COM 0570.002 2006-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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THE PROBLEM A historic and scenic property on the Puna Coast is threatened by encroaching real estate development and misuse by indifferent citizens. This place is Honolulu Landing and its surrounding area. One example of the threat to the property is destruction of immediately adjacent land which was leased by an individual desiring a better view of the sea. The land was leveled in the space of a few days. Now Beat land, covered with weeds, is eroding rapidly. An endangered Hawaiian Hawk with her nesting babies were displaced: the babies died of starvation. Due to the increasing cost of land in the area and the fad that many new owners want a sea view this tragedy will be repeated: Others have cut down trees near the Landing. An individual who was fined had the fine reduced, then carried on more destruction with impunity. Insufficient safeguards for the land exist, and once it has been "ripped," the plants and trees are gone forever. Other residents of the neighborhood have been carrying away sand and stones for their own properly, sometimes for putting up walls, etc., with the result that the once prosperous area of Honolulu Landing is seriously and permanentty degraded. The landing has become a place where drugs are bought and sold; drinking parties have created all the litter and filth associated with drug sites. THE SOLUTION The coastal area once designated as Honolulu Landing is owned by the people of Hawaii. The surrounding land has been taken over by developers and is privately owned. (see the description in the attached information) A plan to save this area would involve: purchase of land, community involvement and education. Possible action steps could include: 1. The formation of an advisory committee to create a step by step plan to transform an area that is rapidly deteriorating into an asset for the community and a place of great beauty of all to enjoy. 2. The creation of a nonprofd organ¢ation to oversee the overell plan and sufficient support and funding. 3. Submission of a proposal to the DOT Financng Department through Nancy Crawford, Director of the Department of Financing County of Hawaii for funds to purchase the land adjacent to Honolulu Landing. 4. Plans should be drawn up for the area to recreate an Ahupua'a similar to the one that once ebsted in the Hawaiian past Engaging involvement of community organizations such as Kamehameha Schools, Charter Schools, University of Hawaii Hilo Anthropology Department, Sierra Club, and others to take part in the design and exewtion of the plan. THE BENEFITS: There would be many benefits to a wide number of people including increased respect for the land, pride in the community for helping create a place of interest rather than destroy and disrespect a natural and historical site, Increased awareness of the past and how it has contributed to the culture of Hawaii today. 1. By involving the community in saving and recreating a historical site rt will be possible to educate people and enhance their appreciation of natural beauty thereby increasing their interest in protecting and preserving it. 2. The area could became a tourist destination...a modest but authentic "Hawaiian Yllage," Groups who are involved in saving indigenous plants, teaming abut Hawaiian traditional land use and customs for caring for rather than depleting the land would have a place to experiment in conserving what is possible from the past 3. Schools and other organizations could use the site for eduptional trips and create internships to help research and create a community resource. 4. Many creative possibilities exist that could provide training and jobs for people who like to improve the environment rather than simpty exploit it Perhaps a "Reality Show" could be started where people are dropped off in a situation similar to the ones experienced by eary Hawaiians and with no more resources than those early explorers, and team to survive on what was available in the environment People in the wmmuniry who are familiar with customs, practices and arts could be involved in the production of such an interesting experience.