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