HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0964.063 2004-2006
Bill 309 testimony - delete F2 Page I of 2
Murashige, Laura
From: Melissa Fleming [mfleming@co.hawaii.hi.us]
Sent: Wednesday, September 06, 2006 10:57 AM
To: Murashige, Laura
Subject: FW: Bill 309 testimony - delete F2
Hey Laura. Here's another one.
- -
From: Ana Currie [mailto:acurrie@hawaii.rr.com] c 7 m
Sent: Wednesday, September 06, 2006 10:29 AM 0 ^ ~
To: Jacobson, Bob
Subject: Bill 309 testimony - delete F2 --a
To: Hawaii County Council
From: Gretchen Ana Currie
P.O. Box 146 v
Captain Cook, HI 96704 r~
83-1050 Power Meter Road
Honaunau, Hawaii
Date: 6 September 2006
RE: Written Public Testimony:
DELETE PROPOSED MAP CHANGE F-2 FROM BILL 309
Dear Members of the Hawaii County Council,
As a long-time resident of the area that would be affected by this ill-advised proposed map change, I strongly
urge you to delete "F-2" from Bill 309 - not only on behalf of our vibrant local agricultural community, but on
behalf of the all residents of our state, and visitors as well.
Firstly, these lands ARE "Important Agricultural Lands" and should remain designated as such. There is no
defendable argument against that fact. The move to a "Rural" designation will benefit one person only; the
developer who wishes to build more homes on this ecologically sensitive watershed. Under no circumstances
should the County Council be party to this action, which is motivated by greed and opposed by the vast
majority of our community. Our small-scale farms and farmers need the support of the County in recognizing
that important agricultural lands are precious not only to our lifestyle, but to our ability to attain food self-
sufficiency for our island. If this map change were to take place, it would remove almost 100 important acres
from farming. Please don't do this!
Secondly, recent court rulings, particularly in the Hokulia case, have made it clear that the County of Hawaii,
as well as the State of Hawaii, has a clear responsibility of be proactive in protecting our coastal waters. No
longer is it advisable - or in any way justifiable - for any County officials to ignore the demand of concerned
residents that the County fulfill its duty to protect our coastal waters and ecosystems, especially when there is
clear evidence and indications that a given land use decision that they may make will result in adverse
impacts and damage to natural resources. In this case, one of the natural resources that will be negatively
impacted is nothing less than the world-renowned waters of Kealakekua Bay and Marine Life Conservation
District. It is shocking that this map change was ever even proposed, given what is known about the flood-
zone attributes of the area in question and the scientific studies and knowledge of local residents, all of which
indicate significant potential for potential pollution of the groundwater resources and coastal waters.
Thirdly, why were public hearings never scheduled so that all Hawaii Island residents could be informed about
and comment on this proposed map change? Our natural resources belong to all of us. To allow an area as
significant as the pali above Kealakekua Bay and Marine Life Conservation District to carry an increased
density could result in pollution and other deleterious effects to that important resource. Our entire isla0d~
community should have a timely opportunity to research and comment about this issue. Comm. No.
Ref. To:
Ref. Date P
9/6/2006
Bill 309 testimony - delete F2 Page 2 of 2
Thank you for receiving my testimony.
Best regards,
Gretchen Ana Currie
9/6/2006