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COUNTY OF HAWAII
<br />STATE OF HAWAII
<br />RESOLUTION NO. 302 12
<br />A RESOLUTION URGING THE HAWAII STATE LEGISLATURE TO ENACT
<br />LEGISLATION TO ESTABLISH SUSTAINABLE LIVING RESEARCH SITES ON
<br />PARCELS LESS THAN 15 ACRES THAT ARE DESIGNATED "AGRICULTURAL"
<br />UNDER STATE LAW IN HAWAII.
<br />WHEREAS, it is widely recognized that increases in human population, declining
<br />natural resources (topsoil, forests, fisheries, minerals, and fuels), rising levels of air and water
<br />pollution, climate change, unemployment, poverty, and other dangerously disruptive trends
<br />require immediate and creative responses by private and governmental entities of all sizes, at all
<br />levels; and
<br />WHEREAS, the "Hawai`i 2050" plan calls upon all sectors and individuals to take
<br />action for the sustainability of the state's economy, resources, environment, and quality of life;
<br />and
<br />WHEREAS, the County of Hawaii Resolution 249-09 adopted the "Sustainability
<br />Primer" which recognizes that there are "structural barriers that actually prevent people from
<br />being able to meet their own needs;" and
<br />WHEREAS, many citizens, families, organizations, and communities of Hawaii are
<br />ready, willing, and able to develop, test, refine, and implement a wide range of innovative
<br />methods, technologies, and holistic systems that increase the productivity, resilience, health, and
<br />sustainability of Hawai`i's economy, ecosystems, people, and culture; and
<br />WHEREAS, truly sustainable living frequently involves new and innovative methods,
<br />technologies, and holistic systems that conserve, harvest, and produce energy; increase net -
<br />negative CO2 output ("forests versus fires"); conserve and harvest fresh water; conserve and
<br />improve topsoil without expensive or toxic inputs; increase local food quality and security using
<br />organic methods and local materials; increase biodiversity and protect wildlife; provide onsite
<br />waste treatment and recycling with minimal or zero air and surface or ground water pollution;
<br />increase the supply of affordable housing by using on-site timber and re-using/recycling
<br />discarded/"waste" lumber, windows, plumbing supplies, and other manufactured goods; reduce
<br />the need for and use of imports from distant places while increasing the use and employment of
<br />local materials, labor, skills, and products; enrich neighborhood educational, vocational, and
<br />cultural opportunities for all ages while enhancing their experience of place and community;
<br />reduce the need for expensive public infrastructure and services; stimulate private investments in
<br />sustainable development; and
<br />WHEREAS, the development, testing, and refining of the aforesaid methods,
<br />technologies, and holistic systems for sustainable living frequently requires activities and
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