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+--- Thread: Bill 132 (transparency) First Reading & Testimony (/showthread.php?tid=6338)
Bill 132 (transparency) First Reading & Testimony - Rob Tucker - 10-22-2009
I was present at Council chambers yesterday and testified on behalf of FoPF in support of Bill 132 which calls for county land sales of over ten acres to be approved by council.
This bill is strongly opposed by Mayor Kenoi and the Yoshimoto crew at Council.
The bill is strongly supported by residents of Hamakua (who would first be affected by land sales), the council minority of Hoffman, Yagong and Ford and a wide variety of other citizens and groups.
I was impressed, educated and humbled by the quality of the testimony coming from the Hawaiian Hamakua community. It is often said that the local Hawaiian folks don't like to step into the council limelight and testify in contentious matters. It's not their way.
This time was different.
Woman by man they spoke eloquently and with wisdom and emotion.
I was very taken with a cultural theme that when a person approaches forest for anything they first ask permission of the forest. When a person approaches ocean they first ask permission of the ocean. When a person approaches a community they first ask permission of the community. The Hawaiian community of Hamakua is afraid of who might spend several million to acquire lands in the heartland of Hamakua. They want to know who. Price and terms of sale were not mentioned.
This was powerful stuff. Memorable and laden with mana.
Emily was affected and was about to switch her vote. This left Bill 132 locked with four for and four against (Greenwell was absent).
A tactic to move the Bill forward for more community input (hearings) passed.
Bill 132 survives for the moment and shows a gathering of strength and momentum.
A most interesting and informative afternoon.