2021-07-01 Windward Exh B (Public Testimony re SPP 20-220)

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We live in changing times, changes in climate, environmental degradation, and rising cost of living. All of which threaten our island lifestyle. I'm sure you've all noticed our ever-increasing food cost. Food that is estimated to be 85 to 90 percent imported. This makes us vulnerable. In order to be resilient and self-sufficient we need food security. The government of Hawaii has stated a strategy to increase food self-sufficiency since 2012. Perhaps you're familiar with its slogan "Buy Local, It Matters". However, all the attempts to decrease the cost of imported food will go nowhere if we don't have adequate farmland. Land zoned for agricultural use is essential, the very roots of our being self-sufficient. In March of this year Mayor Mitch Roth hosted the Sustainability Summit, excuse me (had a drink of water), for Hawaii. Thousands of people attended Topics range from climate action through energy, affordable housing, and sustainable agriculture. I was pleased to see our new Planning Director Zendo Kern in attendance. So, know that he knows how important maintaining and expanding our agriculture land is. How essential a healthy well-supported agriculture base is for all of us here especially in Puna. Puna which use to be the breadbasket for the whole island and Puna where we lost an estimated almost 2,000 acres of farmland during the 2018 lava flow which has had a devastating impact on so many of us. Let's protect and grow more agricultural land to ensure our food safety while we grow more farms and farmers to grow our economy bringing back jobs and enthusiasm for regenerative and self-sufficient agriculture. We have the know-how, regenerative ag is a reality. It's being practice on decimated lands all over the planet where food deserts are being greened. Let's be more farsighted and choose to invest in our future by protecting and expanding our essential ag lands. Let's remake Puna the breadbasket of Hawaii again. And finally, I understand from folk in the Planning Department that they are under budgeted and understaffed especially in regard to inspection and enforcement of their rules and regulations. As a tax-paying active community member, I'm wondering if we change this. Perhaps, we can use incentives rather than punishment for the transgressors. I'd be happy to offer my services to exploring solutions and positive change in this arena. Thank you for your time. REPLOGLE: Thank you. Next, we have Mr. Tim Lloyd. Tim? Tim are you there? LLOYD: I'm here now, can you hear me? REPLOGLE: Yes. LLOYD: Okay. I'm figuring this out this is all new to me. I don't know REPLOGLE: You can turn your camera on if you wished to be seen. LLOYD: Can you show me how to do that. I'm working on that. DICKIE-CLARK: Right here, more, more, and more. LLOYD: Yeah. 2 EXHIBIT B