HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0042.045 2004-2006 rt
SIERRA CLUB
Moku Loa Group
Dear County Council members:
The Moku Loa group of the Hawaii Chapter of the Sierra Club would like to
go on record as favoring Version 1 of the revisions to the General Plan that have been
proposed by the Planning Depaztment in their 10 yeaz review of this document.
It is refreshing to see an increased emphasis on the preservation of open space.
We are particulazly in support of the revisions as they pertain to the protection of
coastal areas, such as Keopuka, Kohanaiki, and Pohue Bay. Preservation of wild
coastlines is a major focus of the Hawaii chapter and our Big Island group. The
preservation of undeveloped shorelines is a benefit to all of the Big Island's residents.
Besides being an excellent source of recreational activities, these coastlines also
contain a high percentage of the Native Hawaiian cultural sites of pre-contact
Hawaii.
The protection of agricultural lands and the expansion of small scale diversified
agricultural opportunities for Hawaii's families is also a major priority. It is our feeling
that agricultural land should be used for growing crops, not fairways and putting
greens. Lazge mansions with 5 mac nut trees in their manicured lawns were not the
intention of the creators of Hawaii's original land use plan when they placed so much
of Hawaii's land in the agricultural category. However many of the subdivisions in
Puna that are currently zoned ag would be more appropriately designated in the Rural
category.
Although tourism is the engine that drives our economy, the tourists who
travel to the Big Island aze not looking for an extension of Waikiki. As a whole, these
groups and individuals are looking for a more natural old style Hawaiian experience,
free from the urban sprawl afflicting so much of Oahu. Therefore open space
preservation can actually serve to make the Big Island a more desirable destination for
tourist.
S' ely
~~n~~
Dr. Phil es
Moku Group
Sierra Club
RR 2 Box 4756
Kehena Beach,HI 96778
(808)965-9695 greenhiQinterpac.net
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