HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0154.005 2010-2012 Re: Bill 311 Ocean View Transfer Station - Support
April 6, 2011, Wednesday; Hawaii County Council -Hilo
Thank you for the opportunity to testify on Bi11311. In life there are four certainties: birth, taxes, death
and garbage.
I am testifying as the County Facilitator for most of the community meetings held by the County's Nelson
Ho in Ocean View on the proposed Transfer Station. I suggested a Task Force to seek a consensus view
and even held meetings in my house when the issues got heated.
I strongly believe that Ocean View should have a Transfer Station. It surely has the most need for such a
station. It is unreasonable to expect Ocean View residents to drive to Waiohinu (-24 miles round trip)
or South Kona(-60 miles) especially when gas prices are so high. Without a Transfer Station, the
temptation is high to dump garbage on the nearest street corner, and this is a health issue that has been
well documented with aerial photographs.
In the meetings, several sites were proposed and well researched by Nelson and the County staff. The
issues at each were debated at length, and a clear consensus was reached, supported by >95% of those
expressing an opinion. There was vocal and strong opposition, but from very few.
Public testimony was sought and given AT LENGTH, and everyone had a chance to have their say.
The issue of a Transfer Station in Ocean View has been dragging along for too long. Now I urge the
Council to finally take action and build it. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to find a
location that will satisfy the majority. The cost of building supplies is going up daily.
It ought to be one of the highest priorities for the Council, even in tough economic times.
Mahalo kakou
Marge Elwell
P.O. Box 1043
Naalehu, HI 96772
marge c hawaii.rr.com
(808)929 -7236 (H)
(808)557 -8931 (C)
(808)557 -8100 (C)
cam. No. /SIX
Ref. T o : �� �,
Ref. Ddte PR 6 2 011