HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1015.001 2004-2006
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• Harry Kim Dixie Kaetsu
Mayor Managing Director
Barbara Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
Countp of'Wawai`i
25 Aupuni Street, Room 215 • Hilo, Hawai'i 96720-4252 • (808) 961-8211 Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 103 • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
(808)329-5226 Fax(808)326-5663
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August 19, 2006 c.. c~
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Kenji Hashidate, Esq.
Hashidate Law Office
The Imperial Hotel Tower, 7`" Floor
1-1, Uchisaiwaichio 1-Chome p
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0011, Japan
Dear Mr. Hashidate:
Thank you for your letter expressing your concerns and your desire to acquire the Rice
property at Waipi`o Valley. Your letter was very comprehensive, and fully stated your
position on this property.
The County of Hawaii has joined hands with the members of the Hawaii community who
share the common goal and objective of the development of and protection of the very special
place called Waipi`o. This group includes farmers, surfers, major property owners and
entrepreneurs who do business in the area. It is the goal of the community to join hands in
seeing how this special place can be kept very special. After years and years of conflict and
growing problems, the majority of the community, which includes the major landowners, has
come together with a common goal of trying to work together to protect Waipi`o. The County
government of Hawaii has committed its participation by identifying Waipi`o as the first park
where a County park ranger program will be established.
The Rice property was identified by the County's Public Access, Open Space and Natural
Resources Preservation Commission as the second highest priority of land to be acquired by
the County of Hawaii for protection and preservation. As you know, some members of the
County Council have agreed that this is a very important purchase for Hawaii. It is the
County Council's responsibility to make the final decision, and I have indicated to Council
Member Dr. Fred Holschuh that this administration will support the recommendation of the
County Council.
I am very appreciative of the contents of your letter, and do ask you to understand that many
members of the Hawaii community view this property as an essential part of the preservation
of Waipi`o Valley.
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Hawai'i County is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
August 19, 2006
Kenji Hashidate, Esq.
Page 2
I note in your letter to Council Chairperson Stacy Higa that you mention your willingness to
work with the County Council in partnering for the development of this property. At this
point, I do not know what the Council's action will be when this matter comes up for a vote,
but regardless of what develops at the Council, I would be more than happy to meet with you
to further discuss this issue.
Aloha,
?arry Kim
OR
cc: The Honorable Stacy Higa
The Honorable Fred Holschuh, M.D.
Andrew Levin