HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-03 Testimony Megan Issac(9 Cof!j DNL-i h1t9 (klyl I SS (LC
ITCrI -�
Date: 4/3/24
To: Windward Planning Commission
From: Megan Isaac Magdalene, Hilo resident and STR Operator (12 years)
INITIATOR: COUNTY COUNCIL (PL -CCI -2024-000005) Bill 123, an ordinance
amending Chapter 19, Article 1 and Article 13, Chapter 23, Article 9, and
Chapter 25, Article 1, Article 2, Article 5, and Article 6 of the Hawaii County
Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), relating to 'ohana dwelling units.
Removes each instance of the term "Ohana dwelling" from the County Code
and inserts the term "accessory dwelling unit" and adds provisions for the
establishment of an accessory dwelling unit.
Aloha Commission members:
I feel that Bill 123 represents an example of cultural misappropriation of the worst
kind.
It seems that there is no reason to change the language used. This reflects a time
honored tradition here of family taking care of one another and living together.
This is a reprehensible bill and we have heard no good case for why this is
necessary .
By removing 'Ohana' from the language of the Planning Departments description
of additional dwellings on the property the Council is proposing to erase important
cultural values.
In the hard times we are facing with higher living costs, it will be important for
individuals and for farmers to retain all natural rights and property rights and to be
able to cohabit with family or extended family. This should have no interference
from any branch of legislature nor from any Planning Division policy makers.
I strongly oppose this bill. It is very flawed and it is unjustified. Please do not
recommend that this bill moves forward.
Mahalo,
Megan Isaac Magdalene
�R,c• `d a =8 by�,
lid ._._ Read
COPY