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aze important and urgent messages for the youngsters of Hawaii today. They will become the stewards of our land and ocean in a few short years. They look to the adults in their lives to make sound decisions for their future and their children's future. After the "Living Classroom" experience with Aunty Pele, Earl and Captain Kiko at Punalu'u on March 5"', 2007, CPCS teachers and students all gained a stronger sense of urgency to protect, preserve and promote our natural environment at Punalu'u as the last frontier of unspoiled beauty, a place to learn and grow, and refresh on the Big Island of Hawaii. These are the sentiments shared by the students in their written reflections after completion of the Ka'u projects. As an educator of middle school students at Hilo Intermediate School and Connections Public Charter School for the past 18 years, I want to see my students and their families thrive on their home island with vitality, ownership, and sound stewazdship. Puna means the spring. It gives life, sustenance and freshness to the human soul, lu'u means to dive for fresh water, for valuable resources. Our children aze our valuable resources. They need clean water from the springs of life to sustain their thirst for growth, understanding, and a sense of being a member of a healthy and caring community. Preserving Punalu'u for the future of these children is providing the life, sustenance, and freshness of their future. Protecting the Punalu'u coastline from massive hotel and upscale homes is to protect our youth from feeling robbed of their chances to enjoy whatever natural beauty is left in their island home. Promoting Punalu'u as a living classroom and learning center for children and adults from all over the world is to share the true meaning of "aloha", one the Hawaiians of past and present so graciously share with the rest of the world. Perhaps then, peace, harmony and unity will no longer be just ideals or slogans us teachers try teach in our isolated classrooms with four walls. As an American with Chinese ancestry, the heiau, the King's Trail and other historical artifacts at Punalu'u reminded me of the Great Wall of China. The cultural significance of both speaks of ancient peoples from both places, which survived through hardships, and tried to create a society of protection, order and peace. I can not imagine the anger and opposition of the Chinese people if foreign developers suggest building massive hotels and fancy homes next to the Great Wall, or suggest tearing down part of the Great wall as a place to play golf. Personally, as an educator and a community member, I believe the land and ocean life at Punalu'u should be respected and protected as a place of monumental significance to the people of Hawaii, as the Great Wall of China is to the Chinese people. Thank you for taking the time to read this testimony with the accompanying supporting materials. I truly hope and pray for your wisdom in your decisions concerning the current proposal for Hawaii County Council to purchase the land at Punalu'u for the purposes of preservation, protection and promotion of the place as a "Living Classroom", and an organic learning center for children and adults from this island and around the world.