HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0488.056 2008-2010
Hawaii County Council
November 2, 2009
Re: Bill 132
Good evening council members and chairman Yoshimoto. Thank you so much
for giving me the opportunity to speak today. I am a third generation big island boy. My
great Aunt was born in Puna in 1897. My grandmother was born in Olaa sugar plantation
in 1916. My great grandfather ran the plantation store. My grandfather and my father
were dairy fanners on the Hamakua Coast. My wife grew up in Paauhau Plantation
Camp and my mother in law still lives there and is very proud of it.
I am here to speak in opposition of Bill 132. I believe Bill 132 is not about
transparency, it is a fight over control and a tool to obstruct the sale of the Hamakua
lands. Remember, these lands were transferred to the County in lieu of Real Property
Tax Debt. Property tax debt to be used for county services for the entire island and not
only for Hamakua. We are now facing unpredicted budget shortfalls and as we can see
from yesterday's front page, essential services are facing massive cuts. The council has
approved these properties to be sold and the mayor has included the sale as part of his
budget.
These lands have been in the county's ownership and control for the past fifteen
years and nothing has been done. No economic activity that would create jobs and no
generation of real property taxes for our county. If something was going to be done,
don't you think fifteen years would be enough time to get things going?
The bill does simply one thing; it requires any potential buyer to come before the
council to get there intended use and all future plans approved prior to your approval.
Let's use an example of this requirement for a residential lot. Say, in order to
purchase a residential lot, buyer would first have to have all house plans and landscaped
plans completed and know how many people intend to occupy the premises and to
disclose all potential uses. Buyer would then have public hearings with the county
council and neighbors who already have there homes and landscaping completed. Buyer
would then be required to get everyone's approval including the council's approval prior
to buyer been approved for purchase. Would many people put themselves through the
process, I don't think so.
The only thing this bill is going to do is discourage potential buyers. Ultimately,
we will not get the best prices for these properties. That will hurt our Community.
If your intention is not to sell the lands or to obstruct the sales of the Hamakua
lands then Bill 132 is your vehicle.
The sale of county lands is already an open process and with the zoning already in
place the County has safeguards for the future use of the land. If you don't like any of
the uses permitted on agriculture zoned land you need to change the zoning code and not
single out these potential buyer's and make them have a different set of rules. If any
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purchaser wants to change the zoning or use they would be required to come to you for
your approval.
I ask the council today to please look at Bill 132 for what it is. It is not about
transparency, it is about control and obstruction of the Hamakua lands sales. Please have
the courage to appose this bill.
Thank you,
Chris Brilhante
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