2018-03-13 Letter to Chair Creagan re SB 2168, SD 1 Relating to Important Agriculture Lands

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Harry Kim Aia.vor uuufg Offirr Wil Okabe Alanaging Director Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Alanaging Director 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 March 13, 2018 Representative Richard P. Creaga Chair Committee on Agriculture Hawaii State Capitol, Room 312 Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Chair Creagan a d Committee Members: Re: SB 2168, SD 1 Relating to Important Agriculture Lands Hearing Date 03-21-18 — 8:30 am; House Conference Room 312 Thank you for this opportunity to cornment on SB 2168, SD 1, dealing with Important Agricultural Lands. The County of Hawaii's General Plan and various Community Development Plans have goals, objectives, and policies consistent with preserving viable and productive agricultural land for farming and ranching. This County supports the intent of IAL, and any funding assistance from the state is welcomed, but offer some concerns and suggested amendments to SB 2168, SD 1. Simply put, there are a number of issues that will not be resolved by this bill unless the fu ding level is adequate: • The County of Hawaii has more than 1.2 million acres designated as state land use (SLU) agricultural, far more than any other county (followed by Maui having just over 400,000 acres on its three islands). • With other critical priorities in play, this County does not foresee having the staff, funds, or capacity in the co ing years to initiate the IAL study and extensive landowner and public outreach required by Act 183 (2005), especially given the size of our island. • Pursuant to HRS 205-45, landowners can, at any time in the process, file a petition and lock out the county proceedings, thereby rendering moot any analysis, time, and expense already incurred by the counties. • During Hawaii County's last General Plan review in 2005, we took information from a study being done by USGS, which was an initial effort in the County of Elawai`i, i an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer,