COMM. 48.10 from E. Bikle re Hamakua

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Dear Karen, Aloha, my name is Edie Bikle and I have lived in the Hamakua district for a combined total of about eighteen years. I own a retail gift shop in Honoka'a and have a small farm in Kapulena. Years ago, I was a taro farmer in Waipio Valley. You could say that I deeply love and care for Hamakua and all that it embraces. would like to support community plan 40 which keeps Hamakua as one district. As we move into unprecedented times, I see this area being extremely important for not only agriculture, but biofuel production as well. One of the most important reasons I am for keeping Hamakua intact is the Hamakua Ditch. It extends from the headlands of Waipio to Paauilo -about 24 miles. For any issues that come up, would like to have a strong voice for the preservation of this important feature. Water is clearly precious and it needs to be kept here in Hamakua. I think if Puako and Kawaihae were in the same district as the water source, they may try to divert it to the "dry side ". have no idea why people are always trying to fix something that is not broken. Leave Hamakua alone. We may be one of the most important districts in the whole state. So many of us relate to the meaning of Hamakua -the breath of the elders. It is a very special and beautiful place. We don't want to be all chopped up. We are a community - Honoka'a rubs shoulders with Kukuihaele up to Paauilo. When we have meetings with our councilman, we come from closeby. I don't want to drive to Waimea -or even Puako or Kawaihae. This has to be the craziest idea I have heard. Thank -you for your time and consideration -Warm Aloha, Edie Bikle Taro Patch Gifts P.O. Box 1888 Honoka'a, Hi. 96727 (808)775 -7228 COMM. 48.10