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MqY-16-c~705 15:20 FROM: T0~808 361 8912 ~.2 3 May 16, 2005 ~tUall L- tiandr[SUrl r~ Y.U. dox 437297 l~amuela, Hl 96743 fete Hoffman Hawati County Council Hilo, Hl 96743 3 hc: 13111 80, Agricultural Subdivision Restrictions T)etu Pctc: 1 am concerucd about two aspects vl'Bill 80 regarding agricultwal subdivision restrictions which the Hawaii County Council will be considering on `Tuesday, May l7. My tirst concern is the prohibition of bates and litnited entry. (;ales are a necessary pan of farming and ranching. They serve u, contain livestock and to safeguard crops, farm equipment and harvested produce from tmauthorized persons. Thell of agricultural products and equipment is a very real problem on this islv,d. T understand that the intcrt is to prevent "gated communities", but the language of the bill must be specific so that appropriate Ilse of subdivided agricultural land can contilue. M}' second concern is the restriction of thr farm dwelling size to less than 3500 square feet. This is a flagralnt discrimination against farmers as a class of people. Legitimate I'arrning operations ma} have larger than average size homes to accommodate housing or extended family members and even non-relations who work on the farm, as affirrdablc housing fur agricultural workers is becoming more scarce every day as real estate prices escalate. Additionally, mu,y farmers. by necessity, utilize square footage of the primary dwelling, for storage of faun equipment, packaging materials and produce, for packing areas. office space, and entertaining of potence] customers. Additionally, if a tanner is flnanctally successful enough to build a large house, should he be prevented from that because of his vooation:' Aftet all, the eturent property tax rate for a farm dwelling is almost twice that of the homeowner's rate, and successful farmers have both direct and utduect positive effects on the local economy. The square Footage restriction does nothing to preserve agricultural land, es we could still lose important agricultural land to large subdivisions full of house less than 3500 square feet. Once again 1 understand that the Council is trying to ensure Icgiti[nate use of agricultural land, and Iwhole-heartedly applaud their efforts However, the square footage restriction is misguided and discriminator} Pannera utvest much of themselves in cultivating their land and raising livestock, and it i, not an easy jvb_ As a farmer who comes from a long line of farmers, T can tell you that selling a piece of the farm is a painful experience. Sut sometimes economic situations or itille+itance issues force the sale ufpaxt of a fans to ensure the continue operation of the Comm. No. ~3 Z Ref. To: f°~~ Ref. Uote MAY 1 LUUJ