Communication No. 2021-06- Simmy McMichael Public Testimony

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Ali'i Drive showcases many examples of all six intrinsic qualities: archaeological, historic, cultural, natural, recreational and scenic. Yet it is its archaeological and historic features that merit statewide and national significance, as evidenced by several sites already placed on State and National Registers of Historic Places and National Landmark status. These treasured places promote understanding of Hawai'i's heritage for residents and visitors alike. The archaeological and historic features found along Ali'i Drive are identified as its most important intrinsic qualities. The seven miles of Ali'i Drive, along the shoreline connecting Historic Kailua Village to Keauhou, generally follows the ancient route of the ala loa foot trail. The ancient ala loa evolved into the Government Road system, and was later paved as the present-day Ali'i Drive. Today, Ali'i Drive is a draw and destination unto itself. As noted, the significance of many of the archaeological and historic features along the corridor has been recognized nationally. The corridor offers one -of -a -kind features along its length; and, given the variety of intrinsic qualities along its path, the road draws people to it from diverse walks of life and locales, American and international. Tourism (and visitor -related activities) is the major industry on the Island of Hawai'i and Kona. The North Kona district includes approximately 4,100 visitor units including hotels, resort condominiums, bed and breakfast operations and other transient units. The 1,900 -acre Keauhou Resort area provides approximately 1,300 hotel and resort -condominium units. The corridor is well suited to accommodate visitors. Because of its relatively flat terrain and mild climate, the coastal portions of the Kailua-Keauhou region along the Ali'i Drive corridor are well-suited for walking and bicycling. Ali'i Drive accommodates Kona's growing population and its visitors' increasing interest in outdoor sports such as jogging and bicycling. Residents and visitors, venture forth. Steeped in history, evidenced by the extensive archaeological and historic features, this is a corridor that charts the course of Hawai'i's ruling AWL Intrinsic Qualities on the Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast "Intrinsic" means something that belongs to a thing by its very nature that is within the essence of a thing. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), which administers the National Scenic Byways Program, requires a scenic byway to have at least one of six "intrinsic qualities." Archaeological Archaeological Quality involves those characteristics of the scenic byways corridor that are physical evidence of historic or prehistoric human life or activity that are visible and capable of being inventoried and interpreted. The scenic byway corridor's archeological interest, as identified through ruins, artifacts, structural remains, and other physical evidence have scientific significance that educate the viewer and stir an appreciation for the past. Cultural Cultural Quality is evidence and expressions of the customs or traditions of a distinct group of people. Cultural features including, but not limited to, crafts, music, dance, rituals, festivals, speech, food, Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast Introduction Corridor Management Plan Chapter 1; Page 2