HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0144.006 2002-2004
FROM SCREAMINGWINK PRODUCTIONS FAX N0. 8089635417 Jun. 03 2003 02:49PM P1
REc: ` E_V
To: Council Chairman lames Arakaki and all council members•03 JUN 3 P(~ 2 ~ ~
RF.: Purchase of public lands by Valerie Defrain CQl1N ~;L'c~'K
COUN7y ~ d= HAWAtI
Aloha kakou!
I have three points to make regarding this transaction, but first 1 would like to say that the
council's priorities should be to foster a sense of community through open communication -especially
when public lands and public access are in question. Too many times the public finds out too late that
their rights and choices have been removed.
The local community should always be contacted with x11 the information and then this letter
might not of had to be written.
Point number one: A~blic lands are valuable.
This land Valerie Dcfrain is proposing to purchase is considered public land currently. Has
there been a fair appraisal of its worth?
i would personally cut a check for X1000 today to purchase it if I was given a chance. 1 am sure
it is worth much more than that and that would be apparent if the land were put on the open market.
Too often the county sells its land short and in the time of budget crisis it would seem sensible
for the public to get a fair return on the sale. There is a limited amount of public land and it should be
maintained. What would be the cost for the county to purchase an equal size lot to replace the one that
is being proposed for sale'?
Point number two: Keeping the integrity of the azea.1 believe this point is part of the county
plan. if Valerie is sold this land, it should be stipulated that only one house may be built and she must
consolidate her holdings on that side of the stream into one TMK without the possibility of re-
subdivision. The last thing our Ag community wants is a cl ump of houses on less than an acre each.
Point number three: Precedence. This land is part of an access causeway. One day in the future, it
could become a bike path for eco-tourism or simply a path for the greater community to move freely
upon. By selling it, all the potentials are gone for all generations to follow. There is a paper road that
goes by my land. My neighbors and I would be eager to purchase it, for even thousands of dollars to
prevent "weekend warriors" to drive their muckrakers and rip it up. We maintain the road at a cost of
chousa~~u~. The county does not. This puts undue financial stress on us. Why shotildn't we also be
allowed to purchase the road? If Valerie is allowed, we should not be prevented from buying the piece
adjacent to our land either.
I do wish the best for Valerie and know you all can work out something that is both profitable and
prudent.
Mal~ama pono
, GB Hajim
PO Box 373 Hakalau, HI 96710
Comm. No.,~~~
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