HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0842.011 2010-2012 Page 1 of 1.
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From: Beth McCormick[onionhousehawaii @earthlink.net]
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Sent: Sunday, September 30, 2012 6:54 PM ,
To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Resolution #302-12 SUSTAINABLE LIVING RESEARCH SITES
Dear Council Members,
I am writing in support of Sustainable Habitat Building Code resolution 167-11. I support the initiative proposed in
the SUSTAINABLE LIVING RESEARCH SITES Resolution 302-12.
We at the Permaculture Foundation of Hawaii would like to do research and demonstration
projects aimed at developing sustainable building techniques using locally sourced wood. The
aim is to share building designs that will allow others to construct sturdy, inexpensive, and
aesthetically pleasing structures using local materials that are currently overlooked, such as
waiawi, or strawberry guava. This would have the added benefit of harvesting an invasive plant
from ohia forests, which opens up habitat for native species. By finding a practical use for
waiawi, the forest would be benefitted, and people would be able to help themselves achieve
economic stability by creating their own agricultural buildings.
The cost of construction under the current Building Code is unaffordable for many small
farmers. If Hawaii is to become more self-sufficient producing its own food supply, it is
important for these efforts at agriculture and sustainable living be encouraged, since the high
cost of getting started is one of the main obstacles.
Many people who have built or purchased homes that are unpermitted would like to come into
compliance. The current building code does not allow Hawaiian-style indigenous architecture,or Organic
Architecture. If these alternative types of buildings are done well,they could give the island more of a"sense of
place"rather than the depressingly generic look of many of the current buildings being constructed.
Please support this resolution, and work towards an ordinance.
Aloha pumehana,
Beth McCormick
The Permaculture Foundation of Hawaii
Comm. No. 8" �I___ ..
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10/1/2012