2007-07-06 TPACIFIC - Laserfiche WebLink

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goes back to the overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom. So we need to make sure -. From a community standpoint I would like to raise that because Mr. Barden can testify the last thing that was heard from a kupuna who stood up in one of our meetings -- and I can say this, it surprised me because she rarely speaks at our meetings, but she got up -- she spoke in Hawaiian, told us in Hawaiian that no more development should happen along that coastline, because she was one of the kupunas in that area. And in the not too distant past when those three condominiums were built along the Keaukaha coast our kupunas then, I was as young as these young ones that are here, were told in no uncertain terms that there will be no more development along that coastline of condos. And here again weve got, after some 20 to 30 years, and I think Mr. Andy Levin represented the Keaukaha community, maybe even Mr. Yuen at his very young age and being a law attorney, did that -. So as a member of the Keaukaha Community, as the president here, I am here to say the Keaukaha community at this particular point in time objects to this condo coming on line. Mr. Barden did represent to all of you that the ponds, Ive had the opportunity to have known Neri maybe a year, and his work across the street is commendable. But I have a bigger obligation, and that is to make sure that the traffic, quality of life in our communityismaintained.BecauseasIvementionedtoyouthelasttime,wewereconcerned about how we were going to be perceived as neighbors. Because we raise dogs, some of us do have pigs, some of us do have horses running around our yards. A lot of us keep our derelict vehicles in the yard. Some people call them junks. We dont call them junks. Its just something that we keep it, makes good dog houses, if you have to do that. But some people believe that thats not the way a subdivision should be. Well, were not a subdivision. Were a homestead land. Were there to rehabilitate. We raise gardens, we let kids run around, we do just to be good neighbors. So I again need to express to the Commission that were not truly and particularly on-line as a community, that this would be in the best interest of our community. But again we realize that this is private property and the individual may or may not have that right to do what he needs on his property to conform to the County Codes. So I am personally prepared to say that as a veteran fighting for this country the right for him to go and pursue this is fine. I just want that same rights afforded to native Hawaiians when we come forward to discuss that this may not be. WATANABE:So, so then if I could summarize. Youre not so much against the development as you are potentially, the potential that he may try to dictate how you live? KAHAWAIOLAA:Potentially, that may or may not, but things need to be resolved, yes. And I just want to address one last thing that was in the environmental statement that was provided where the Dr., the authority on ponds, mentioned that this Honohono grass and California grass is not conducive to pond ecosystem; and I must tell you it is very, very important to the pond ecosystem. It doesnt look good but its very important because the pua, the fish, that youre going to raise, need a place to hide. In a pond system California grass, Honohono grass is important. Thats why we supported, the Keaukaha community supported the County park at Kalanianaole Park, the new park that was put on by the Rotary, that they maintain California grass and Honohono grass along the edges so that the pua can survive. Thank you. WATANABE:Commissioners, any questions for the testifier? Commissioner Siracusa. 8EXHIBIT A