COM 0045.011 2002-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd ~ _ ~ , Councilwoman Hawaii County Council 25 Aupuni St Hilo, HI 96720 6 February 2003 Topic: Proposed Change to County General Plan, HCPC site on Pepe'ekeo Point Dear Ms Leithead-Todd: I am to you from several perspectives, including my professional back ground as an environmental consultant and fellow in the American Psychological Association (Division 34: Environmental Psychology), a property owner in Pepe'ekeo, and a resident of Hilo. I wish to express my strong opposition to the proposed changes in the County General Plan that would increase the heavy industry activities allowed at the HCPC site on Pepe'ekeo Point. I am very sympathetic to the County's needs to deal with solid waste refuse and the need to enhance electricity generation on the Big Island. Indeed, I have worked with several counties throughout the nation facing similar demands. My last place of residence was in Yarmouth County, Maine, a region that has received awards and recognition for its efforts to deal with solid waste and recycling, and a region that has struggled to deal with past unwise decisions involving the generation of electric power. I plan to spend the remainder of my life on the Big Island, and I want to do everything possible to ensure its future vitality. I have been involved in efforts to enhance both economic and educational development along the Hamakua Coast, and I become closely acquainted with its aspirations and potential. For a variety of reasons, the Hamakua Coast area, just north of Hilo, is ideally suited for low-density residences and ecotourism. The scenic drive loop, the tropical gardens, and Akaka Falls are mainstays in attracting tourists to the area. Economic development that builds on these attractions could be very successful and compatible with the area. Likewise, the pristine beauty of the area is attracting low-density residential developments that are ideal partners to the ongoing agricultural and ecotourism efforts in the area. This comfortable mixture of activities has made land prices in this area some of the highest in East Hawai' i and spawned plans for other compatible activities such as an independent living center in Honomu and ahotel/resort at the old Brewer headquarters site. The location of a heavy industry site within this area would not only be a misfit, but could severely injure the future potential of the area. The planned waste-to-energy use could be the most damaging type of heavy industry for several reasons. First, there are the obvious health and environment concerns that could result from the incineration of toxic materials such as mercury and other base metals in the plant. Indeed, technology allows for the control of much negative emission, but even the most closely monito~~ (bmm. No. t--~. PSk No. PL Ref. To: Ref. Dste FEB 1 ~ .2003