2009-08-26 KCDP Minutes Final - Laserfiche WebLink

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F L l!rli� i DLPA WENT TO: . Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee g?tIfie UU 4 3' 2 9 Planning Commission FROM: Richard Alihilani.Nelson III SUBJECT: Testimony in-support of protecting the Kaloko- Honokahau area from urban expansion. DATE: August 26, 2049 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Aloha: As a Hawaiian born within the shores of Kalia,Waikiki in the year of 1933 on the island of Oahu and having a personal testimony-of recalling what my birth place once Iooked like, its pristine shoreline, an abundance of fish for meals without end, roads without traffic snarls ... a place I could be proud of Today, there is nothing left to remind me of my place of birth. The Hawaiian Village and the Ilikai Hotel and the Waikiki Yacht Club dominate the landscape. Vehicle traffic is unbearable during daylight hours and into the mid - evening activities. No more sustenance fishing, the waterway is cluttered with pleasure boats and tourists. The once clear blue water is no longer. "Progress" for our benefit has replaced the natural beauty it once was. Over time, I chose to move to a place called Kona, which reminded me of my childhood memories. It was rural and uncluttered with "Progress ". As we all know, Kona's steadfast climate, calm waters and an attractive shoreline eco system is being challenged with "Progress" designed to enhance our lifestyle and community. There are significant cultural resources within the Kaloko-Honokahau National Historic Park including Kaloko Fishpond, burial sites, heiaus, anchialine pools and other sacred sites. Our Hawaiian rights are protected by the Hawaii constitution that are practiced within the area I described including pole, spear and net fishing, the gathering of limu, wana, opihi and he'e; gathering opae' in the anchialine pools for bait for offshore fishing and finally, opportunities for religious ceremonies new shore waters. A few years ago, the State Land Use Commission concluded that Kaloko-Honokahau National Historical Park is a "natural and cultural resource of the utmost value both to the State of Hawaii and the nation as a whole representing some of the State's most important natural systems, habitats and cultural, historical and natural resources." In 1974 the Honokohau Study Advisory Commission recommended the establishment of the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. The Commission recommended that the southern park boundary extend to Noio Point, south of Honokohau Small Boat Harbor. The study further stated that ... "most of the land in the ahupua'a of Kealakehe is owned by the state, and its use will have direct impact on Kaloko, Honokohau". The study further stated these lands... "should be given special zoning limiting their uses to activities compatible to a cultural park." The Commission also recommended ... "The County General Plan and zoning ordinances of the area should limit the uses of lands 0.55757