2020-10-15 Leeward Exh D (SPP 20-000219)

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CARR SMITH: Okay, there you are. And then we have Doug, and then we have Keith Winnie as well—you are the architect, right? (No audible response) Okay. And is there anyone else that's on the screen that's with your hui? (No audible response) No. Okay, all right. Would you folks please raise your right hand? Christie, can I see your- - - CASH: - -CASH: Can you see me? CARR SMITH: Not yet. CASH: (Low-volume private conversation) I am raising my right hand. CARR SMITH: Okay, I believe you. Do you folks swear or affirm to tell the truth before the Planning Commission today? CASH: Yes, I do. CARR SMITH: Very good. Is Mr. Chin starting, or are you, Christie? However you folks plan to do it, you can go ahead with your presentation. CASH: Okay, I'll, I'm just going to start. Hi, good morning, or good afternoon at this point. I'm Christie CARR SMITH: Speak up, please, Christie. CASH: Oh, can you hear me now? CARR SMITH: Thank you. CASH: I'm Christie, and I'm just going to tell you my story, my journey of the past 14 years. It's been an honor to own and now live at the historic Puakea Ranch. I purchased this property in 2006. Puakea Ranch has a very vibrant and historical past. But when I purchased it, the Ranch was in the state of neglect and disrepair. I did what I could to restore the buildings and structures to their authentic origins. When I first met with the Building Department, the county said they did not have records for any of the structures on the property. So I started with immense research—for years. I obtained original building records and 20 years aback rental records complete with affidavits from the folks who previously lived in these homes, in an effort to save them and make them legal with the county. During my research I met with Masa, Thelma, Eunice, Robert and Margaret Kawamoto, who all graciously shared their family histories and photos with me for part of my preservation efforts. I felt the stories of the families who lived in these homes were more meaningful than just the architectural value of the cottages. Out of respect for the kupuna of Kohala who were born and raised at Puakea, I display these photos and history books in our cottages for our guests to enjoy, honoring and preserving the legacy of the paniolo of Hawaii Island. At the end of my research the county's previous planning director, Ms. Leithead Todd, recognized these structures, all of them, as legal nonconforming homes. That same day Puakea Ranch was accepted to the Hawaii state historic register based on my diligent efforts of research and arduous application process. Multiple 11 EXHIBIT D