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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
STATE OF HAWAII
STATE CAPITOL
HONOLULU, HAWAII 96813
August 13, 2004
Dear Hamakua Neighbor,
In March 1995, almost six months after Hamakua Sugar Company closed its doors for the
final time, a visioning session was held in Honokaa. This was done to obtain a "collective
view" of the future preferred by the community.
One theme that emerged from the visioning process came to be known as "A Thousand
Points of Green". This concept represented the transformation of a community from a single
monolithic crop and employer, to a thousand successful small farmers, prospering along the
coastline. It reflected an understanding that keeping agriculture as a substantial part of our
economy helped define the character of our community.
In ] 999, under the sponsorship of the Hilo-Hamakua Community Development Corporation,
and through a strategic planning process, the "vision" was revisited. Once again, the
community validated that it was important to maintain a "rural character", which meant that
agriculture should remain a significant part of the economic base.
In recent years, land development and gated communities along the Hilo Coast (just a half
hour drive down the highway) have raised a number of concerns. The loss of access rights,
the loss of prime agricultural land forever, and rising real property taxes, especially for the
Kupuna on fixed income, are consequences that are being questioned. In particular,
development that maximizes profit, by pricing the land out of the reach of most local
families, is being challenged. Is this right? Is this what we want for Hamakua?
Our community has had a proud history of working together, to ensure that it plays a
meaningful role in determining what our future will look like. On Saturday, August 28`h, we
will have another opportunity for broad community input, to develop a Hamakua Agriculture
Plan. Everyone is welcome to attend and to provide input.
Developing the Hamakua Agriculture Plan begins on Saturday, August 28`" with registration
at 9:00 a.m. at the Honokaa High School Cafetorium. Please plan to stay and participate until
3:00 p.m. as the discussion will be facilitated, and will include a strategic planning process.
Save the date -and come and participate!
If you have any questions, please feel free to call me. Otherwise, circle August 28t° and
bring a friend.
Sincerely, G
,~,~a Comm. No. ~'a• L~'
Ref. To: F _
Rep. Dwight Y. Takamine Ref. Uate 9 2nn6