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From: Tario Aboufakhr <br /> To: WPCtestimonv <br /> Cc: LPCtestimonv <br /> Subject: Revise Hawaii General Plan Testimony <br /> Date: Thursday,November 21,2024 9:55:37 AM <br /> This raises my eyes.. <br /> Here are some concerns: <br /> 1. The word "Stakeholder," defined in the plan,is written 86 times and literally means anyone in the <br /> entire world can have input on this plan. <br /> Please recommend Stakeholder change to the following: "Local Communities". Local Communities are <br /> local Big Island farmers,homeowners,renters,organizations,businesses, and individuals who live on <br /> Big Island or have property on Big Island that will be personally affected by projects,decisions,or <br /> activities in the general plan. Effective local community engagement and management are crucial for <br /> the success and sustainability of any initiative, as it helps ensure that diverse perspectives and interests <br /> are considered. <br /> 2. The OSCER Department in the plan will null and void all public input and leave decisions to <br /> unelected officials.This is NOT okay! This department should not be created. This is on page 188, <br /> 40.8. <br /> 3. The Planning Department has sent out letters too many homeowners telling them their land use will <br /> be changed from resident to recreation due to the General Plan 2045. This will drastically lower their <br /> property value and opens the door to rezone the area. This is not pono. It breaks the Aloha Spirit law § <br /> 5-7.5. To reduce someone's property value is not okay. This must be made pono again. <br /> 4. There is a huge section on climate change and things that will be affected.This needs to be further <br /> researched. There are over 1900 credentialed scientist that say there is no climate danger. Here is the <br /> pdf showing the scientist and what country they are from. <br /> 5. Hilo does not have a Community Development Plan.How can a Big Island General Plan move <br /> forward without that?Hilo is 22%of the island. <br /> 6. 1.13 under"Increase the biodiversity and resilience of native habitats" reads, "Incentivize private <br /> land management practices that protect and enhance natural resource values and, when appropriate, <br /> pursue the acquisition of lands for the protection of natural resources." 'Incentives" mean more taxes. <br /> "Protection" means more rules. Who's "values" is this plan referring too because it's not the locals? <br /> "Pursue the acquisition of lands" does this say they are going to pursing taking people's private <br /> property?Again with "protection of natural resources". This plan should be focused on people growing <br /> more food and it is doing the exact opposite! <br /> 7. This plan wants to turn land into "conservation". The exact opposite is what is needed for Big Island! <br /> We need to turn land into Ag Villages and grow more food! Steve Shropshire, a resident of Papaikou, <br /> has created an Ag Villages plan. <br /> Ag Village to add to the General Plan: <br /> Papaikou Ag Village Objectives: <br />