COM 0604.047 1996-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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j Testimony is in sttppott of Elesolutiou No. X09-98 My name is Kenn AcdaL and a resident of the Hautakua District. Phis issue today to determine the use of the Counq public lands is really sitt~ple: These lands should be leased to the people as an opportunity to help stitnulate the economy in the Hamakua district. W'e the people of the County, have heard that the Mayor's resolution is to exchange these pubhc lands Hith Kamehameha Schools Bishop Estate to expand existing park facilities as well as parking lots for these facilities. We the people of the County, know that revenues hay a been cut from State budget to our County government by way of TA'C revenues in the approximate amotmt of $4 million dollars. If we exTand these facilities. where does the money come from? The County is having a hazd true maintaining the existing facilities. ~Ve the people of the County, know that budgets subruitted fiom County departments for the 1998-1999 fiscal year were less than the 1996-1997 budget. We the people of the County, knows that our economy needs to be stimulated in eveq• way possible. These public Lmds can be the stimulus to begin rebuilding our economy in the Hamakua region, by offering these lauds the same as it was being offered to Oji Paper Cmupany We the people of the County has read m the newspaper about the Mayor's comment that the farmers who wants these lauds want a handout 6om our government. The Mayor refers to the Ag Coop in Hamakua as a group that got Bowe handouts because grants were given to some of the farmers. Isn't grants for everyone to utilize if the requirements are met. Grants are not handouts. An example is the Saw Mill in Ookala. if a person and/or cotupany meets the specifics for grants: aren't these grant opportunities and not handouts? Ask yourselfthis question: ffyou applied for a grant and you qualified for the grant, would you turn it dowv and say you don't want it? 1 doubt it. You would be happy becausse you have been given an opportunity to do something for you and your family. The Mayor referenced that he hasn't seen proposals from farmers. We the people of the County know that plans were hand-delivered to the Mayors ofEce. 1 read proposals from the Haurakua/North Hilo Ag Coop, the Haruakue Farm Brueau, as well as interested individuals. This is a eery sensitn a issue for the people of the entire Cotmty of Hawau, not only the people of Hamakua. You the Council members vvho has heard this issue from the beeinning, look into your hearts, make the right decision. Election is just a few days o `f `f 7 po~rn• No. 1 Ftle No. O~ Presented ~ cr Ref. Toss. • $Ep 15 1998 Ref. Date_