HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0400.107 2002-2004 Testimony of Steven Fox, Holualoa, Hawaii
Democratic Candidate for State Senate, District 3 (Hawi to Miloli'i)
Before the Hawaii County Council
Wednesday, August 4, 2004
O'oma Rezoning
Aloha. My name is Steven Fox from Holualoa, Hawaii and I am the Democratic Candidate for
State Senate, District 3, which runs from Hawi to Miloli'i and includes the O'oma ahupua'a.
I am here to join the people of West Hawaii who have already voiced their opposition to rezoning
of the O'oma project. Over 250 of us packed the hearing room in Kailua-Kona, to tell you to "Just
say No." Now it seems you are about to tell us: "Whatever West Hawaii wants, it does not get."
The decision you make on this issue is not just about the technical merit of the O'oma project.
The decision you make is also a reflection of how well democracy is working in the County of
Hawaii. It is about whether this Council respects the views of the people who must live with the
decisions made by the Council.
Citizens sit in traffic everyday on the very road you expect to handle the cars going to and from
this development. Citizens have not approved a general plan that envisions urban sprawl from
Keahole Airport all the way to Keauhou. Citizens have not seen a sustainable plan for other
infrastructure, like water and sewer and waste disposal. And this is not the only instance in which
these issues arise. The citizens of West Hawaii cannot keep track of what future developments
have already been granted approvals and what the cumulative effect will be on their lives, their
environment, and their well-being.
We are frustrated because we feel disenfranchised-- who will listen to us, the people most directly
affected by these decisions, and pay attention to what we want? There does not seem to be a
government that is "...for the people" of West Hawaii. Some speak of actions that may seem
silly-tax strikes, separate counties-but these reveal the level and extent of the frustration.
We are an island economy. Our economic well-being depends upon others coming to our island
and spending their money. They do not come here from the mainland or Japan because they like
to sit in bumper to bumper traffic or to look at suburban developments. And the people who have
chosen to live in Hawaii were most often trying to escape the traffic, the pollution, and the ugly
conditions of other places. Hawaii was Paradise. Clean water, clean air, and beautiful views. It is
our responsibility to make certain that it remains that way. Development does not require that we
destroy our environment. Preserving our Hawaii will require 21st century planning and
sustainable development by our government.
We can do it. You can do it. You must do it. For the sake of our citizens and for the future of
Hawaii.
I ask that you support the people of West Hawaii by voting against this bill. Thank you very
much.
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