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8. It has been argued that Sea Mountain Five would harm the environment. In fact, in all their meetings and <br /> documents they have appeared very sensitive to environmental and cultural issues. They have partnered with <br /> Jean-Michel Cousteau, who has many world-wide awards as an environmental activist. Programs for Ka'u <br /> youth by his Ocean Futures organization are due to begin at Punalu'u in June. I believe that Sea Mountain Five <br /> would do a better j ob of maintaining Punalu' u than the county or DLNR. The finance committee should reject <br /> <br /> this Resolution so long as they do not have an estimate of the ongoing demands on county funds if the purchase <br /> were to proceed. <br /> 9. Sea Mountain Five have offered a benefit package for health and education programs in the community. Our <br /> schools and hospital are among the worst in the state and need this kind of extra help. Ka'u has been relatively <br /> neglected by all areas of government for too long. They also promise a Hawaiian Cultural Center as part of the <br /> developed Sea Mountain resort. <br /> In summary, I ask the Committee to set two priorities for Ka'u: <br /> The need to find at least one employer who will provide a few hundred jobs. <br /> To focus county land purchases on locations where access is truly threatened. <br /> I propose a re-examination of Pohue Bay as the #2 priority for county purchase, assuming that Kawa Bay <br /> remains # 1. <br /> Sincerely <br /> Dennis Elwell <br /> <br />