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HLPC Testimony <br /> 01 June 2007 <br /> Re: Bill 51, D3 <br /> Based on the four (4) separate provisions, the Chapter would require that DPW review all <br /> <br /> development activities on the island of Hawaii, including approvals such as the cooperating <br /> agreements with the Soil Conservation Service and farmers/ranchers, to ensure compliance with the <br /> requirements of Chapter 27. <br /> This linkage is also important when considering the impacts of other sections of the code such as <br /> Chapter 27-16(f) which requires that whenever a watercourse (whose definition includes stream, <br /> channel, wash or other topographic feature on or over which water flow at least periodically) is altered <br /> or relocated DPW shall "require that the flood carrying capacity of the altered or relocated portion of <br /> said watercourse be maintained at or improved to a minimum of the base flood elevation. <br /> It is critical to remember that to the extent that a flooding event creates run-off that could affect down <br /> stream properties, the proposed requirements will not reduce down stream damage. At best, the <br /> regulations will ensure that new developments will not increase the flooding risk. The only way to <br /> protect properties from flood damage during a storm event is to ensure that the down stream areas <br /> are developed appropriately to minimize the potential for property damage. <br /> It is also critically important that an economic review of the proposed requirements be done to <br /> determine impacts, direct and indirect, positive and negative; on housing, infrastructure and <br /> agriculture. <br /> Thank you for this opportunity to express our views on this matter. <br /> Respectfully submitted, <br /> Jacqui L. Hoover <br /> President <br /> Hawaii Leeward Planning Conference <br /> Page 3 of 3 <br /> <br />