HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0607.006 2008-2010
Hawai'i County Council
25 Aupuni St. Hilo
9 AM Wed., Dec. 2, 2009
Cory Harden, Sierra Club, Moku Loa group, PO Box 1137, Hilo, Hawaii 96721
808-968-8965, mh(d-)interpac.net
opposing item 2, Res. 268-09
The reaction, when I asked two long-term, politically experienced Sierra Club people if we should
do away with Land Use Commission (LUC), was horror.
Abolishing LUC is penny-wise and pound-foolish. We would be set up for long-term economic
losses, bulldozing and building on agricultural lands, pollution in oceans, destruction of trails, and
desecration of Hawaiian burials-as when Hokulia avoided LUC oversight.
Huge projects can increase State taxes when they generate a demand for more highways,
sewage systems, schools, and libraries-things County decision-makers might not consider.
Ms. Naeole is concerned that Maui's agriculture land has turned into millionaire estates. But no
LUC would mean one less watchdog for agriculture.
Mr. Yagong favors home rule. But LUC allows County decisions at an appropriate level--on
parcels under 15 acres, and on rezoning, subdivision, and building permits.
Mr Hiyashi feels our County has the staff and knowledge to take over from LUC. But our County
can't afford biologists dedicated to preserving natural resources like the State can. And the high
rollers, who can afford large acreages, can also afford very convincing consultants to influence
County officials.
According to the State Senate, "The state's highly productive agricultural lands are
jeopardized by normal economic laws which encourage land owners to place their own
particular pieces of land to the most profitable current use for which they can find a market."
[S. Stand. Comm. Rep. No. 937, 1961 Senate Journal 883.]
According to the LUC website, "in 1961, the Hawaii State Legislature determined that a lack of
adequate controls had caused the development of Hawaii's limited and valuable land for
short-term gain for the few while resulting in long-term loss to the income and growth potential
of our State's economy. Development of scattered subdivisions, creating problems of
expensive yet reduced public services, and the conversion of prime agricultural land to
residential use [think Puna], were key reasons for establishing the state-wide zoning system.
To administer this state-wide zoning law, the Legislature established the Land Use
Commission."
LUC gives the land another watchdog-a strong one. LUC allows intervenors to present witnesses,
cross-examine witnesses of other parties; and have standing to appeal decisions to the Circuit
Court. LUC gives us decision-makers who don't get campaign donations from bulldoze-and-build
people, because LUC members are appointed, not elected. LUC takes a statewide perspective on
land use and coastal zone management.
Please support LUC.
Comm. No. o T (p
def. To:
Ref. Date .,DEC 2 0 .