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discussion about protecting agricultural lands contains repeated references to maintaining views,
<br />but it doesn't seem to acknowledge that the practice of agriculture doesn't always accommodate
<br />views. For example, I use tall windbreaks to protect my tropical fruit crops. I practice forestry.
<br />I practice agroforestry. Interestingly, the CDP also addresses the protection of watershed
<br />ecosystems, but, you know, watershed ecosystems also include trees and forests even in lowland
<br />areas.
<br />So, again, what we see here is this, this conflict between supporting agriculture but also having
<br />this emphasis on views. And, I tell you this stuff as a farmer who's experienced some of these
<br />conflicts first hand.
<br />Most importantly, the CDP paragraphs I cited also inadvertently seem to ignore statutes, regs,
<br />and rulings that support ag land uses. Examples being Hawai`i's Right to Farm Statute, Hawaii
<br />County Zoning Code, Section 25-5-72, which spells out as of right land uses for ag land. Also,
<br />there's been a recent Hawaii Supreme Court ruling upholding tall, vegetative windbreaks.
<br />There are Federal programs such as CREP that incentivize native tree plantings on ag land. And,
<br />of course, we have our own DOFAW forest stewardship program.
<br />The bottom line I want to tell you is that I don't believe the County should be putting its seal of
<br />approval on the idea of restricting ag. And, finishing up, I just want to make you aware, if
<br />you're not already, you know, agriculture in Hawaii is incredibly difficult and it's subject to
<br />death by a thousand cuts. And, I feel that the elements of the plan that I cited for you tonight
<br />ignore the law of unintended consequences that can flow from a couple of seemingly benign
<br />statements. Thank you.
<br />CLARKSON: Thank you. The next testifier is Akiko Masuda.
<br />MASUDA: Thank you. I am Akiko Masuda, owner and hostess of Akiko's Buddhist Bed &
<br />Breakfast in Wailea, as well as president of Wailea Village Historic Preservation Community, a
<br />501(c)(3) non-profit. I have lived in Wailea since 1991, 27 years now and am at great peace for I
<br />have found a place I love profoundly, the place where I will die and be buried. A supreme
<br />blessing indeed. I am here today to support the recommended Hamakua Community
<br />Development Plan submitted to you by the Planning Department, and with your blessing, I will
<br />read from parts of the Hamakua CDP values and vision statement, which was adopted by the
<br />Steering Committee on March 1st, 2011, along with some little personal inserts.
<br />The visions and values statement begins like this: We, the residents of Hamakua recognize that
<br />the foundation of our life, livelihood, and well-being comes from the `aina—the land, the seas,
<br />the rivers and streams, the forests, and skies. As active stewards, we malama the `aina as the
<br />source of sustenance for ourselves and for future generations. This Kanaka Maoli wisdom
<br />guides our actions with the principle that what is good for the land is good for us, the people.
<br />We love this place, our pristine landscapes and agricultural lands from mauka to makai, native
<br />forests to coastal waters, streams and watersheds, the sweeping views and open spaces are
<br />protected and enhanced. Mind you, this is all in the vision statement. I'm just reading it.
<br />EXHIBIT A
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