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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0258.032 1996-1998 Fred C. Holschuh, M.D. n~--_.. , _ August 6, 1997 ' 9 7 F J G 1 ~i fi ~~l 8 13 cc~. Honorable Dominic Yagong Hawaii County Council 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Deaz Councilman Yagong, On the evening of July 31, 1997, my wife and I attended the community gathering in Honokaa which demonstrated the diverse and innovative agricultural based businesses that aze already well established in Hamakua. The majority of the Hawaii County Council and some representatives of the county administration attended. The up beat atmosphere was that of a county fair. The diversity of enterprises was astounding. There were magnificent flowers and vegetables, great meat products, eggs, Hamakua coffee, livestock photos, demonstrations of secondary businesses and beautiful wood products ranging from bamboo to magnificent hardwood items. Much of this has gone on within a mile of our home for years. I have lived in Honokaa since 1974, and well remember the negative environmental impact of the harvesting of a relatively small area of forestlands by Capital Wood Chips. I have also worked in the Hilo Medical Center Emergency Room since 1972 and am very much aware of the terrible impact of poverty and joblessness on our people. It seems, however, that the number of job options for our island's residents with such diversified agricultural ventures would faz exceed the relatively small number of jobs afforded by the proposed eucalyptus monoculture plantation. There were two things that really struck us at the community gathering. First, the people demonstrating their successful businesses were of all ethnic groups, all ages, and all prior job experiences and educational levels. Secondly, in conversation with a Hamakua coffee grower (who previously had worked in the health care field) we learned that the potential number of jobs that can be created on a relatively small amount of land would far out do the eucalyptus plantations on huge tracts of land. He also explained how it was his intent to create individual businesses in coffee production for a great many people. If the 4, 400 acres of County land (and the approximately 5,000 acres or more of State land) were available for leases by individuals or groups of our people for agricultural and other small business ventures, it could well serve as a catalyst for the improvement of our economic climate. This will have a definite positive impact on the health of our communities. Imagine the pleasure tourists would get from thriving agriculturally based businesses, produce stands, farm tours, hiking etc. up and down the Hamakua Coast. All over the world, people in high tech jobs are craving the relaxation of returning to our agrarian past when life was simpler. We have the opportunity to create a tourist's dream of some beach and ocean time combined with rural lifestyle experiences. The best part is, in Hawaii it can be all year round. Box 3028 Honoka, Hawaii 96727 F'.;e ?to. n E S 1Z:3f. '*n: 18 1997 August 6, 1997 Honorable Dominic Yagong Page 2 If we hold back public lands for eucalyptus monoculture plantation use for 10 to 20 yeazs, it will afford time to see if our people can put together the agricultural ventures they have planned. During this time period, our public officials would be able to evaluate the impacts of eucalyptus plantations in Hamakua (Hamakua timber has already started), and in azeas where such plantations and pulp mills aze operating: the southern United States, Brazil, many countries in Asia and the Pacific, and Canada. I respectfully implore that~ppublic lands not be leased for eucalyptus plantation use. Sincerely,(~~ `s ~ Fred C. Holschuh, M.D. Honokaa cc: Governor Cayetano Lt. Governor Hirono Mayor Yamashiro Senator Inouye Senator Akaka Representative Mink Representative Abercrombie Senator Solomon Senator Levin Senator Metcalf Representative Takamine Representative Taznas Representative Herkes Representative Chang Representative Hamakawa Representative Whalen Members of Hawaii County Council i.,