HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0362.020 2022-2024 P/CouNIli
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Testimony presented by Jennifer Perry of Kapoho
14-2807 Halekamahina Rd ?. yr ( J V'�
PO Box 537, Pahoa HI 96778
Email:jperry96778@Bmail.com
August 15, 2023
RE: Hawaii County Council BILL NO. 56 (DRAFT 2)
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2,ARTICLE 47, OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983 ( 2016
EDITION,AS AMENDED), RELATING TO THE APPROPRIATION OF DISASTER RELIEF FUNDS FOR DAMAGES,
LOSSES,AND SUFFERING CAUSED BY THE 2018 KILAUEA ERUPTION.
Honorable Hawaii County Council members,
My husband and I live on a landlocked parcel just on the north side of the 2018 Kilauea Lava Flow.We
own 5 lots in Kapoho,two five acre parcels covered by the lava on Hololio Road, and two at the east end
of this road,total acreage about 58 acres. We currently have access through one parcel which fronts
Noni Farm Road (Puua Road).
We appreciate that the County has worked with Kapoho Land and Development to give us access via
Cinder Road. However, after 5 years of this 2.5 mile one way dirt road to our home, many vehicle
repairs, road maintenance costs,and mental depression,we hope this bill will provide us an opportunity
to rebuild Hololio Road back to Highway 132.
There are several large parcels of good agriculture land on our farm and surrounding lots.These parcels
have been in sugar cane, papaya, and banana prior to the lava flow.We grow tropical fruits including
citrus, longan, lychee, rambutan, avocado, apple bananas, and papaya.We market our fruit locally and
ship to the mainland USA.We also have the structure for two greenhouses where we used to grow
orchids and hydroponic vegetables. My husband and I have been involved in several organizations
promoting local agriculture.
There are still 3 homes in this landlocked area.There are about 87 acres of producible agriculture land
that has not been covered by lava at the end of Hololio Road. Along the road many properties got
covered by the lava.Some are in the buy out program. If we are able to replant with legal access
opened once again,the area not covered could become very productive, provide jobs,and manage the
land to control the spread of invasive grasses and trees.
Please pass this bill.You will have another opportunity to review the applications as they come in.
Mahalo for your consideration,
Jennifer Perry
Volcano Isle Fruit Co Inc, dba Kapoho Grown
• Comm. No. 101—V
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