HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0604.047 1996-1998
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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_
a~~-ay. 1'ou are all asking the people in each of yottr districts to respect you by re-electiug
you on Saturday. I urge you to do the save. This is a uo brainer.
Respect your constituents by voting '`No" to the Mayor's Resolution No. 267-98, and
'`Yes" in support of the people's, Resolutiou No. 309-98.
"lhauk you. /
~~GQ
Kenn Acdal
P. O. Boz 955
Honokaa HI 96727
Ph: 775-0948