[DEBATE] Once again, land developers are lining up to destroy, or at least emasculate, the Land Use Commission (LUC), the state agency charged with protecting the state’s agricultural lands. Since the Commissions creation in 1961, developers have tried many times to emasculate or even kill it outright. Bills are currently moving through the state House of Representatives to do exactly that. But largely missing from the attacks on the LUC is the simple idea that the conversion of ag land to commercial and residential development should be difficult and time-consuming. Once given over to developers, land used to grow food is lost forever. This week, the Maui County Planning Department is sponsoring a free debate on the question of “reforming” the LUC. Of course, the LUC has had its problems—many of its commissioners over the years have had ties to land development—but the reality of a “streamlined” process allowing builders to tear across the islands is a little scary. For more information, call the county Planning Department at 270-7735. [ANTHONY PIGNATARO]
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