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A. HESSLER:Just a couple of comments, if I may. You know, I think that in terms of an
<br />earlier comment with regard to some other land that was being proposed for a possible
<br />subdivision or an ag project development, you know, I think the intent is really important to look
<br />at the front end. Because I know from when we purchased the property, my brother purchased
<br />the property, and we moved in, if you go up there and look at it, youÓre going to find several
<br />hundred thousand dollars worth of farm equipment are out there with, there had been an
<br />excessive intent to go out and try to resuscitate the soil. ThereÓs no question that the sugar cane
<br />industry decimated a lot of the good soils here that have to really be brought back, because,
<br />basically, theyÓre in a sterile condition. And the other thing that has always impressed us about
<br />this particular area is that itÓs a good growing area and, you know, I think thereÓs a little good
<br />mystic about being Hawaiian grown because, you know, itÓs good, itÓs nutritious, and it makes
<br />sense to try to support, you know, your own local crops. And I think, probably, aside from the
<br />normal production problems you encounter in terms of insects and weather and that sort of thing,
<br />itÓs probably the biggest issue that weÓve encountered here, is that we could really expand and do
<br />a lot more but there is a limited amount of labor pool that you can get your hands on to need
<br />help. Because IÓll guarantee you when you talk about somebody, a man and his wife, trying to
<br />farm ten acres and do it on their own and plant it and harvest it and sell it, itÓs impossible. I
<br />mean, ten acres would be overwhelming, even five acres is a back-breaking job. But there is, I
<br />just want to say that there is, in my opinion, thereÓs a tremendous amount of potential in this area
<br />in terms of trying to, you know, put the Hawaiian produce back, you know, on the shelves in the
<br />market place. Because, itÓs interesting when you look at the farmer markets around here, at the
<br />number of people that repack stuff that comes from the mainland and put it on the table,
<br />compared to those that grow it here and give it to the people. The people are really alert, they
<br />know whatÓs fresh and they know whatÓs good, and they know whatÓs nutritious; and theyÓll
<br />always walk away from the stuff that is being brought in from the mainland.
<br />So I think that thereÓs a tremendous amount of opportunity in terms of what the farming
<br />community could do for the state. Because, you know, every wher
<br />more and more produce. The problem is how do you put the infrastructure together to get it
<br />there, particularly with the labor issue. Thank you.
<br />FUJIKAWA:Thank you . Commissioners, any questions of Mr. Hester or the
<br />applicantÓs representative at this time? The general public, is there anyone whoÓll do a testimony
<br />here on this matter? Have you signed in?
<br />LESTER:I just wanted to ask some quick questions.
<br />FUJIKAWA:Yeah, I would have to call you to the table at the time, but you have to
<br />sign in. Why donÓt you step forward. If youÓre the only one that would like to testify or ask a
<br />question -?
<br />LESTER:Oh, yes.
<br />FUJIKAWA:You want to raise your right hand first. Do you swear to tell the truth on
<br />this matter now before the Hawaii Planning Commission?
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