HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0258.045 1996-1998 Committee Of Human Resources and Economic Development
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street 9Za
Hilo, HI 96720 -S~,h~,'~~-,
August 18, 1997
Dear Sirs:
Re: Testimony against leasing County lands to OjilMarubeni
First, I would make the point that leasing any lands to such an intensive
agricultural use suh as clear cutting trees at 7 seven year intervals
should be for a shorter period than 55 years. As much as the forestry
experts claim that such a use is beneficial to the life of the land, there
are only so many replantings and clear cuts that can be considered
sustainable. We are lacking evidence as to the long term effects of
eucalyptus plantations. Furthermore we have tons of short term evidence
to the contrary.
Secondly, I question the state and county's economic reasons for leasing
any public lands to foreign firms when our own local farmers and
businesses should rightfully have first priority.
Our public officials seem so quick to lease our lands .for 55 years to a
foreign chip and pulp baron who has a proven unsavory world wide record
for leaving land in afar worse condition than when it was first planted.
Our officials should be protecting our landlourselves - making sure that if
leasing is required that Hawaii gets back more than is given.
We should be encouraging our local economy by growing our own food
instead of~porting everything from animal feed to poi! Leasing our lands
to a eucalyptus monocrop is a backward direction. Haven't we learned
from our history not to put all our eggs in One basket??! We should go
slowly into this thing -wait & see how Bishop Estate does with Hamakua
Timber. Please believe in our people - in our land and don't sell us short
again!
Sincerely with ALOHA
Linda L. Shackelford
PO Box 278, Paauilo, HI 96776 ~ z5'g, ifs
Dlie 2fw `
Presented y'sE~
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