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Home My WebLink AboutCOM 0845.001 2010-2012 �S F 1;4'is.. �� 6i'e, Email: dyagon@co.hawaii.hi.us DOMINIC YAGONG Phone: (808) 961-8264 Council Chairperson ;.: ,�„ �&;.,..V::•- Fax (808) 961-8912 Council District 1 -.T.r Hawaii County Council County of Hawai`i 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 a Date: October 1, 2012 To: Members of the Hawai`i County Coun D prom: Dominic Yagong, Chairperson " Re: Presentation by Third Thursday Thrive regarding the Low amak Ditch Please find attached a hard copy of the PowerPoint presentation to be given by Third Thursday Thrive regarding the Lower Hamakua Ditch, on the October 2, 2012 meeting of the Committee on Agriculture, Water and Energy Sustainability. Warmest Aloha! DY/bc Comm.N C / Serving the Interests of the People of Our Island Ref.To: G Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer Ref. Dote Presenters: Edie Bikle Mitch Evans Chelsea Yagong Fernando Salas Margaret Wille Presentation to County Council on the Lower Hamakua Ditch 10/2/ 12 Background • The State of Hawai'i needs to manage and maintain the LHD to supply water for agriculture and other future uses. • The LHD is in need of repair,restoration,and flood-proofing. • Agencies worked with local community and created 2002 MoA: • Based on 1999 environmental study. • Agreed to retain the open waterway feature. • Rejected alternative of covering a major section of LHD. • In 2006,several agencies drafted a new MOA: • Revised Memo referred to 1999 environmental study. • But described a new plan to enclose a section of LHD using buried pipe. • However,the State now plans to • Install a polyethylene pipe into the cut stone and cement LHD and bury the waterway. Key Issue: Transparency • The air,water and'aina of the land are a jointly owned commons:all residents of Hawaii Island have a constitutional claim to this commons. • Hamakua residents also have a natural right to influence decisions affecting preservation of their heritage. • The May 2006 Hamakua Agricultural Plan states: • Maintain and preserve the Lower Hamakua Ditch system; • Leverage all opportunities to create maximum use of LHD • Have the community acknowledge and honor the role the LHD has played in its past as well as in the present and future." Key Issue: Transparency • The State is currently acquiring the LHD easement through negotiated settlements and actions in condemnation • Residents are concerned the State will proceed with its"pipe and bury" plan without allowing the Hamakua community to weigh in. • Existing Funding does not require burying • Residents are best served by an inclusive community dialog on decisions affecting local quality of life and existing watershed ecosystems. History, and Culture • • The LHD provides a connection to the plantation life it once served • The LHD is an eligible state historic site#50-10-7,8,9-7513 by the State DLNR's Historic Preservation Office(SHPO). • In 2009 an assistant State DLNR SHPO archeologist,inspected the LHD and argued against the replacement"pipe and bury"plan: • "The open waterway,aside from the ecological concerns,is a stunning example of its kind.It is an historic site under criteria A,C and D.It is used as a public walk...It is a uniquely peaceful,accessible and well- preserved piece of history and for that reason alone I would argue against piping it and filling it in." (April 22,2009 Memorandum) History, and Culture, continued • • The County understands importance of preserving historic cultural assets: • General Plan 2005)has a key goal,to"Protect,Restore,and enhance the sites,buildings,and objects,of significant historical and cultural importance to Hawaii". (CHGP 2005,as amended 2009 • The State also understands need to protect culture and history: • "Planning for the State's physical environment shall be directed towards...enhancement of Hawaii's...multi-cultural/historical resources;"and to"Protect those special areas,structures,and elements that are an integral and functional part of Hawaii's ethnic and cultural heritage." (Hawaii State Planning Act,HRS§226-12) • Need to apply these in this case of the LHD The LHD is a unique ecosystem. • Supports three rare species: • Blue dragon-fly,blue-crested heron,and ducks only found elsewhere on Maui. • Supports the food supply for these species: • Tilapia,crayfish,limu,guppies. • The 2006 plan to enclose the ditch: • Will eliminate this environment.There is no other free-flowing water in this area. • Will adversely affect existing watershed and unique ecosystem around it. • Was made without a revised environmental impact analysis. he Future •The potential uses of the LHD epitomize community sustainability: • Economic • Ecotourism • Energy self-sufficiency • Socio-cultural • Historic heirloom • Community sense of place • Environmental • Protect watershed • Unique ecosystem. Request to the Council • Let us: • Engage the State and others in an adult conversation • Together promote the State's legitimate concerns without destroying this community asset. • Consider all available options for maintaining the LHD in the best interests of the community and its environment. • The Community Development Plan normally would provide us with a voice through the CDP Committee. • The Hamakua CDP is not completed-no committee. • Request the County Council and Mayor advocate for our concerns. Request to the Council • We request that County Council ask State for a public process before it makes irrevocable decisions. • May include updating 1999 EIS and holding the required public hearings for agricultural irrigation projects(Section 171-17). • Request that the State delay final LHD decisions until a Hamakua CDP Action Committee is created,to allow community to consider alternatives.