Yes, it's true! The Research Corporation of the University of Hawai'i (RCUH) on Friday withdrew its Use Determination Application from the Lana'i Planning Commission!
As you know, they were seeking to use agricultural lands for massive experimental stratospheric drones in partnership with global high tech corporations.
You, my dear friends, sent HUNDREDS of emails opposing the giant 5G drones and caused UH to immediately drop 5G from the project.
Then Hawaiian cultural practitioners Sol Kaho'ohalahala, Lynette Kaopuiki and La'ikealoha Soriano-Hanog, represented by attorneys Lance D. Collins and Bianca Isaki, petitioned the Commission to intervene in the application and hold a contested case regarding the industrial use of lands zoned for agriculture as well as impacts to traditional and customary Native Hawaiian rights.
And you, my dear friends, nearly a THOUSAND of you, signed the petition to stop the drones and turned out in impressive numbers in August to the County Council meeting and testified with such passion and profound clarity. I'm so proud of you!
The project also received a notice of violation for constructing the second airstrip without county permits or approvals.
Also last month Lance Collins wrote to Planning Director Michele McLean questioning whether the Commission could entertain the application or petitions until an environmental assessment (EA) had been completed because RCUH is a state agency and this typically triggers an EA.
Is it over, you may ask?
Well, it's hard to say for sure but, with no application, this chapter is over. We made HUGE progress in protecting our land and sea and skies in Maui County. Yay us!
Thank you ALL and Bless You for your service of the greater good.
Mahalo,
Debra