HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0349.874 2006-2008
Aloha and thank you for the opportunity to speak in opposition to Resolution 169-07.
I have lived in Ka'u for over six years and have given much of my retirement life to the I{a'u Community. The
Mission of Na'alehu Main Street, of which I am president, is to combine historical preservation with economic
viability. I saw a real need to bring jobs and sustainability into an area hit badly by the closure of the sugaz
plantation. I established the Ka'u Farmers' Market in 2001 to bring income to families in need and an
opportunity to socialize. I opened up an Internet Caf6 in Na alehu to help people find jobs, educate them on
computer use including a-bay, gave classes on grant writing, scholarships, resume writing, extended learning
and job placement through Work Force Development Program. We even tutor students in English and Math.
I could go on for another hour or two about what my husband and I and our non-profit have done for the people
of Ka'u. But my point is that, during all the years since the sugaz industry folded, what has the County done to
bring jobs for the people of Sa'u? Since 1996 when the last plantation closed, no one came to bat for these
people.lf you don't want any development, then you had better plan how you are going to support the next few
yeazs of school leavers. Families have to move to get jobs or have to commute on the dangerous roads where
accidents are common. Debbie Wong Yuen spoke to one Pahala resident who commutes daily to Waikaloa on a
little moped But the County is showing it cares about the problem of jobs in Ka'u- it is putting on extra
commuter buses.
I oppose proposition 169-07. It's misleading the people and a disgrace to the process.
Thank you
Mazge Elwell resident of ICa'u
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Ref. To: L'ew~a;1
Ref. Date JUL 2 '20