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~,wC~. ~'~.aT,ie ace. <br /> P.O. Box 690 <br /> Na'alehu, HI 96772 <br /> 808-929-8364 <br /> ruthmariebass(c~yahoo.com <br /> May 1, 2007 <br /> <br /> Honorable Council Members, Stewards of the Aina, <br /> I moved to Ka'u more than 25 years ago to raise my children in a peaceful, safe, rural <br /> environment. Because of the many active stewards of the land, Ka'u is still that environment <br /> today. Ka'u has experienced relatively slow growth compared to what has happened to Kona <br /> since I first moved here. The results of unbridled growth, resembling a cancer of the aina, will <br /> be quite evident when we leave this Council meeting today. <br /> My children eventually moved to the mainland; for a higher education and vocational <br /> training. But they are returning to live in Ka'u with employable skills and the ability to start <br /> their own small businesses. My grandchildren will grow up there to savor the quality of life <br /> rapidly disappearing from this island. We know that education is the key to self-sufficiency. <br /> Let our education include the living classroom of Punalu'u, that the knowledge of the ancient <br /> Hawaiians and their sustainable ahupuaha systems remain an integral part of our children's <br /> consciousness. I support the County's purchase of Punalu'u as a bequest to future generations, <br /> as a living classroom, as a sanctuary for the developing reefs, the monk seals and green sea <br /> turtles. Let us preserve this most precious jewel in the heart of Ka'u. Please vote to help <br /> purchase the land at Punalu'u. <br /> Thankpyou,y~ ~ ~ <br /> ~Jlt~v~ie JJaon <br /> C~nrssre;~ `.9:r. <br /> <br />