2019-01-03 Public Testimony Transcript - Piilani Partners SMA 18-070

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honored to be able to do that, and we have to walls the talk. There's talk that telescopes and space exploration are modern, forward, futuristic endeavors that we need to embrace. I say how about we start with more immediate and pressing issues like consuming less plastic and protecting clean water as a public resource and basic human right. The wars of the future will be even more focused on resources as will the very survival of the human race. I envision our good citizens all willing and able to take the simple step of having their own reusable non -plastic water bottle and home water filters or delivered water to fill them with. This is already cheaper than buying bottled water and empowering and the right and very easy thing to do. We could also have bottle -filling stations such as airports and other public places have. It's looking like recycling has not worked out and is coming to an end. It was a noble effort. The wolf as at the door. I have heard it said that what Americans fear the most is not terrorists, war, or famine, but lack of convenience. We lead the world in consumption and carbon footprint as a people, and I believe we can and will change our ways. Let's start in Hilo. Thank you, Piilani, for trying to bring what might have been a few hopefully decent paying jobs and tax revenues to Hilo, Hawaii. We welcome you to come up with a better idea. Thank you. STOWELL: Aloha, my name is Julie Stowell. I live on the Hamakua Coast. I am opposed to the granting of a permit to Piilani bottling plant. Water is a public trust resource. It's not to be used for private business. The plan is this water would be bottled, generating more plastic waste. This is not what we need. We need safe, clean water for people to drink here, and we should have places for people to get water and refill their bottles. Hawaii should not be adding to the plastic waste in the world. We should be leading the world in how to aloha `Hina, malama `Hina, how to take care of that which feeds us. We live on a remote island, and we're seeing the impacts our modern lifestyles on our environment. This is deeply saddening. Drilling into the Mauna Kea Aquifer could compromise this sealed, pristine artesian water source. This is the greatest water source in Hawaii, and it should remain untouched. We don't know what the impacts could be. Please consider all that we are sharing. Water is the physical manifestation of spirit in the world, and we should protect this resource, this relative with everything. Mahalo. CLARKSON: I thank all four of you. The next four to come up, please, to testify, Koohan Paik- Mander, Susan Rosier, Shirley Hargrove, and Michele Prevost. Please raise your right hand. Do you swear or affirm to tell the truth on this matter before the Planning Commission today? TESTIFIERS: Yes. CLARKSON: Please pass the microphone down to the woman on the makai end of the table. Thank you. EXHIBIT C 7