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ISSUE land Hamakua <br /> testimony supporting Comm. 99 (Res. 38 -11) re. leasing Hamakua lands <br /> for Hawai'i County Council 9 AM Wednesday, Arpil 6, 2011 <br /> by Cory Harden, PO Box 10265, Hilo, Occupied Hawaii 96721, 808- 968 -8965 mh @interpac.net <br /> Thanks to Dominic Yagong for introducing this resolution, and to Mayor Kenoi who reportedly does <br /> not plan to oppose it. <br /> Thank goodness the land didn't sell, so we now have any opportunity to ensure it is used for the <br /> benefit of all. <br /> This resolution is a chance to make things right. Controversy surrounded the 2009 Council vote <br /> FOR selling these lands and AGAINST letting the public know who was buying, for how much, and <br /> for what purpose. Mr. Yagong called that "the saddest day in the history of county government <br /> decisions."' [Hawaii County moves forward on land sale,. West Hawai'i Today, 11- 19 -09] <br /> I support the proposed land uses--"diversified agriculture, renewable energy development, pastoral <br /> use, eco- tourism, workforce housing, agricultural education and training" jReso. 38 -11] Of course <br /> we'd need to ensure the definitions don't get stretched, and "workforce housing" doesn't become a <br /> Steve Shropshire development, and "eco- tourism" doesn't become that illegal operation with <br /> paving and a helicopter pad on Honolii Stream. <br /> I support the ban on "research, development, production, or cultivation of genetically modified <br /> organism (GMO) products ". [Reso. 38 -11] Bad enough that Monsanto got Moloka'i. <br /> I also support giving the Council final say in who is allowed to lease the land —a complete and <br /> welcome turnaround from the 2009 decision. <br /> Comm. No. 4 / 9 • / _ <br /> Ref. To: Peli zoi <br /> 4ef. Date APR 6 ttff <br />