2015-03-19 Leeward Exh B (Amend SPP 378)

Home

purchased at the lowest price regardless of origin. Differentiation is critical for Hawaiian agriculture to survive. As we’ve already seen with sugarcane, banana, pineapple, papaya, now with macadamia and soon coffee; Hawai‘i cannot continue to engage in commodity crop production practices when faced with the competition of global economy. We must charge a substantial premium to meet our extraordinarily high-cost of productions. There is a reason that more successful local farms like Kekela Farms, Honopua wild tomatoes, numerous Kona Coffee Farms, and even Dole on O‘ahu, invite their consumers onto their properties, are actively engaged in community projects, and maintain a visible position at weekly farmers markets. Familiarity is a differentiating advantage for Hawai‘i that is beyond the reach of China and Brazil’s agri-business industries. Consumers are more likely to buy from businesses and people that they know, and more willing to pay a premium in support of those perceived to be similar to themselves. Seeing where my food is grown and knowing the people who grow it is a source of local pride for me. I’m not certain that those who never venture down Lalamilo Road feel the same way, and if they are willing to pay the same premium that I do, which is necessary to preserve the farm land’s existence. Businesses like Five Mountain Fitness, Sandwich Isles and the other artisanal businesses here are supporting farms by promoting healthier lifestyles and bringing consumers like me, my wife and countless others, to this farming area six days a week. Alienating the community from farming areas and relocating the rabid gathering centers from farm lands is not the answer to preserving Hawai‘i’s farming industry. We can only achieve long-term sustainability by welcoming the public, creating new reasons for consumers to interact with and visit local farming areas. By removing these businesses from Lalamilo Farm Lots, you’ll only be removing new and future customers for locally grown food. BEAUDET: Thank you all for your testimony. I’d like to call on the next six testifiers: Kevin Cabrera, Mark Gordon, Manuel Bega, Michael Domeier, Brenda Resendiz and Jonathan – I’m going to botch this one but I’m going to try – Saguceo? If you could each raise your right hand. Do you swear and affirm to tell the truth now and before the Leeward Planning Commission? TESTIFIERS: Yes. BEAUDET: Thank you. We can start from your left. GORDON: Thank you, Mr. Director, Mr. Chairman and Members of the Planning Commission, for this opportunity to submit testimony. My name is Mark Gordon. My address is 68-1603 Laie Street, Waikoloa, Hawai‘i. From my past 20 years experience and training in the environmental health as an environmental, health and safety professional for the private as well as for the public sectors, I believe that Five Mountain Fitness has not nor will it create any adverse environmental or negative health effects on the local land area. I attend the gym at least on a biweekly basis. It is the only gym close to Waikoloa Village. In addition to serving the Waikoloa area, many residents in the Waimea and even the Honoka‘a areas utilize the gym. I understand that the County, as well as the State, is very interested in small businesses, and desires such businesses to continue their operations. If Five Mountain Fitness were forced to close down, the action would result in negative impacts not only to the owners and staff but also its customers. The closure would result in a loss of jobs and income for employees and owners, as well as a loss of a local gym to the customers. In addition to that, the County, as well as the State, would experience a revenue loss. It is my understanding that there are no industrial areas in the Waimea area to relocate the facility. Thank you again for this opportunity to share my comments and observations. I suggest a vote for approval of the Special Permit for Five Mountain Fitness. 9 EXHIBIT B