COM 1051.022 1996-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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P K 0. ZY 402-925-5.22 7[11/17/98 10 09 AM 5 That cultural resources and traditional practices described in the IRMP were "selective It excluded cultural resources and traditional practices that were testified to exist but which Ka'upulehu Developments have chosen not to include. The cultural resources and traditional practices have been limited to the predetermined "subzones' . None of the cultural resources and traditional practices occurring or located outside of these "subzones' have been mentioned or acknowledged. Absent methods or criteria by which potential impacts upon cultural resources can be measured and assessed, the cumulative impacts of a development of this magnitude upon cultural /historic resources will have a devastating effect upon the cultural geography, history and traditions of the people of Hawai'I island to the further deterioration of the true Spirit of Aloha which lives and can only survive through the culture of the Hawaiian people and their association and connection with things "Hawaiian and practices which are Hawaiian" Until such mechanisms are in place, to go forward on a case-by-case basis will further complicate and create an obstruction in processing future Applications before governmental agencies, to the detriment of the native Hawaiian community, the general public, landowners and developers. However, at the council level, a zoning ordinance can actually be the driving force on the subject, as the requisite SMA permit must implement and be consistent with the General Plan and zonino ordinances, all of which are the product of the council's legislative powers. The current bill allows the executive agency to be the driving force instead. If the council take the initiative, it may need to spend more time and effort to develop its own approach, whether it be by an IRMP or other device or mechanism Additionally, if the council does take the lead to definie the extent of cultural/historic resources, traditional practices and values that exist in the area and the requisite protective and mitigative measures by legislation, it may very well satisfy the statutory and constitutional demands. In the interest of fairness, and to be certain that all relevant issues are properly addressed prior to granting a change of zone it would seem appropriate, since the council is the final decision-making body in this case, that the matter be deferred to allow committee members the time to assess in their own minds the critical issues now before them. Vahalo for your consideration of our concerns with regard to this very important and highly sensitive issue. KA PA'AKAI O KA'AINA Valle P David (322-9146) Karen Eoff (325-6175)