HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0927.021 2004-2006
TESTIMONY: Ambika Kosada, Tosada's 'Farm, Garden service and art
P.O. Box #144, Capt. Cook, HI 96704 (808) 323-3202 [8-2-2-36]
June 20, 2006
Planning Committee
County of Hawaii, County Council
RE: APPROVE RESOLUTION #381-06 - TO POSTPONE COUNCIL ACTION
ON REZONING APPLICATIONS IN THE DISTRICTS OF N. & S. KONA UNTIL THE
KCDP FOR THOSE AREAS IS ADOPTED BY ORDINANCE.
T=TRUST T-TRANSPARENCY P= PARTICIPATION P - PRACTICALITY/
PRAGMATISM
TRUST
1. The KCKP Process is based on a promise to the Kona Community that our
desires are being sought to fulfill a legitimate requirement of the General Plan. AND
that this input of the community will have "teeth" and be written into Ordinance by
you our County Council. This was questioned at the initial kickoff meeting at
Konawaena High and promised by Planning Director Chris Yuen and the Consultants.
2. This community, this island, suffers greatly from a distrust by West of East.
This is a golden opportunity to restore trust by honoring the request of our Kona
representatives and of the community. Listen to us and pass what we ask. It will
be reported in the paper and I personally will write a Letter to the Editor of Thanks!
TRANSPARENCY
For the KCDP to succeed, we need open, honest transparent communication about
all proposals for re-zoning and change of land use. This needs to be "on top of the
table" and "in front of the doors." Avoid the present stampede, catch our breath.
PARTICIPATION/COLLABORATION
For the KCDP to succeed, we need more time to enlist full participation and to reach
consensus on the appropriate Ordinances to go with our Plan. We are part way
through the process, which should take until the end of 2006. "Those affected by
being decisions, need to be part of the decision-making process." This takes time.
Opposing points of view need to sit down at the table and work collaboratively to
come up with solutions. Results are better. For example, the Land Use Committee.
PRACTICALrn/P WMATISM - The results of Approval stand the practical test:
1. Kona people will feel trust that you, our Council, support the KCDP process.
2. Business and Developers will respect the process.
3. Rural Development Policy CAN be developed by the community, the Planning
Department, and the Council. (as per recent State Workshops in Kona and Hilo).
4. Business can continue as usual with the 2,500 already approved permits
5. Planning & Public Works have time to "catch up" on infrastru ure needs.
Comm. No. 2.
Ref. ToP
Ref. Data