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<br /> PWIRC Rept. No. 21 May 15, 2007 <br /> <br /> Page 10 <br /> <br /> Jacqui Hoover, representing the Hawaii Leeward Panning Conference's 75 members, said they <br /> <br /> were opposed to Bill 51 as it is currently written. The bill is very broad and the Council should <br /> <br /> proceed with caution to identify potential damaging consequences. They support passing Bill 51 <br /> <br /> to fulfill FEMA requirements. <br /> Riley Smith testified as a representative of Parker Ranch. He is a professional engineer and <br /> formerly was the Deputy Chief Engineer with the Hawaii County Department of Public Works. <br /> He explained that the Waimea Town Center was built because two floodplains were <br /> re-channeled, which now is being paid for by an additional $6,200 price increase per house sold. <br /> He said that something needs to be done, but this is not it. <br /> Nancy Bums testified opposing Bill 51, saying that she has 21 years of engineering experience <br /> and numerous degrees and sits on many engineering boards. She said that the Council should <br /> work with engineers and assess the economic impact and ways to accommodate flood waters. <br /> Burt Onaka supports the changes to Bill 51, and as a member of the Wai`aha community sees <br /> <br /> that the current laws do not work and that the County needs to control flooding onto roads and <br /> other properties. Terracing would help, but steep areas should not be developed. <br /> Terry Lutterman supports Bi1151 and lives in Holualoa. His farm is being destroyed by the <br /> developers grading above. He has a major erosion problem and his topsoil is being washed away <br /> from the roots of his coffee plants. <br /> Andy Anderson supports Bill 51 because flooding is the killer of all natural disasters. He said, <br /> when developers talk about the "bottom line" it hurts him. He said he is upset that no one cares <br /> about public safety and the environment and the County lets people grub and grade. <br /> Roz Peterson supports Bill 51 and during the past six months talked to many people and has <br /> asked Public Works to protect our safety. The engineers are supposed to save our communities <br /> with good plans. She said it's time for the Council to take the responsibility; the engineers have <br /> Failed us and we've waited long enough. <br /> David De Luz, Jr., of the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce, spoke in opposition. The <br /> Chamber of Commerce has 350 members and opposes the current draft. The Chamber feels this <br /> should be a community effort with compromises being made by all of the partners. He said we <br /> should pass the bill in order to comply with FEMA's requirements, and then address the current <br /> flooding problems. <br /> Mr. Jacobson said that the compromising has been done. The Council is sworn to protect the <br /> public health, safety, and welfare of the people on our island. We've created problems in the <br /> past and the stricter approach would be better. He recommended that the Council approve Bill <br /> 51, Draft 3, and file Communications 176.34, 176.35, and 176.40. Deputy County Clerk Kenny <br /> Goodenow reiterated that the Council should vote on Bi1151, Draft 2. On Feb 2151 a motion was <br /> made and seconded to approve Draft 2 and to amend to Draft 3 with Comm. 176.35; those <br /> motions were still on the table. Director McClure asked again for postponement, because <br /> <br />