September 3, 1999

The Honorable Daniel K. Akaka
United States Senate
300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 3-106
Honolulu, Hawaii 96850

Dear Senator Akaka,

On behalf of the residents of Village Park, Royal Kunia and Kunia, and the rest of the 42nd district, let me thank you for your efforts to help them find out if their health is threatened by the presence of agricultural pesticides.

Last evening, September 2, 1999, the Department of Health conducted a public meeting at Kaleiopuu School to get input on their draft soil-testing plan. Over 100 residents attended. Let me summarize what we heard:

The $220,000 appropriated by the Hawaii legislature for soil testing is not enough. DOH has had to make compromises in designing the testing process. Their draft plan only provides for obtaining 110 samples from Village Park and West Loch Fairways.

The community wants some subsurface samples taken (3 to 5 feet beneath grade). DOH had proposed only surface samples to maximize the number of samples. DOH asked for a show of hands, and the crowd overwhelmingly supported subsurface testing. DOH said they would comply.

A number of people indicated they were seriously concerned about airborne contamination. We all live with red dust from upwind construction and agriculture. The residents want to know what is in that dust.

 As a member of the House Finance Committee, let me assure you the State does not have the resources to adequately address all their concerns. State government continues to grow even though tax revenues are decreasing.
 

Village Park Cont'd

It might be useful for you to be represented at the next Village Park meeting when the results of the health survey of residents will be discussed. This meeting will be at Kaleiopuu Elementary School at 6:30 p.m. on September 15, 1999.

Our constituents deserve to know the truth. Please contact me at 808-586-8500 if I can be of any further assistance.

Sincerely,
 
 

Mark Moses
Representative
42nd District