HomeMy WebLinkAboutBill 161 Forbes, Susan Testimony 07.10.2018July 10, 2018
RE: Hamakua Community Development Plan
Chair Eoff and Members of the County Council Committee on Planning:
I am here to support the Recommended Hamakua Community Development Plan. My name is
Susan Forbes and I live in Hakalau at 29-2283 Old Mamalahoa Highway. I am testifying in
support of this plan as the president of the Hakalau Point Preservation Association.
The recommended Hamakua CDP before you represents nine years of effort by the Planning
Department and the citizens of Hamakua. My first introduction to the CDP was in 2011 in
Wailea at the annual mocha pounding event. Planning Department staff were present to
educate us about the process. This hearing is the 43 d public meeting dealing with the Hamakua
Community Development Plan in a process that has engaged hundreds of residents.
I'd like to make just a few comments about this process and what we have learned.
1. The Planning Department CDP staff members have done an outstanding job of making
sure those living in the area were aware of the process and of the issues. This included a
variety of ways to reach out, educate, listen and gather feedback.
2. There has been great consistency over time in community feedback. The recommended
CDP rings true to the voices of our communities. I know that in the Wailea/Hakalau
community, the planning effort started in 2008, prior to and independent of the CDP
process, and the CDP is consistent with the values and community aspirations expressed
in 2008.
3. There has been controversy and debate over some issues. The Steering Committee
worked through the issues diligently, listening to extensive testimony, conducting
additional research, and evaluating the facts objectively.
4. The Recommended Hamakua Community Development Plan reflects the care taken in
conducting research, listening and collecting feedback.
5. We have learned much from our neighbors in other Hamakua communities. We realize
that the Hamakua communities must work together, actively protecting our culture,
lifestyle, environment, historic sites and scenic views and helping to foster balanced and
appropriate development.
6. The Recommended Hamakua Community Development Plan not only accurately
reflects community feedback, it is an important tool for moving forward.
Thank you for honoring our community voices.
Respectfully,
Suyaw Fo-r(, e. , President
Hakalau Point Preservation Association