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unlike the other islands, the Big Island has fortunately by accident or design, <br />saved many of its archaeological sites from destruction and unchecked <br />development. However encroachments on the cultural landscapes of Hawaii <br />are increasing rapidly, especially in West Hawaii. The proper care, <br />protection and management of our county's rich and numerous cultural <br />resources will be enhanced by the creation of this county commission - <br />hopefully filled with members of kamaaina residents and kupuna who are <br />caring and carrying on the traditions associated with these archaeological <br />sites in their respective moku and ahupuaa. By the way, of the 1850 <br />archaeological sites found in Kohala only 17 are listed on the State Historic <br />Sites Registry... and most of them are historic homes and buildings. <br />I would also suggest that this committee intiate affirmative action to <br />create a `twin-wan" proposition by establishing tax credits and other similar <br />financial incentives for property owners who set aside land areas known to <br />have significant viewing planes and/or historical and cultural value. Such <br />incentives already exist for homes and residences that are placed on the State <br />Historic sites registry. Why not expand that benefit for property owners who <br />preserve land areas to maintain our magnificient viewing planes and to <br />protect and preserve land areas with significant sacred, historic and cultural <br />value? Why limit this tax credit only for property owners of historic homes? <br />Kohala's population has clanged dramatically since the Plantation <br />era. ..and will continue to change over the years. The "kupa o ka aina" of <br />Kohala are few. Many other people in Kohala who truly believe and practice <br />aloha for our aina, will continue to the best of their ability ... to malama the <br />precious historic and culutral resources they inheritied from their kupuna, <br />But without the kokua and continuing support of this Planning Commission, <br />it will become increasingly difficult, if not impossible for Kohala to remain <br />Kohala and to maintain its maria as a place of destiny. <br />Mahalo for coming to Kohala and allowing us to provide input to assist you <br />in your challenging task of developing long range policies for the future of <br />our sacred aina. <br />a., <br />