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<br /> Page 1 of 2 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Yoshimoto, J ( ~1 ! ~Q sr(Er <br /> <br /> From: Janet - Village Toy Shop [alohajan@hawaiiantel net] DEC 23 <br /> Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 6:14 AM tl t <br /> ~;o~ <br /> To: genriques@co.hawaii.hi.us; bford@co.hawaii.hi.us; kgreenwell@co.hawaii.hi.us <br /> phoffmann@co.hawaii.hi.us; dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us; Emily Naeole; donishi a@ u.hi.us; <br /> dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us; jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us <br /> Subject: opposing item 2, Res. 268-09 <br /> fDra A Z <br /> The reaction, when I asked two long-term, politically experienced Sierra Club people if we <br /> should do away with Land Use Commission (LUC), was horror. <br /> Abolishing LUC is penny-wise and pound-foolish. We would be set up for long-term economic <br /> losses, bulldozing and building on agricultural lands, pollution in oceans, destruction of trails, <br /> and desecration of Hawaiian burials--as when Hokulia avoided LUC oversight. <br /> <br /> Huge projects can increase State taxes when they generate a demand for more highways, <br /> sewage systems, schools, and libraries--things County decision-makers might not consider. <br /> <br /> Ms. Naeole is concerned that Maui's agriculture land has turned into millionaire estates. But no <br /> LUC would mean one less watchdog for agriculture. <br /> <br /> Mr. Yagong favors home rule. But LUC allows County decisions at an appropriate level--on <br /> parcels under 15 acres, and on rezoning, subdivision, and building permits. <br /> <br /> Mr Hiyashi feels our County has the staff and knowledge to take over from LUC. But our <br /> County can't afford biologists dedicated to preserving natural resources like the State can. And <br /> the high rollers, who can afford large acreages, can also afford very convincing consultants to <br /> influence County officials. <br /> <br /> According to the State Senate, "The state's highly productive agricultural lands are jeopardized <br /> by normal economic laws which encourage land owners to place their own particular pieces of <br /> land to the most profitable current use for which they can find a market." [S. Stand.Comm.Rep. <br /> No. 937, 1961 Senate Journal 883.] <br /> <br /> According to the LUC website, "In 1961, the Hawaii State Legislature determined that a lack of <br /> adequate controls had caused the development of Hawaii's limited and valuable land for short- <br /> term gain for the few while resulting in long-term loss to the income and growth potential of our <br /> State's economy. Development of scattered subdivisions, creating problems of expensive yet <br /> reduced public services, and the conversion of prime agricultural land to residential use [think <br /> Puna], were key reasons for establishing the state-wide zoning system. <br /> To administer this state-wide zoning law, the Legislature established the Land Use <br /> Commission." <br /> <br /> LUC gives the land another watchdog--a strong one. LUC allows intervenors to present <br /> witnesses, cross-examine witnesses of other parties, and have standing to appeal decisions to <br /> the Circuit Court. LUC gives us decision-makers who don't get campaign donations from <br /> bulldoze-and-build people, because LUC members are appointed, not elected. LUC takes a 7• <br /> <br /> Ref. To. 1 <br /> 12/1/2009 Ref. Date DEG 2 2009 <br />