HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1062.023 2006-2008
Salutations:
Today, I am not here to support or reject the building of the Waste to Energy
facility. Indebting our County to the tune of $125 million plus, requires
thoughtful deliberation void of emotional considerations.
In reading the West Hawaii Today and from what I have been able to gather
from presentations, the Country Council is having these Public Hearings in
an effort to solicit input from the public. As I understand, public input so far
has been mainly for or against the facility.
I would like to suggest to the Council that they be more aggressive in
soliciting "CONCERNS" that the public may have in regards to this
facility. So often we read in the papers where a larger number of people
either supported or rejected the matter being presented. The impression
given is that the Council is obligated to vote in concert with the majority on
each subject matter. To do so in this case would be a travesty.
However, to solicit concerns, have them numbered and categorized into
subject matters would help the Council and the public during Council
debate. For instance, the concern of costs could be a subject matter and be
debated pro and con. Environmental issues could be another subject matter
for Council debate. These Council debates should address the publics'
concerns and lead to a more rational, understandable, decision.
Remember, in 1972, the money and easements were in place to build the
Waimea bypass. A few public voices convinced the administration to hold
off on that project and today we experience the results.
$80 million was available to build the Alii Highway in Kona but 282 people
attended the public hearing and preferred "A two lane meandering Parkway"
instead of the planned four lane highway. The administration conceded, re
designed the plans to accommodate the public, one thing led to the next and
today, Kona wants relief from traffic congestion minus the $80.million.
The decision you make must be based on what is best for the County in the
long run addressing the concerns expressed by the public and void of
emotional ranting.
Leningrad Elarionoff 10 (02. L3
Ref. To:, Praeet~~ft
Ref. Date APR 7 2008