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STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS <br />CHR. HAITSUKA: Before we start the public testimony, I would like to remind <br />everyone that public testimony is limited to items on the agenda and three minutes on <br />each agenda item. And I would like to remind the Commissioners that we are not going <br />to allow questions to be asked of the testifiers; but if someone wants to have a testifier <br />remain to discuss a particular issue later on our agenda, let me know and we can ask the <br />witness to remain. <br />We are having some technical difficulties, I am told, with connecting to Kona and <br />Waimea, so we will be taking testimony by telephone. We are going to start off with <br />Waimea. <br />MS. HANANO: Our first testifier is Terry Markovitch. <br />TERRY MARKOVITCH <br />(At this time, Terry Markovitch came forward to address members of the Charter Commission <br />MS. MARKOVITCH: I just wanted to say, that if the Commission sees its function, not <br />as making decisions for us, but rather as putting before the voters options that they think <br />the public would likely wish to see adopted, then it is not appropriate to take an item that <br />was already on the ballot and cut by 75 %, what 2/3 rd of the voters approved. It is a real <br />insult to the voters, and it undermines the democratic process. So, I strongly urge you to <br />change that to 2% and let the voters speak again. Thank you. <br />CHR. HAITSUKA: Go ahead Manu. <br />MS.HANANO: My next speaker here in Waimea is Gail Jackson and she is here <br />speaking on CA -15 in support. <br />GAIL JACKSON <br />(At this time, Gail Jackson came forward to address members of the Charter Commission.) <br />MS. JACKSON: Aloha Charter Commission. I live in Waikoloa and I understand your <br />qualities for the commission include being able to focus on the community needs of the <br />whole, without catering to special or self interests. The 2005 General Plan designates <br />important sites for protection. The Public Access Open Space and Natural Resource <br />Preservation Commission have a 3 '/z page list of properties submitted by the public. Are <br />you aware of the extent of the effort in developing the Community Development Plans? <br />Many people, many community meetings and much time were involved to determine <br />what the people want. When you read through the Kona Community Development Plan <br />(CDP); Kona CDP, South Kohala CDP, and North Kohala CAP, it is clear that residents <br />put high priority in protecting important cultural and historical sites and landscapes; <br />preserving open space; and preserving ocean and mountain access. South Kohala values <br />CDP values include, "We honor the Kupuna by accepting the values and concerns of <br />2 <br />