HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0964.178 2004-2006
Page 1 of 2
Murashige, Laura
From: Ambika Kosada [kosada@aloha.net]
Sent: Wednesday, November 22, 2006 7:19 AM
To: Ikeda, Donald; Hoffmann, Pete; Higa, Stacy; counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us; Pilago, K.
Angel; Jacobson, Bob; Arakaki, James, Isbell, Virginia; Safarik, Gary; Holschuh, Fred
Subject: Testimony - Delete F-2 from Bill 309
Attachments: 11-22-06-Counc. dat
rn
7 z
Ambika Kosada n
c:.. r Q
P.O. Box #144, Capt. Cook, HI 96704 (808) 323-3202 - N
Nov. 22, 2006 FOR COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING
FRIDAY,NOV. 24, 2006
Sheraton KEAUHOU -
RE: DELETE F-2 from Bill #309
Dear Chairman Higa,
I am writing to ask the Council to bifurcate and DELETE the Proposed F-2 Amendment to the General
Plan Land Use Pattern [LUPAG Map] because it will change almost 100 acres above Kealakekua Bay
from "Important Agriculture" Land Use Designation to "Rural" Land Use.
Unfortunately, "Rural" with zoning changes could permit 9,000 square foot lots and commercial use,
basically a suburban subdivision. This goes against the goals to preserve agricultural land in South Kona
as expressed in the long-range Genera] Plan[G P) of February 2005 which was passed by your Council:
Regarding G P Agriculture Goals and Policies:
"Preserve the agricultural character of the Island."( 14.22]
"Identify, protect, and maintain important ag lands [14.22]
"Protect important agricultural lands within the Kona Coffee Belt from Urban
encroachment....." [14.2.4.6.2]
"Discourage speculative residential development on agricultural lands." [14.23]
Regarding Natural Beauty Sites & Kealakekua Bay Goals & Actions:
"Protect and conserve the natural resources from undue exploitation, encroachment and damage."[8.2.a]
"Establish buffers on undeveloped lands around Kealakekua Bay to assure preservation of the region's
unique environment and cultural resources." [6.5.5.3.c]
Chairman Higa, County Council -2- Nov. 22, 2006
To slip this major Land Use change through as an "Interim Amendment" prior to completion of the
KCDP work is a travesty of fair play and due process and defeats the democratic process. Worse yet,
this change could set a precedent for future "taking" of ag lands in South Kona and throughout the island. Comm. No. ghQ -1f#• 179
Ref. To:OreseMmd
Ref. Late U
11/22/2006
Page 2 of 2
Also, the new Council needs to form and be the one to make the final decision on this major land use
change.
Follow the General Plan and keep South Kona Agricultural. Our local Kona Community Development
plan is progressing. As the G P says: "The Community Development plans are intended to be the forum
for community input into managing growth... the CDP will translate the Broad General Plan statements
to specific actions...."
Please respect this process and Delete F-2 from Bill #309.
Sincerely,
Ambika Kosada, 323-3202
P.S. I am off Island for the Thanksgiving Vacation and could not attend the hearing. Therefore,I
authroize and request that my letter be read into the official Hearing Minutes.
11/22/2006