COM 0176.176 2006-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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HLPC Testimony 07 November 2007 Bill 51, Draft 5 and Bill 151, Drafl 2 HLPC fully supports adoption of requirements to ensure compliance with NFIP and references Chapter 27, Section 27-10 which reads in part that ~~The degree of flood protection required by this chapter is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and engineering considerations" to serve as the litmus test for the ordinance that is ultimately passed. Based on our review of Bills 51 and 151 respectively and comprehensively, HLPC observes the following: • Bill 51, Draft 5 provides for the County of Hawai' i to be in full compliance with the NFIP and simultaneously integrates requirements supported by science and engineering that exceed compliance; • Bill 151, Draft 2 on the other hand, proposes requirements exceeding compliance which appear to be arbitrary and largely unsupported by scientific or engineering considerations (except for instances where such considerations appear to have been taken out of context, then used as the basis for problematic proposals). HLPC strongly opposes Bill 151 and encourages the Council to base legislation upon scientific, engineering, factual data and statistics and NOT on anecdote or emotion. However well-intended -individuals who do not possess the required and relevant combination of education, training, and practical experience are simply not qualified to serve as those from whom we seek direction in this matter. In closing, please pass Bill 51 and be assured that HLPC and others remain steadfast in our continued support of, and commitment to, collaborative efforts to address concerns and refine flood control and storm water management to ensure health, safety, and protection of life and property. Thank you for this opportunity to express our views. Respectfully submitted, ~r.~..;. Jacqui L. Hoover President Hawaii Leeward Planning Conference Page 2 of 2