat without two strikes. In conclusion I would urge the rio ...i.noo Ooitee members to reject the Mayor's pie in the sky, down the rry.3d. --„dopt Councilman Yagong's here and now resolution. Please guys out in Hamakua a chance to fulfill their dre,Eins. -ftn he watching. Mahal° e malama pono.