HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0095.003 2008-2010
P/cOUNUL
TESTIMONY OF ROBERT T. MATSUDA
March 18, 2009 2009 (~8R 16 PM 1 58
C.01 1),
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Mr. Chairperson and Members of the Hawaii County Council.
My name is Robert T. Matsuda. I was born and raised on Oahu and have been a farmer
for 41 years. I am here to testify because I was a displaced farmer on Oahu as a result of
zoning changes that downsized agricultural lands and set a precedent by rezoning these
lands to residential. I moved to Pana'ewa 24 years ago because of this displacement. I
do not want to be displaced again.
A major consequence of the loss of agricultural lands is the loss of many diversified
farms. It is unconscionable to ignore the evidence of traffic, environmental and other
negative consequences on farming culture. The importance of preserving agricultural
lands cannot be overstated. Hilo cannot become another Oahu.
Mahalo for the opportunity to present this testimony.
ROBERT T. MATSUDA
Comm. No. q s 3
Ref. To:,fresented Ctru
Ref. Date MAR 18 2009