2007-02-15 tkawananakoa - Laserfiche WebLink

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IWASHITA: Okay. Well, I wanted to give you an opportunity to respond ’cause I didn’t get the sense from reading your submittal that you had seen this. So my sense was right, I guess. So if you can take a moment, and let us know what your response would be. GRAHAM: Maybe this time will be good for us to take our public testimony, and then Mr. Kane can respond to both the letter and the public testimony, if you’d like thereafter. KANE: Yes, thanks. GRAHAM: Good. And you can stay seated, if you’d like. KANE: Okay, thank you. GRAHAM: I have signed up Delma Kay. Could you come forward, please, and take one of the other seats there, Ms. Kay? Could you first just raise your right hand, and let me swear you in? Do you swear or affirm to tell the truth today before the Hawaii County Planning Commission on this matter? KAY: Yes, I do. GRAHAM: Thank you. And you may go ahead and give your testimony. Please start with your name and your address, and then speak to the Commission. KAY: Aloha Kakahiaka. My name is Delma Kahikilani Kay. My address is Puuhonua, Honaunau. Actually I’m originally from Keei Beach. Is that all you need? Is that it? GRAHAM: Go right ahead. Sure. KAY: Okay. Well, actually I wasn’t really prepared to come up here and say anything. But I did write a letter of support to the Commission, and I thought I wanted to share that with you: I’ve been Caretaker of Kekaha O Iolani at Napoopoo for over 10 plus years. Keei Beach is my ‘aina hanau of my ohana, which is my ancestors, go back to Keei Beach in that vicinity. I was raised in the old ways to respect our kupuna to listen to carry on their teachings and values, but most of all to cherish and respect our ‘aina. My voice may be a small one, but nevertheless I hope that I can humbly convey to all who may have concerns regarding this project that I’m also sensitive to any change that may have an impact on my lifestyle and that of the community. During these ten years as Caretaker of Kekaha O Iolani, I grew to love this place, and understood the mission of the Kawananakoa Foundation to perpetuate the memory and fulfill the hopes and dreams of Iolani Luahine. Iolani Luahine envisioned a peaceful retreat here at her home in Napoopoo – a place for our ho‘opiopio, our kupuna, kamaaina and malahini to come and share to educate, to perpetuate, and to be immersed in our rich heritage. Careful consideration was made as to the design of the hale, as well as the surrounding area, in hopes of bringing back the ambience of the way it was when Iolani lived there. Presently we have two or three groups per year that use the facilities. Each group consists of no more than ten individuals. This is a memorial to Iolani and her wish to preserve and share our culture, history, hula, chants with the community, organizations and those who have heard so much about Kekaha O Iolani, but never had the opportunity to come and visit – free of charge. There is no charge for any of the groups that use the facilities. It’s through the efforts of Ms. Kawananakoa that Iolani’s vision EXHIBIT A 4