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house to file a lawsuit against it and failed. It went on for a long time; it was terrible. So, <br />I support adhering to criteria instead of just being guided by criteria. I support having a <br />written report explaining how the redistricting commission adheres to the criteria. I <br />support requiring public hearings. I support having more time for this extremely <br />demanding task because the reapportionment determines for the next decade, whether <br />citizens are fairly represented. <br />On CA -31, the department of agriculture and energy, I support the concept. As I <br />mentioned before we are right before a food disaster. We only have a few days supply in <br />our markets. Nearly all of our food is shipped in and our shipping prices are going up. <br />Bulldozing and building are destroying agricultural land and invasive species are <br />attacking our food crops. As you know, there is a County agricultural plan being <br />developed; I believe by the Kohala Center and County Research and Development. I <br />went to a recent meeting on this plan and I was really impressed; there were about 75 <br />people there and they seemed very knowledgeable about the plan. They made very <br />detailed and insightful comments, so that is going along great. One of the big concerns <br />was there weren't enough people to implement the plan. So, I support having agriculture <br />and energy specialists within Research and Development Department, which would give <br />benefits with less cost. If they are in the Research and Development Department, it <br />would make it easier to coordinate initiatives in various areas; agriculture, energy, <br />economic health. I suggest having the amendment include a citizen advisory committee <br />or commission; one each for agriculture and energy. I note there is already a County <br />Energy Commission. People were saying the Federal government and the State have a <br />lot of control over agriculture and energy. But the County also has a lot of control <br />through the Planning Commission, Planning Department, County Council and Open <br />Space Commission. Remember also, the County recently voted to ban genetically <br />modified taro and coffee as a means of control. Also, if the County has staff and <br />resources dedicated to agriculture and energy that will help us research, apply for, and <br />attract Federal, State and private funds for these concerns. Thank you. <br />CHR. HAITSUKA: Thank you very much, Ms. Harden. Can we have our next <br />speaker in Hilo please? <br />MS. VICTORINE: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Our next speaker in Hilo this <br />morning is Mr. John Olsen. He is here representing himself, and he is here to <br />speak on CA -15. <br />CHR. HAITSUKA: Good morning, Mr. Olsen. <br />JOHN OLSEN <br />(At this time John Olsen came forward to address members of the Charter Commission.) <br />MR. OLSEN: Good morning Commissioners, and thank you. I'm here basically to make <br />a comment on the 2% Land Fund. It is of concern to me that whatever changes may or <br />may not be made to appear on the ballot from the original that was passed by the vote of <br />the people; when we go to the polls this next time around, there is not going to be any <br />M <br />