COM 0493.101 2000-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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808-524.-8221 Jew ~r®B1tZ F 310 Walhalla Rd ,Columbus, OH 43202 ' ~ ~ - , _ _ ~.IuIX 12, 2002 Chair Planning Committee Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd and Members of the Council Subject: Support for Kohanaiki Open Space Designation Dear Chair Planning Committee Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd and Members of the Council: I support Mayor Kim and Planning Director Yuen's proposed amendment to the County General Plan to place the shoreline at Kohanaiki into the Open Space designation. As a visitor to Hawaii, I fully support the broad cotmnuniry that regularly accesses this area for surfing, fishing and camping and their longstanding stewardship of this precious community resource. It is important to ensure that Kohanaiki is protected from the impacts of exclusive / resore development along the coast for the following reasons: 1. This area is rich in native Hawaiian cultural sites including village areas, sacredlceretnonial areas, anchialine ponds, wetlands and trails as well as habitat for endangered plants, birds and reef fish. 2. The land is adjacent to the Kaloko Honokohau National Park and a poreion of it has been designated to be within the Congressionally Authorized Park boundaries. 3. The local comtnuniry as well as visitors enjoy the beach and coastal area as a prime surfing, fishing, day use and camping spot. 4. The Kohanaiki 'Ghana, Na Keiki He'e Nalu and the Kona community have deYnonstrated commitment to stewardship of the natural and cultural resources for over 12 years, providing bathrooms and trash pick up, beach clean ups, trail and pond restoration projects. Thank you for considering my vote for Open Space along the coast at Kohanaiki and my full support of Bill #163. Designating open space today is a guarantee of access to our beaches for our future generations.