COMM. 48.22 from G. Jackson re Waimea (2)

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Aloha County Council Redistricting Commission, My name Gail Jackson and I live in Waikoloa. I am very concerned about the possibility of Plan Draft A being chosen to redistrict our island. This plan appears to be quite unfair to current District 9 and District 1. I believe Plan 40, adjusted is a far better choice to best represent the county's citizens. Frankly, it feels like a slap in the face to our entire South Kohala CDP process and efforts. It tears our district 9 apart. I was quite involved in the Community Development Plan process for South Kohala which started Jan. 5th, 2006 and finished in Nov. 2008. The Community Readiness Program alone had 1239 participants in 12 meetings from Jan. 5th 2006 to Jan. 26th 2007. During these meetings (which totaled 60 small group meetings), Infrastructure, Roads, Public Services and Facilities had 744 ideas contributed; Community, Culture & Housing had 525 ideas submitted; Regional Growth had 404 ideas submitted; Open Space, Parks, Historic Sites and Working Land had 397 ideas submitted. The Steering Committee meetings began June 27, 2007 and ended September 24, 2008, for a total of 19 meetings. Focus Group Meetings began Oct. 19, 2007 and ended May 17, 2008. There were six community meetings during that time. Area Focus Group Members attended 4 or 5 meetings, depending on the area. Focus group members totaled Waimea - 34, Waikoloa - 26, Kawaihae - 26, Puako - 17. Of course focus group members were also involved in the CRP and community meetings. These caring, dedicated volunteers put a lot of work into this entire process. They believed in the process, that their voice had meaning. We have a very good (and strong) Community Development Plan that became an ordinance Nov 20th, 2008 - county funds, an excellent consultant and many many caring residents contributed to this success. The Waimea, Waikoloa, Puako and Kawaihae have many mutual values and interests and they each also have separate values and interests. Our geographic corridor presents many shared concerns such as: fire mitigation, disaster preparedness, water resources and waste disposal issues, road /traffic issues, and the availability of recreation facilities. The overall shared priority issues are: o Preserve Culture /Sense of Place o Traffic and Transportation o Affordable Housing o Emergency Preparedness o Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability South Kohala Community Values "We are a family oriented place." "We love the old stories about our people and places and want them to live on in the hearts of our children." "Our Hawaiian and Paniolo pasts contribute to our unique sense of place." "We honor the kupuna by accepting the values and concerns of Native Hawaiians who have known for centuries the limits of island resources and the need to protect the aina." "We understand that the natural and cultural resources of South Kohala are unique and to be cherished." "We embrace rural values and lifestyle." "The pu'u of South Kohala are of great cultural and scenic value and are loved by all." "We treasure gathering places revered for cultural, historical, and social reasons." "We enjoy moving about the South Kohala landscape: on foot, by bicycle, and on horseback." I am notable to attend the Nov. 3rd meeting and I do understand you have a tough job. Thank you for your efforts. Sincerely, Gail Jackson 68 -1907 Lina Poepoe St Waikoloa, HI 96738 COMM. 48.22