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we have 33 members, work full time. They work in Hilo, in Kona, and majority of them work
<br />for the mac nut company. And right now, the mac nut company, theyre being forced to work
<br />seven days a week; and they cannot take a time off just for this meeting.
<br />If I remember correctly, when Mr. Hester had the public meeting, it was in the late afternoon or
<br />evening where people are in here. So why is the change? I dont know who made the schedule,
<br />Im not pointing any fingers to anybody, but I just want to make this clear.
<br />When we moved here from the mainland, my wife and I made a commitment to this town
<br />through volunteer work. For the past 3 years, we are both volunteers of the Fire Department
<br />and currently I am the Chief of the Volunteer Fire Department. Im also part-time teacher in the
<br />middle schools as well as the high school teaching science and math. Im doing this because I
<br />care about the kids. I feel that with my experience, with my work experience, as well as
<br />education, I can be of influence to them.
<br />And, lastly, I am a coffee grower and remain committed to be a coffee farmer. I would like to
<br />seethecoffeeindustryandthisdistricttogrowandprosperinthefutureforthebenefitofthe
<br />next generation of our families. I hope that we will be allowed and be protected by the different
<br />agencies of the State, that means the Planning Department, the Council people, the County
<br />administration, that we will be allowed to do farming lifetime. Now this project, in my own
<br />opinion, Im going to support it only if its not a condominium. I have a lot of experience in the
<br />mainland about condominiums, and Im opposed to it. If you want to ask me the reasons why I
<br />will tell you, but I dont think I have the time to talk about it.
<br />Last but not least, I hope that we can have an additional public meeting in the future where
<br />majority of the members of the cooperative will be here. Thank you.
<br />ALAMEDA:Any questions or comments, Commissioners?
<br />MCCALL:Yes.
<br />ALAMEDA:Commissioner McCall.
<br />MCCALL:Yeah, hi, Rusty.
<br />OBRA:Hi, Jeff.
<br />MCCALL:Two things, well, first, Id like to tell, okay, now if I understand, the
<br />properties are going to be sold but theres going, to each, to each individual farmer, but there will
<br />be a condominium overlay. If, if, is that, or, you know, I think thats about how its being
<br />portrayed. So am I understanding you right that you say you are, youre not in favor of the
<br />project with the condominium with the overlay?
<br />OBRA:Yes. Why do we make it fee simple? There is, if I add, if I may tell you
<br />the reasons. We dont want to be burden with the maintenance fee, thats number one. I have a
<br />lot of experience about it in the mainland, not only with myself but my friends and relatives.
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