Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 29, Number 8, 1 August 2012 — Help protect Hawaiʻiʻs rich natural and cultural places [ARTICLE]

Help protect Hawaiʻiʻs rich natural and cultural places

Last year the Hawai'i state Legislature passed a law granting the Public Land Development Corporation (PLDC) exemptions from a wide range of Hawai'i's laws. The exemptions include laws related to public heahh and safety, workers' rights, natural and eultural resource protection, and the preservation of Native Hawaiian traditional and customary rights. This month the PLDC will hold statewide public hearings on their draft administrative rules governing the PLDC's activities. This is an important opportunity for all concerned to voice the need for the PLDC to adopt rules that would include limits on the PLDC's exemptions and require PLDC projects to: »Abide by existing building codes to protect public safety » Preserve significant natural and cultural resources » Protect Native Hawaiian traditional and customary rights

Attend the PLDC's hearings and share your concerns: »Aug. 20 at 6 p.m. in Hilo, Waiākea High School cafeteria »Aug. 21 at 6 p.m. in Kona, Konawaena High School cafeteria »Aug. 24 at 6 p.m. on Maui, Maui Waena Intermediate cafeteria » Aug. 27 at 6 p.m. on Moloka'i, Mitchell Pauole Community Center » Aug. 29 at 6 p.m. in Honolulu, Kalanimoku Building, Land Board Conference Room 132 » Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. on Kaua'i, Wilcox Elementary School The PLDC is also accepting written testimony through Sept. 14, 2012. Email testimony to randal.y.ikeda@hawaii.gov or mail testimony to P.O. Box 2359, Honolulu, HI 96804. ■