HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0604.011 1996-1998 08/20/1998 13: 32 808-961-2162 C., .M. RESOURCE MGMT PAGE 01
N
i
•7 Cf `' ' ,.
CE TriANPIR'
BUSINESS • AGRICULTURE • FO STRY . __ - ,
"We Have Solutions for You"
August 20, 1998
Committee on Finance
County Clerk's Office
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo,l-Iawai'i 96720
Re: Res. 267-98 (Comm. No. 604.08) and Res. 309-98 (Comm. No. 604.10)0
Dear Committee on Finance Chairman Chung and County Council Members,
I am writing in response to the proposed disposition or leasing of the former Hamakua Sugar Company lands
now under County ownership. Currently, I operate a small business that provides business and management
assistance to landowners, organizations and individuals engaged in agriculture and forestry projects. I am also
actively involved with several local, community and professional groups around the Big Island that promote
sustainable communities, agriculture and forestry .
I welcome and support the utilization of land for reforestation and diversified agriculture. However, I do not
think it wise that the County venture into leasing lands because of their lack of experience and lack of
knowledge in this area. For the County to take on such a responsibility would require additional funds to hire
individual(s) experienced in lease preparation, administration and management. Good business plans, good land
stewardship, good infrastructure, access to leased lots and collecting lease payments are a small part of what
would be required and expected. The State has many years experience leasing lands, and they are in dire need
and in the process of re-evaluating their land lease process. This just shows that the land lease business is a
complex one, especially when the public is involved.
I am supportive of the County disposing of these lands. It has been my experience that private land owners like
KSBE not only have experience leasing lands, but have a more user-friendly leasing process than the State.
Trading these lands with KSBE will provide lands to potential lessees quicker and will save them, and us,
money and time. If the land must remain in public hands, perhaps the County could trade or make an
arrangement with the State. I do not want additional tax dollar;to go towards building another bureaucratic
nightmare. \Ve can barely manage what we already have.
Thank for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
,�Atiw., 0 Comm. N .______
Courtney ll, Owner File No. " ...�..
?eI. To: cco
r 7� _ AUG 2 0 1998
,,t ,i. .,G GLi:
P.O- Box 11441 • Hilo, Hawaii 96721 • Tel (808) 981-02'.-.:3 = Fax. (808) • mai camgatoh-a.fi •` "_,_....