2018-02-22 Letter to Donovan M. Dela Cruz and Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran re SB 2168 Relating to Improtant Agricultural Lands (2)

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Harry Kim Mayor (gOutif12 ffi rr ii allot 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 Wil Okabe Alanaging Director Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director February 22, 2018 Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair Committee on Ways and Means Hawail State Capitol, Room 211 Honolulu, HI 96813 Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Vice -Chair Committee on Ways and Means Hawaii State Capitol, Room 211 Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Chair Dela Cruz, Vice -Chair Keith-Agaran and Committee Members: Re: SB 2168 Relating to Important Agricultural Lands Hearing Date: 02/28/18 — 11:00 am; Conference Room 211 Thank you for this opportunity to comment on SB 2168 dealing with Important Agricultural Lands, The County of Hawaii's General Plan and various Community Development Plans have goals, objectives, and policies consistent with preserving viable and productive agricultural land for farming and ranching. This County supports the intent of JAL, and any funding assistance from the state is welcomed, but offer some concerns and suggested a endments to SB 2168. There are a number of issues that will not be resolved by this bill at s proposed funding level: • The County of Hawaii has more than 1.2 million acres designated as state land use (SLU) agriculture, far more than any other county (followed by Maui having just over 400,000 acres on its three islands). • With other critical priorities in play, this County does not foresee having the staff, funds, or capacity in the coming years to initiate the JAL study and extensive landowner and public outreach required by Act 183, especially given the size of our island. • Pursuant to HRS 205-45, Landowners can, at any time in the process, file a petition and lock out the county proceedings, thereby rendering moot any analysis, time, and expense already incurred by the counties. County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.