HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0176.094 2006-2008
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PUNA SOIL and WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
154 WAIANUENUE AVE. - RM. 322 HILO, HAWAII 96720
TESTIMONY BEFORE THE HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL ON
BILL 51
RELATING TO AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 27, FLOOD
CONTROL, HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983 (2005) EDITION,
RELATING TO STORMWATER MANAGEMENT.
PRESENTED BEFORE HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING
HILO, HAWAII
JUNE O1, 2005
Chairman Hoffmann and Members of the Council:
STRONGLY OPPOSE.
My name is Loren Mochida, GenQral Manager of Tropical Hawaiian Products (THP)
in Keaau, Hawaii. THP is a processor and exporter of Hawaiian Premium papayas
to CONUS and Japan. I also serve as the Chairman for the Puna Soil and Water
Conservation District (SWCD), which I am representing today.
We are strongly opposed to Bi1151, (Proposed Amendments to Draft 2), in its
present form. It appears that the County Council intends to control development
and growth along the floodways and flood hazard zones in Weat Hawaii. Although
intentions of this Bill are commendable, it also adds elements that exceed the
requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program and may create undue
burdens for farmers and ranchers on the Big Island.
The proposed statement in article 4, section 27-18(c)(6) which basically states that
lands with slopes exceeding 10% will limit the land owner to developing only 20% of
the total area. This 20% limit will bring upon severe economic constraints to our
island's farmers and ranchers. They will not be able to expand, or to a certain
extent maintain older farm/ranch land and remain competitive. Also, will the
farmers and ranchers who obtain grading and grubbing exemptions from their
respective SWCD be exempt from the changes?
The proposed statement in article 4, section 27-20 (g) essentially states that all flood
control structures in new agricultural subdivisions be designed to retain all rainflaltl
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up to a 100-year storm event on the agriculture land on which the rainfall fell. This
standard will virtually destroy future agriculture on the Big Island as this standard
alone will make farming economically unfeasible. This proposal is generally
unattainable as a 100-year storm event has the ability to cause major damage that
human beings can do nothing to control.
We urge the Council not to consider this bill in its present form as a few issues
present a brand new set of challenges to farmers and ranchers. The
recommendation is to send the current amendment back to Committee until
thoroughly reviewed by all interested parties.
Thank you for this opportunity to testify on this Bill.