Anyone interested in mauka to makai land and water use preservation and planning should take bold action like Senator Jill Tokuda did and oppose SB 1318 SD 1. Tokuda seems to be the lone ranger of Costal Zone Management protection and understands that its repeal removes most statutory protections for our beaches. SB 1318 SD1 relating to planning and economic development titled, "Coastal Zone Management; State Planning; Repeal" does just that: "repeals the chapters relating to coastal zone management and state planning, and transfers the authority and functions of the office of planning to DBEDT" despite DBEDT's public opposition to this proposed action. Unfortunately, SB 1318 SD 1 just crossed over to the House and made the Monday, March 16, 9:00 AM agenda for the Committee on Water, Land, and Ocean Resources. One can only hope our Representatives read SB 1318 SD1 and quickly understand the need to oppose it like Senator Tokuda did. Please help protect the state Office of Planning and the Costal Zone Management program from the pressures of the State's economic development arm. Contact your Representative today and ask them to oppose SB 1318 SD1.

Elizabeth Reilly, Hawaii Kai