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Friday, August 28, 1998 <br /> Aloha Council members, <br /> My name is Pablo McLoud, and I am a resident of Ahualoa. I am here today to request your approval <br /> of Resolution No. 309-98, authored by Councilman Yagong ,and your rejection of Resolution No. <br /> 267-98, authored by Mayor Yamashiro. This request is based on the following conditions: <br /> 1. Mayor Yamashiro states that his Resolution will solely be an exchange of 4,400 acres of <br /> Hamakua land for 64 acres of private land owned by Bishop Estate in Hilo, Kona, and Puna. It is my <br /> understanding that according to Councilman Chung, Bishop Estate has not agreed to the Mayor's <br /> plan, and as such, the Mayor's Resolution should not be approved because of this uncertain <br /> condition. <br /> 2. Last year October, approximately 5,000 acres of State-owned lands in Hamakua were being made <br /> available to Oji Paper Company for timber operations. However, in response to strong public <br /> opposition by the Hamakua community, the Department of Natural Resources denied the lease. At <br /> that time the theme that was ever present throughout the public testimony was "keep public lands in <br /> public hands". That theme rings true here today as it did 10 months ago. It is public land, and once <br /> it is given away, it can never be replaced . Hamakua is an agricultural-based community, and, as <br /> such, land is a precious resource that contains our heritage, our culture, our memories. Giving the <br /> land away to Bishop Estate, which already owns 39,000 acres of Hamakua land, takes away our <br /> future, and with it our dreams for a better tomorrow. Allow the public the opportunity to use the <br /> lands as they see fit, and whether they succeed or fail, at least they have been given the chance. <br /> 3. Of the 4,400 acres in question, approximately 1,577 acres is comprised of the Hamakua Forest <br /> Reserve. This forest is not something that should be given away because it does not provide tax <br /> revenue. The Forest Reserve is an incredible cultural and economic resource for the County, and <br /> giving it away would destroy a significant opportunity to invest in the future of Hamakua and the <br /> Big Island. The Forest Reserve could be utilized by the public for hiking, horseback riding, and <br /> nature appreciation; and could be developed in a manner similar to Kalopa State Park. It could be <br /> used for study tours by local schools and colleges. Community groups could use the forest to focus <br /> their energies and good will, and Hawaiians and non-Hawaiians could harvest medicinal herbs <br /> throughout the forest. The forest could be transformed into a learning center and wildlife sanctuary. <br /> Guided tours of the forest could be offered, and a nature center could be erected to educate tourists <br /> and residents about the Hawaiian forest and its wildlife. I am sure the Forest Reserve would be used <br /> and appreciated by residents and visitors alike, and would become amust-see natural attraction with <br /> tourists. The forest could also potentially sustain asmall-scale village, such as a health and healing <br /> village, Hawaiian cultural village, and/or an eco-campground village that would provide education <br /> opportunities and value-added revenues. These activities would create more jobs and healthier <br /> communities than by giving it away to Bishop Estate for them to plant more eucalyptus trees. <br /> Based on the reasons provided, I request that Resolution No. 309-98 be approved by the County <br /> Council. N°• <br /> Ftle Nn. 'PLCr <br /> <br /> Thank you. Pr°s°ntod- FCi <br /> \ Ref. To: <br /> a~~ ~ V " ~ ~ Ret. Date <br /> <br />