HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0045.007 2002-2004 CLAUDIA WOODWARD-RICE _
P.O. Box 186 _
Honomu, HI 96728
(808) 963-6123
email: ricesofhif8lhilobav.com
February 6, 2003
Dr. Fred Holschuh, Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Re: General Plan proposed changes for increased Industrial at Pepe'ekeo mill site
Dear Dr. Fred:
Since the end of the sugar industry, the Hamakua coast has seen many rapid changes
due to large amounts of real estate changing hands, and the development of many new
diversified agricultural activities. It is an exciting but also a fragile time, when poor
planning and inappropriate development may undercut economic improvements already
underway.
The BEI concept of aWaste-to-Energy plant (garbage incinerator) to replace the Hilo
Coast Power Co. at the Pepe'ekeo mill site, is ill advised for many reasons:
The site is up-wind of established residential and agricultural communities. No
effective buffer zone exists.
The truck traffic necessary to transport E. Hawaii garbage to the site would cause
endless traffic problems, noise and odors.
• Incinerators do not always operate as planned and notable toxic releases of heavy
metals and dioxins are a likely eventuality.
• Industrial sites should be sited away from the coast in order to minimize marine
contamination.
Residents in the vicinity of the proposed WTE development are nearly unanimous in
rejecting this project, and do not believe it belongs in our rural and agricultural
community. WTE developments have nearly ceased on the mainland due to liability
issues and soaring costs.
Please reject this inappropriate change to the General Plan. Heavy industry should be
phased out in Pepe'ekeo- it does not fit the character or vision of our community.
Comm. No. •
Flle No.
Ref. To:
R,~, n~ FEB 0.7 2003
Sincerely,
~
Claudia Woodwardd-Ri
cc: Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd
Planning Committee
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street, Hilo 96720