COM 0176.097 2006-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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_ ~.....,._.....,...Y,... In dealing with containing ALL (storm) water upon ones own property I just do not see how that could be accomplished. The amount of water that simply falls from the sky upon a farm lot would be impossible to contain. Now add to that water originates off site above ones property and crosses into ones land. Is this person supposed to contain all of his storm water and that of the upsite property. I make this statement m relation to a farmstead that is located along a native forest or a long standing agricultural operation who is "grandfathered" and not subject to the regulations as contained in this Bill. We all have to accept the fact that off site waters will likely cross our lands at some time, our job is to mitigate the potential effects and get the water info it's proper course. I have witnessed vast amounts of flood waters existing the forest reserve lands, absolutely laden with color and sediment.. Are these lands referred to as being pristine and protected by naturally occurring conservation measures?? No they aze not! In fact in many cases it is quite the opposite. Often man-made development measures and water control systems are much more effective at soil conversation and mitigating damage from flood waters than natural forest regimes or what may be inferred to as a "natural protective barrier". I contend that use of existing engineering standards in the design of subdivisions are adequate; that the designation of Drainage Easements that the Planning Department currently requires is appropriate; that the use of NRCS soil conservation engineers to plan and design ones farmstead water management is highly effective; and that Land Planners and developers who are knowledgeable and sensitive to the specific land and water issues can plan for appropriate water management across parcels. At Mauna Kea Agribusiness we developed several agricultural subdivisions. We were always sensitive to the lay of the land when drawing lot boundaries. Rather then simply use straight lines on a fiat piece of paper we often drew our lot boundaries using natural land features such as gulches and roads. Although not required of us in one subdivision at Mauna Kea Farms in Hakalau we made it a point in the Land Sale Contract that existing drainage features that cross the lots cannot be removed or altered without the approval and of the NRCS and Hamakua Soil & Water Conservation District. We even went further to designate the ditches affecting the lots and included Deed Restrictions within the conveyance document. I hope you will reconsider the wide ranging nebulous amendments you are proposing with Bill 51 and defer action in it's current form. Sincerely, / John .Cross