2020-10-15 Leeward Exh A (Public Testimony re SPP 20-000219)

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our school. Our largest fund-raiser Christie not only donated a ton of time as the Chair of the silent auction but then started donating the ranch to our school and also numerous other schools in our community. Christie has worked tirelessly to promote the historic feature of Puakea Ranch. She has not only donated time to schools for Grad Nights, Start of School Picnics and also donated to the Kohala Community for different fund-raisers there without charging any money for. One time I invited her for Thanksgiving, and she couldn't come cause she was hosting the Kohala Seniors for the event. She promotes the culture of Hawaii to all her guests, she is just always donating her time and works diligently to do so. Also, since I've known Christie the buildings on Puakea Ranch have always been there and she has just worked tirelessly to preserve them and as Rebecca said they are just adorable, and they are not new structures. They were built many years before we had permits in Hawaii. So, there is just no permits. Thank you for your time. CARR SMITH: Thank you Diane. Commissioners, any questions for Diane? Seeing none, thank you very much Diane you can drop off the call. Next up is Chris Helmuth. Chris? Hi, Chris. No, I don't, I can't hear you. Now, I don't see you. Chris where did you go. HELMUTH: Commissioner? CARR SMITH: Yes. HELMUTH: Can you see me? CARR SMITH: Well, I did, I can't see you now, but I can hear you. So, that's fine. It's showing that maybe your connection is a little bit weak. HELMUTH: Okay. CARR SMITH: If you can just speak up clearly, you're a little bit faint. But thank you Chris, go ahead and start your testimony. There you are. HELMUTH: Yes, thank you. I own commercial and real estate property in Haw! and Kapa`au. I am the owner of Kohala Pacific Realty, real estate brokerage in Haw!that's been in business for over thirty-five (35)years. My family owns property at Puakea a street from the subject. Both Paul and Stephen, Lots 2 and Lots 7 respectfully, spoke of their ambition in Puakea. My family owns Lot 34 directly across the street and has absolutely no concerns about water, about noise, about the operation of Christie Cash's Puakea Ranch. The noise that I've heard from that ranch over the years has been from fabulous non-profit gatherings supporting local community projects benefiting all of our community in North Kohala. The noise I heard was the music of Kapena. It was the music of John Cruz. Some of the things that I've heard said today are coming from people I've never met in North Kohala. I'm on the sidewalk day in and day out and for those who live close to the subject who know North Kohala they understand the `aina, these buildings, their historic character and how they fit, sustain and support North Kohala. What Christie's done with these old buildings is 12 EXHIBIT A