HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-11-21 Rita Wong Testimony From: Gary Wono
To: LPCtestimonv
Subject: Revise Hawaii General Plan Testimony Here
Date: Thursday,November 21,2024 9:02:25 AM
Here are some concerns:
The word"Stakeholder"defined in the plan,is written 86 times and literally means anyone in the entire world can
have input on this plan.
Please recommend Stakeholder change to the following:"Local Communities". Local Communities are local Big
Island farmers,homeowners,renters,organizations,businesses,and individuals who live on Big Island or have
property on Big Island that will be personally affected by projects,decisions,or activities in the general plan.
Effective local community engagement and management are crucial for the success and sustainability of any
initiative,as it helps ensure that diverse perspectives and interests are considered.
Hilo does not have a Community Development Plan. How can a Big Island General Plan move forward without
that? Hilo is 22%of the island.
This plan wants to tum land into"conservation". The exact opposite is what is needed for Big Island! We need to
tum land into Ag Villages and grow more food! Steve Shropshire,a resident of Papaikou,has created an Ag
Villages plan.
1.13 under"Increase the biodiversity and resilience of native habitats"reads,"incentivize private land management
practices that protect and enhance natural resource values and,when appropriate,pursue the acquisition of lands for
the protection of natural resources." "Incentives"mean more taxes. "Protection"means more rules. Who's
"values"is this plan referring to because it's not the locals? "Pursue the acquisition of lands"does this say they are
going to pursue taking people's private property? Again with"protection of natural resources". This plan should be
focused on people growing more food and it is doing the exact opposite.
Thank-you
Rita Wong