HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0099.001 2010-2012 ISSUE land Hamakua
testimony supporting Comm. 99 (Res. 38 -11) re. leasing Hamakua lands
for Hawai'i County Council 9 AM Wednesday, Arpil 6, 2011
by Cory Harden, PO Box 10265, Hilo, Occupied Hawaii 96721, 808- 968 -8965 mh @interpac.net
Thanks to Dominic Yagong for introducing this resolution, and to Mayor Kenoi who reportedly does
not plan to oppose it.
Thank goodness the land didn't sell, so we now have any opportunity to ensure it is used for the
benefit of all.
This resolution is a chance to make things right. Controversy surrounded the 2009 Council vote
FOR selling these lands and AGAINST letting the public know who was buying, for how much, and
for what purpose. Mr. Yagong called that "the saddest day in the history of county government
decisions."' [Hawaii County moves forward on land sale,. West Hawai'i Today, 11- 19 -09]
I support the proposed land uses--"diversified agriculture, renewable energy development, pastoral
use, eco- tourism, workforce housing, agricultural education and training" jReso. 38 -11] Of course
we'd need to ensure the definitions don't get stretched, and "workforce housing" doesn't become a
Steve Shropshire development, and "eco- tourism" doesn't become that illegal operation with
paving and a helicopter pad on Honolii Stream.
I support the ban on "research, development, production, or cultivation of genetically modified
organism (GMO) products ". [Reso. 38 -11] Bad enough that Monsanto got Moloka'i.
I also support giving the Council final say in who is allowed to lease the land —a complete and
welcome turnaround from the 2009 decision.
Comm. No. 4 / 9 • / _
Ref. To: Peli zoi
4ef. Date APR 6 ttff