HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0489.759 2018-2020 COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAII
RECEIVED
From: Steve Sakala Time (23jJ9111 By fra
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Support for Bill 101 Date 0430/0011
Date: Saturday, December 28,2019 7:53:21 PM
Aloha County Council,
I want to take a moment to thank you for passing Bill 101. Unfortunately, I will not be able to
make the January 8th haring so I wanted to submit my written comments.
Starting as a young farmer here on the Big Island 15 years ago I was inspired by the potential
of what Hawaii island could model to the rest of the world.
I served in the Peace Corps after college and spent 4 years in West Africa learning and
assisting with the agriculture systems there. It was clear to me then that agriculture along with
family/Ohana is the foundation of all culture. It was that realization that I dedicated my
passion to creating sustainable agriculture models. I felt as though Hawaii had some of the
best potential for that mission. Being one of the only "developed" tropical locations in the
world gave it a major advantage as well as our remote location.
I have been hopefull over my time here that a herbicide/pesticide would pass through the
council to protect our agricultural lands and sensitive marine ecosystems. These are the very
systems that are now showing signs of collapse. We must not delay these common-sense
measures to protect our community, land and marine life.
I strongly urge you to override Major Kim's veto and pass Bill 101 into law.
Thank you for your time and service to our community.
Best,
Steve Sakala
Steve Sakala
Proprietor Honaunau Farm
www.HonaunauFarm.com
Co-Founder and CEO Mana Artisan Botanics
www,ManaB otani cs.conn
Comm. No 14P1111
Ref. To: Pi etUn(AI
Ref. Date JAN - 8 2020