HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0604.029 1996-1998 Friday, August 28, 1998
Aloha Council members,
My name is Pablo McLoud, and I am a resident of Ahualoa. I am here today to request your approval
of Resolution No. 309-98, authored by Councilman Yagong ,and your rejection of Resolution No.
267-98, authored by Mayor Yamashiro. This request is based on the following conditions:
1. Mayor Yamashiro states that his Resolution will solely be an exchange of 4,400 acres of
Hamakua land for 64 acres of private land owned by Bishop Estate in Hilo, Kona, and Puna. It is my
understanding that according to Councilman Chung, Bishop Estate has not agreed to the Mayor's
plan, and as such, the Mayor's Resolution should not be approved because of this uncertain
condition.
2. Last year October, approximately 5,000 acres of State-owned lands in Hamakua were being made
available to Oji Paper Company for timber operations. However, in response to strong public
opposition by the Hamakua community, the Department of Natural Resources denied the lease. At
that time the theme that was ever present throughout the public testimony was "keep public lands in
public hands". That theme rings true here today as it did 10 months ago. It is public land, and once
it is given away, it can never be replaced . Hamakua is an agricultural-based community, and, as
such, land is a precious resource that contains our heritage, our culture, our memories. Giving the
land away to Bishop Estate, which already owns 39,000 acres of Hamakua land, takes away our
future, and with it our dreams for a better tomorrow. Allow the public the opportunity to use the
lands as they see fit, and whether they succeed or fail, at least they have been given the chance.
3. Of the 4,400 acres in question, approximately 1,577 acres is comprised of the Hamakua Forest
Reserve. This forest is not something that should be given away because it does not provide tax
revenue. The Forest Reserve is an incredible cultural and economic resource for the County, and
giving it away would destroy a significant opportunity to invest in the future of Hamakua and the
Big Island. The Forest Reserve could be utilized by the public for hiking, horseback riding, and
nature appreciation; and could be developed in a manner similar to Kalopa State Park. It could be
used for study tours by local schools and colleges. Community groups could use the forest to focus
their energies and good will, and Hawaiians and non-Hawaiians could harvest medicinal herbs
throughout the forest. The forest could be transformed into a learning center and wildlife sanctuary.
Guided tours of the forest could be offered, and a nature center could be erected to educate tourists
and residents about the Hawaiian forest and its wildlife. I am sure the Forest Reserve would be used
and appreciated by residents and visitors alike, and would become amust-see natural attraction with
tourists. The forest could also potentially sustain asmall-scale village, such as a health and healing
village, Hawaiian cultural village, and/or an eco-campground village that would provide education
opportunities and value-added revenues. These activities would create more jobs and healthier
communities than by giving it away to Bishop Estate for them to plant more eucalyptus trees.
Based on the reasons provided, I request that Resolution No. 309-98 be approved by the County
Council. N°•
Ftle Nn. 'PLCr
Thank you. Pr°s°ntod- FCi
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