HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0047.006 2018-2020 Pt Cwnci 1
COUNTY CLERK
comm.47
COUPITY OF HAWAII
From: Peat O"Neil
To: Council Testimony ^C�m9: %
Subject: Testimony RE: Bill 10 and Funds for Public Improvements related v Daage
illDate: Saturday,January 05,2019 10:19:17 AM
January 5, 2019
To: The Council of the County of Hawaii:
I've read that part of the General Plan for Puna supports tourism and also aims to
foster sustainable agriculture.
This would be even more powerful if the General Plan included "agricultural
tourism" or "agro-tourism" which has brought prosperity and increased numbers of
incoming visitors to rural areas in Iceland, Italy, New Zealand, Canada, Slovenia
and other nations. There are even a few forward-looking U.S. states marketing ago-
tourism.
Affluent leisure travelers in the 21st century seek authentic experiences and
Hawai'i, particularly Puna, will profit by branding with the trend focused on
agriculture and culinary adventures. [See:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2018/06/15/agritourism-8-farm-
and-food-experiences-usa/702848002/].
With its unique growing conditions, tropical fruit and flora, plus the newest land on
the planet, Lower Puna is a treasure to nurture, sustain and share. Sustainable
agriculture and culinary education can be highlights for visitors, along with the
allure of black sugar-sand beaches and thermal waters.
Hawaii Tourism, Aloha! (aka Hawaii Tourism Authority) can provide financial
assistance, while the agriculture and agro-forestry specialists from the College of
Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, the Hawai'i Community College and
UH-Hilo can assist farmers, restaurant owners and local tourism facilitators through
the process of developing the hands-on educational elements and story telling that
the world's best international agro-tourism provides for their travel customers.
Rebuild Route 132. Please. Malama 'aina.
The bounty of international tourism will reward visionary leaders and reanimate the
Puna community.
Respectfully submitted,
L. Peat O'Neil
14-4091 Pahoa Kapoho Road
Pahoa, HI 96778 r^
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