COM 0148.004 2006-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Hamakua Lands Ad Hoc Committee April 16, 2007 Page -2- Through public input the HLAHC reports that an overwhelming majority of Hawaii County residents does not believe that the 735 acres of public land in Pa`auilo should be sold to the highest bidder through a public auction process as stated in the environmental assessment prepared by PBR Hawaii. The HLAHC determines that there is overwhelming community input that states that the Honorable Mayor Harry Kim should abandon the plan to sell these lands at Public Auction to the highest bidder. Instead, overwhelming public input states that the County should come up with a plan using public input to utilize these 735 acres of public lands. The community provided multiple suggestions for the use of these public lands which are outlined on the attached summary. The HLAHC recognizes that the community wishes to be part of the planning process that helps to formulate the disposition of the properties. More importantly, many residents view these lands as a public asset that through proper planning, can lead to opportunities for our island residents. The community expressed frustration of the escalating price of land and homes that virtually pushes many island residents out of the land and housing mazket. Many residents expressed that these County own lands provides for hope for an affordable housing project, leasing opportunities for agriculture activities, growing sustainable forestry, ranching, recreational opportunities, open space and agricultural lots. Many agree that these lands represent an opportunity lost if we were to continue on the path of public auction for the entire 735 acres of land. The HLAHC also recognizes that a public auction of a portion of these properties could be part of the overall scheme of disposition of these lands. Mayor Kim has suggested that proceeds of such sales could be utilized to purchase property better suited for an affordable housing project. The HLAHC has determined that Mayor Kim's suggestion should not be ruled out, and may be a pazt of the overall plan regarding the 735 acres. However, the HLAHC is strongly opposed to the current plan of auctioning off the entire 735 acres of County land in Paulo. It is the HLAHC recommendation that the administration abandon the current plan to sell the entire 735 acres of land at public auction. Further, the HLAHC will be proposing a resolution which supports formulating a partnership between the administration, county council and community in working together to bring forth a disposition plan for the entire 735 acres of County land. The HLAHC would like to thank Councilmember's Stacy Higa, Donald Ikeda, Bob Jacobson, Emily Naeole and J Yoshimoto for their patience and willingness to allow the ad hoc committee to gather community input on this important matter. On behalf of the committee, I would also like to express our deepest appreciation to members of our community that took the time to come out to meetings, as well as filling out the newspaper poll to express your opinion. Finally, a great big mahalo to Mayor Kim and his administration for allowing us the opportunity to bring information forwazd that is intended to serve the people of the County of Hawaii. Warmest Aloha, Dominic Yago HLAHC Member