05-17-2008, 12:51 AM
Rob,
This issue is SO important on Hawaii and everywhere. I am helping to fight 'mass grading' here in the High Desert of CA. There is strength in numbers and the City Government is beginning to listen and act!
I urge everyone to show up at this meeting and SPEAK. Use sound, specific arguments. If you have scientists who can make your case, use them: they make an impact. Color photographs, especially of beautiful areas destroyed or about to be destroyed also have a huge impact. If you coordinate your efforts, you will not only share information, but you will also get the best and most information to your government. If you have endangered native species, speak about the loss of their habitat. It is powerful to write your presentation and hand it and photos to every member of the Council or Commission who is present, as well as the media.
I wish you the best of luck.
Here is what I wrote and sent via email:
"As a property owner on Big Island, I would like to register my support for a revised Grubbing and Grading Ordinance which will prohibit clear-cutting, mass grading and ‘pin-to-pin’ grading on the Big Island of Hawaii. These practices are obsolete, environmentally unsound, unsightly and undesirable for a multitude of reasons.
Sustainability and ‘Smart Design’ are the building practices of the future and the present. Footprint or Spot Grading is the preferable grading method: these practices preserve native species, stop water run-off, support the climate, enhance the beauty and keep intact the character and health of the aina. Most of all it keeps Hawaii uniquely Hawaiian. This, in turn, keeps people coming to Hawaii to visit, vacation and live. Sustainability provides jobs and a health economy.
I urge you to include larger developments in this ordinance as well; I urge you to consider putting limits on the size and scope of development on the Island. Sustainability is the key word of the future: it is the key to survival on the planet and our children’s future.
I urge you to adopt this import legislation before it is too late to save our Native Forest. You will be glad you did when you look back on this important decision."
april
This issue is SO important on Hawaii and everywhere. I am helping to fight 'mass grading' here in the High Desert of CA. There is strength in numbers and the City Government is beginning to listen and act!
I urge everyone to show up at this meeting and SPEAK. Use sound, specific arguments. If you have scientists who can make your case, use them: they make an impact. Color photographs, especially of beautiful areas destroyed or about to be destroyed also have a huge impact. If you coordinate your efforts, you will not only share information, but you will also get the best and most information to your government. If you have endangered native species, speak about the loss of their habitat. It is powerful to write your presentation and hand it and photos to every member of the Council or Commission who is present, as well as the media.
I wish you the best of luck.
Here is what I wrote and sent via email:
"As a property owner on Big Island, I would like to register my support for a revised Grubbing and Grading Ordinance which will prohibit clear-cutting, mass grading and ‘pin-to-pin’ grading on the Big Island of Hawaii. These practices are obsolete, environmentally unsound, unsightly and undesirable for a multitude of reasons.
Sustainability and ‘Smart Design’ are the building practices of the future and the present. Footprint or Spot Grading is the preferable grading method: these practices preserve native species, stop water run-off, support the climate, enhance the beauty and keep intact the character and health of the aina. Most of all it keeps Hawaii uniquely Hawaiian. This, in turn, keeps people coming to Hawaii to visit, vacation and live. Sustainability provides jobs and a health economy.
I urge you to include larger developments in this ordinance as well; I urge you to consider putting limits on the size and scope of development on the Island. Sustainability is the key word of the future: it is the key to survival on the planet and our children’s future.
I urge you to adopt this import legislation before it is too late to save our Native Forest. You will be glad you did when you look back on this important decision."
april
april