Letters 2-3-2013

Act 97

Support its repeal

Hawaii County leads the statewide effort to repeal Act 97 and Act 55

Mahalo Brenda Ford for introducing the repeal Act 97 resolution that recently passed the full council unanimously. I want to recognize and thank the more than 80 people who took time off work, came to the various offices, and signed up to testify for repeal of Act 97. The entire council listened to our community’s concerns and with a unanimous vote endorsed repeal of Act 97.

We want to acknowledge Mayor Billy Kenoi for supporting repeal of act 97. The planning director testified in support of the resolution for repeal. After the meeting, she conveyed to us that the mayor would also like to see Act 97 repealed.

Act 97 removed county oversight for geothermal development and eliminated the subzone restriction on where geothermal development can be done. Act 97 stripped county home rule in permitting and eliminated public participation in the process. At the least, the county and affected residents should be involved in the process to decide on or permit developments that impact our communities and our way of life.

We appreciate the community, the council and the administration have found common ground on the need for the county and the community to be involved in decisions affecting our island home. The next step is for us all to work together to repeal Act 97 in the state Legislature.

Robert Petricci

Pahoa

Coffee labeling

What’s the objection?

I am not a farmer, nor do I have any connection with the industry other than I like to know what I am eating and drinking. I am a consumer and 12-year resident of Kona who wonders why it has been so difficult for our local growers and farmers to succeed in getting bills passed requiring stricter labeling requirements.

It might be very telling to know who or what sits in opposition to what appears to me to be a no-brainer.

Judy Armstrong-Burger

Kailua-Kona