HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0124.011 2004-2006 From: Vicky Kometani-Current Events [vcky@current-events.com]
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2005 9:58 AM
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us .i.~`
Subject: FY 2005-2006 Budget
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Aloha,
Since my work schedule does not allow my attendance at your upcoming hearings on the 2005-2006
county budget, please accept my email testimony.
I have been in the hospitality business in Hawaii for more than 30 years. I can tell you emphatically
that visitors to our island come here because of our pristine coastlines. Imagine Hawaii without those
very coastlines. Imagine our county without visitors. Imagine the impact.
Allowing coastline development unchecked is paramount to borrowing on dollars you do not have.
You have the opportunity to protect prime coastal areas and provide mauka access, a critical
component of our quality of life. Will you decide that next year's council can tackle this issue? Will
you decide it is not your kuleana and instead opt to forego protection of our island for your children
and grandchildren? Of course there is no money for this protection. But, money needs to be
allocated in this year's county budget--a land protection fund should be reconsidered by the
Council and established this year.
The legacy you create will far surpass any decisions you make the remainder of your lives.
Mahalo,
Vicky Kometani
PO Box 213
Hawi, HI 96719
808-884-5003
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