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i <br /> ~ ~K <br /> June 4, 2007 <br /> To: Members of the Hawaii Island County Council <br /> From: Iwao Yonemitsu, Resident of Naalehu, Hawaii <br /> My name is Iwao Yonemitsu. My wife, Alice, a retired teacher, and I aze lifelong <br /> residents of Ka'u. Except for attending high school in Hilo for three years and serving in <br /> the United States Army for two years during World War R, I have lived in Naalehu for 78 <br /> years. Our four children were born in Ka'u, attended public schools here before going on <br /> to college in Hilo, Honolulu, Oregon and Washington. Three live and work in the Seattle <br /> azea and one in Oahu. Two of them would like to come back to the Island of Hawaii. <br /> I worked for Hutchinson Sugaz Plantation Company and Ka'u Sugar Company for <br /> more than forty years of which thirty-two years were spent in agricultural research and <br /> crop control. This job gave me the opportunity to gain an intimate knowledge of all <br /> azeas, extending from Ka Lae (South Point) to the National Pazk boundary. <br /> My view of preservation and development is that neither can be attained without <br /> considering the other point of view. Historical and natural resources should be preserved, <br /> but should not be extremely restrictive that no development can take place. Each <br /> preservation situation will differ and must be handled on a case by case basis. <br /> Development should be controlled and measured, taking into consideration the impact on <br /> historical sites and existing infrastructure. Most importantly, development must be <br /> sustainable as to create job opportunities for the residents of the district. <br /> Finally, I would like to see the Council appoint a committee that would be able to <br /> develop a comprehensive plan for the District of Ka'u. Ka'u is a very large district with <br /> many natural resources and azeas of historical significance. If you give this committee <br /> the resources and technical help necessary, I am sure that the members of the committee <br /> will be able to come up with a plan that will allow an orderly, well-thought out plan for <br /> the development of our natural resources and preservation of historical sites. Many <br /> studies have been made of historical sites, natural resources, various crops suitable for <br /> cultivation, etc. and need not be duplicated. Ka'u should remain primarily agricultural, <br /> but for diversification, development of other job enhancing opportunities should be en- <br /> couraged. Like all plans, it must be reviewed at periodic intervals and revised or modi- <br /> fied as required. <br /> In my opinion, the resolution before us is premature, if all of the possible scenarios <br /> have not been considered and duly discussed. My knowledge of the Punaluu situation <br /> <br /> has been gleaned from media information and watching the Council's finance committee <br /> meeting on television. I commend the Council members for deciding to hold this hearing <br /> in Ka'u before taking action. I think you, as Council members, should do independent <br /> research, as I am sure you each have sources within the district of people who will give <br /> <br /> you their unvarnished opinions. I am sure you will receive divergent points of view, but <br /> as elected officials, you have the ultimate responsibility of m~aoki-n`g the final decision. <br /> Ref. Tos ~ <br /> Ref. Date n1 <br /> <br />