COMM. 48.88 from C.&B. Yurth re Hamakua

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the time to come meet them in their homes, communities and where they work to see what they want knowing that they will not come to a meeting? We need to have the same representation that we have had for years, who speaks for us only. Where the Councilperson lives here and participates in the community events. Where his or her children go to the local school, buy goods in the local school and do the community thing in the parades and community events. He or She will know first hand what is needed since they come from the community and understand the people especially the ones "who no like talk" and do not come out. This person being from the community knows where to find the answers that are needed before moving forward with a new plan in the community, he or she will take the time to find out since it is their place to know what is happening. One of the ideas that came out of the 2000 Plan For The Hilo Hamakua Coast was the idea to determine the economic priorities of the local people. How will they then be supported and what are the pressing needs that act as obstacles to community development which must be removed to facilitate overall community health and well - being? This can only be worked on through community. A Councilperson devoted to the area will be able to work with the community to facilitate community health and well being. Who best to be able to do this than a local representative (councilperson) who does it on a daily basis, not just once in a blue moon? As I work each day my desk is crowded with phone messages, emails and things to do like many of you. If my day is this way, what is a councilperson's like who has the community to serve and if that community is all of Hilo and some of Rural South Hilo or all of Waimea, Kohala, Kawaihae /Puako and Honokaa what end of the stick will our rural communities get. The large end or small. If you say it will be equal how will you guarantee it? We hear promises all the time from many people and how many of those are kept. However we do know that when we elect an individual to represent our Hilo - Hamakua Area it will be that area only that they are concerned with and we will have the whole stick. Please consider what will happen if somehow a redistricting takes place and areas loose representation. Hilo - Hamakua has a rich history which does need preserving for the generations to come. We value working together for a common goal which will nurture and maintain our rural lifestyle while providing economic stability. This has been evidenced many times over the years and stands as a shining example for the island as well as the generations to follow of how working together achieves success. We do not want to loose what we cherish and get lost in Commission Plan A. I and my husband are a part of the Community Plan 40 for a fair Redistributing Plan to keep all areas equally represented. Carol and Bob Yurth 46 -1250 Kalehua Rd. Ahualoa, Honokaa, Hawaii COMM. 48.88