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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Hawai'i County Council <br /> 25 Aupuni St. Hilo <br /> 9 AM Wed., Dec. 2, 2009 <br /> Cory Harden, Sierra Club, Moku Loa group, PO Box 1137, Hilo, Hawaii 96721 <br /> 808-968-8965, mh(d-)interpac.net <br /> <br /> opposing item 2, Res. 268-09 <br /> <br /> The reaction, when I asked two long-term, politically experienced Sierra Club people if we should <br /> 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, and <br /> desecration of Hawaiian burials-as when Hokulia avoided LUC oversight. <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 /> 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 County <br /> can't afford biologists dedicated to preserving natural resources like the State can. And the high <br /> rollers, who can afford large acreages, can also afford very convincing consultants to influence <br /> County officials. <br /> According to the State Senate, "The state's highly productive agricultural lands are <br /> jeopardized by normal economic laws which encourage land owners to place their own <br /> particular pieces of land to the most profitable current use for which they can find a market." <br /> [S. Stand. Comm. Rep. No. 937, 1961 Senate Journal 883.] <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 <br /> short-term gain for the few while resulting in long-term loss to the income and growth potential <br /> of our State's economy. Development of scattered subdivisions, creating problems of <br /> expensive yet reduced public services, and the conversion of prime agricultural land to <br /> residential use [think 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 /> LUC gives the land another watchdog-a strong one. LUC allows intervenors to present witnesses, <br /> cross-examine witnesses of other parties; and have standing to appeal decisions to the Circuit <br /> Court. LUC gives us decision-makers who don't get campaign donations from bulldoze-and-build <br /> people, because LUC members are appointed, not elected. LUC takes a statewide perspective on <br /> land use and coastal zone management. <br /> Please support LUC. <br /> <br /> <br /> Comm. No. o T (p <br /> def. To: <br /> Ref. Date .,DEC 2 0 . <br />