HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-05-22 Bill 122 Megan Isaac From: Megan
To: LPCtestimony
Subject: Testimony opposing Bill 122 and Bill 123
Date: Tuesday, May 21,2024 12:02:24 PM
Aloha Planning Commission members.
I intend to address you all in person tomorrow via Zoom for my presentation to you
of testimony opposing both these bills.
1) Bill 122 - interference in Commerce.
2) Bill 123
My concern here is that this appears to be cultural appropriation of a time honored
cultural practice at the very root of Hawaiian culture that blood family and those
with close ties are 'Ohana' and that we take care of eachother.
The `cultural appropriation' of removing 'Ghana' from the language seems a
strategy to erase the argument for extended family or intentional communities (of
which there are many especially in Puna & Hamakua ). With the need to care for
elders, accommodate the younger generations who are priced out of a dire housing
market the need for the concept of Ohana living together and more generous
zoning permissions to create co-housing has never been greater than now.
Especially on agricultural zoned land, the need for a 'village' to help tend to crops
makes land hundreds of percent points more productive.
Why does the Planning Department and our Council want to see us running in the
opposite direction?
I will also enter into the record that you have been in an absurd position of having
to field testimony that should have been avoided if the bill was properly reviewed
by the sitting Council members.
Megan Isaac
Hilo
808 6408263