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d s ~ Fobby Jean Leithead -Todd, Chair Planning Committee County Council REC~Iv'E~ 25 Aupuni Street Plme_-------- - , BY-- - I~11o, I~awai'i 96720 ~4e~..~---~~nty-Ccunsil-_--~~ TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF OPEN SPACE AT KO][~ANAIKI Aloha Chair Leithead-Todd and Members of the Planning Committee, My name is Karen doff, I am a resident of Kona and have been worizing with the Kohanail~i `Ghana since 1990 to protect our coastal resources and cultural practicea_ I would lilze to talze this opportunity to thanlz Mayor Harry Kim, Planning Director Chris Yuen, Norman Hayashi -and all of those who have worlxed long and bard to come up with meaningful changes to the County General Plan. Of special interest and concern to our organization are those changes for Kohanailxi and `O'oma_ These open natural areas are community treasures. Families come to these shores to surf, swim, camp, fiat and gather for subsistence. There are very few other places where these family build- ing activities talge place. There are anchialine ponds and wetlands, endangered plants and animals as well as hundreds of historical sites at Kohanailxi and `O'oma The Kohanailzi `Ghana formed in 1990 to support Angel Pilago in leis resolve to bring to the attention of our planners the intimate connection between the I-Iawaiian culture and our environment and to oppose plena for resort and golf course development on these shores. Aa d Yeault, permits were never granted for development at Kohanailzi and `O'oma was never re zoned. Since that time, we Dave worized to preserve and protect our open natural coastal areas, our cultural sites, and our Public Trust resources for the benefit of all residents and visitors to the island. A recent survey conducted by the University of Hawaii, revealed that both residents and visitors ranlx the preservation of our natural coastlines, natural areas, and cultural sites as top priority. The changes to the General Plan reflect a new sensitivity on the part of our County planners to the needs of our communities. Thanl~ you for giving us hope that our future will give rise to more protected open apace, pariza, recreational areas, cultural sites and open shoreline areas. The revisions to the General Plan offer us a chance to protect what is unique and special about Hawaii. PCl. Bmse47S3 • K€~~~~t!-~~.~si'G745 • X1(808)325-084~• (808J.325~322 ~ ~ t €r~#'~Fu~ner O V