COM 0644.000 2020-2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Kanehoa, the son of the original recipient of the land, and the land is also within a very short walking distance of the historic rock (now a monument) where the stillborn King Kamehameha III was prayed over by Kapihe until the infant king moved and cried. • Protection of Natural Resources: By purchasing this property, the County of Hawaii will protect and preserve from exploitation and damage this historically culturally important site and the surrounding bay with its marine life. • Protection of. . . Beaches, Coastal Areas, and Natural Beauty: An admittedly small but precious plot of land, the Keauhou property represents the last of King Kamehameha's legacy for his people. The parcel literally and figuratively symbolizes the natural beauty of Keauhou Bay, its coastline teeming with fish, and its fertile and verdant land. These were the gifts that Kamehameha intended to be given to his people—past, present, and future. Upon his deathbed, Kamehameha's last words were: "E oni wale no `oukou i ku'u pono `a'ole e pau" ("Endless is the good that I have given you to enjoy"). By purchasing this property for the County of Hawai'i, this land will be protected and stewarded for the people in perpetuity, as Kamehameha desired it would be. Significance and Management • Numerous community members have written letters to the PONC Commission to support the purchase of the Keauhou property. Some writers are lineal descendants of the original owners to whom Kamehameha Nui awarded the property. Other writers are local residents who feel a great affinity to the property because of its beauty and cultural history. Still other writers are those who wish to assist in the maintenance of this property. • Mr. Edward Rapoza, one of four present owners, has already spoken to a number of Keauhou Bay stake holders and has assisted them in forming a "Keauhou Bay Kuleana" to maintain the property. He has further demonstrated his support and commitment to the community group by pledging to donate an initial funding to "assist the County in future management should the parcels become part of the open space program." Community letters received from Mr. Rapoza and from some of the stake holders verify that the group is organized and is determined to care for the property. • Urgency: The property has already been cleaned and prepared for sale. In addition, both water lines and electrical lines have been installed to potentially build two homes (one on each property). Mr. Rapoza has already stated clearly that he and the three other owners would like PONC to purchase this property for the people of the Big Island, but if PONC chooses to forego the purchase, he and the owners will sell the property on the open market. This will be PONC's only opportunity to purchase this special property, as it is the only remaining lot on the bay that can be sold. All other lots are owned by Kamehameha Schools or by private owners who have already built homes on their property and do not wish to sell. 1 .32