HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0042.065 2004-2006 Dear Council Members,
I appreciate your willingness to consider and support through revisions or deletions to
Draft I the concerns voiced by property owners at the public hearings in Hilo. Unlike
these property owners, residents of Hamakua were not afforded the consideration of
having their representative sponsor similar resolutions. In the spirit of equal
representation and recognition the welfare of each district is critical to the enlightened
goals and vision contained in Draft ] , we request the council support revisions or
deletions addressing the following concerns of residents of E[amakua.
l . We oppose the recommendation to create a tourist route using Mud Lane. "I'o
allow this road to be paved and utilized for tourist purposes will adversely
affect the Kapulena Community and its surrounding agricultural
neighborhoods. Experience on the island will attest to the destruction oC
agricultural communities when roads are developed with the intent to increase
tourist traffic. Additionally, such a road would adversely impact the
commercial enterprises in Honokaa by diverting traffic from the current
through fare to an alternate route. To approve this road would be a blatant
contradiction of the express goals of the Draft 1, i.e. preserve agricultural
lands and communities, and enhance the commercial viability of existing
commercially zoned property.
We request a moratorium on the approval and hearings on Special Use
Permits for agricultural lands. As we mentioned in our testimony, these
permits are zoning variances for activities that permanently change the use of
agricultural lands for non-agricultural purposes. These uses not only impact
the lands, but they negatively impact the surrounding communities whose
culh¢al and historical roots are agricultural. Again, we have ample evidence
of this impact in districts throughout the island. Furthermore, there are
repeated approvals of these permits granted to owners who have flagrantly
violated existing building restrictions, fined by the county and then allowed to
continue their previously illegal operations through this process From
experience within our own community, we have had multiple applications to
"rezone" agricultural lands to retreat centers, wellness centers, camp grounds,
eta We know of many more waiting to apply for these variances. We hope
the adopted general plan will prohibit these types of activities on agricultural
lands. Until this occurs, there should be a moratorium on Special Use
Permits.
3. We support a revision restricting "Ecotourism" or "Ag tourism" on important
agricultural lands. 'Chew activities use the name of agricultural, but they are
not agricultural activities. They are tourist activities. The in[lux of tourists
into the heart of agricultural communities destroys the very communities
being promoted as a tourist attraction. Furthermore, almost any activity, from
use of dirt bikes, ATVs, 4 wheel jeep tours, etc. could be considered "ag
tourism" or "ecotourism". These activities destroy the agricultw al
communities and arc opposed by active farmers and ranchers Unless and
until strict, enforceable regulations are adopted that narrowly deComm. No.,
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Ref. Date CUU~
activities, require local neighboring land owners approval, require
environmental and social impact studies, and do not interfere with the rights
of other land owners to enjoy the tranquil rural lile style afforded by
agricultural endeavors these activities should be banned.
4. We support a revision or deletion regarding floating zoning as envisioned in
Draft L This designation provides an attractive loop hole to circumvent the
goals and vision that are the foundation for Draft 1. This potential reversal of
all existing regulations will be the vehicle used to change the activities and
density that male important agricultural lands agricultural. It will be the basis
of lawsuits and controversy that can be avoided by deleting this option.
We greatly appreciate yow courageous efforts to support the people and rights of future
generations to experience the essence of the Hawaii we have the privilege to enjoy and
the responsibility to preserve. Please hear the voices oCour Hamalcua farmers, ranchers,
orchard workers, hunters and people of good will who have joined together to steward
our environmental and cultural heritage.
Res ectfully,
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'~lasou Worchd