11-06-2009, 02:21 AM
In the Hawaii Tribune story, the value of the Hamakua lands is based on 'highest and best use' according to the appraiser, Ted Yamamura. The article did not define this, but it is my guess that it was not agricultural use. If this is true, the land would need to be sold to a developer for conversion to commercial properties, residential or industrial use in order to realise the highest possible price. Seems to me that the Mayor and the County Council need to look for other ways to recoup revenue rather than get involved in what could be a politically disastrous sale of these lands. Election time is coming up, folks.