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KAUHAKO OHANA ASSOCIATION PO Box 38, Honaunau, HI. 96726 <br /> KOA (808) 987-9149 <br /> IFnamamo@vahoo.com <br /> Aloha Leeward and Windward Planning Commission, <br /> I am submitting this testimony in opposition to the agenda, item 1.The Planning Department's Shoreline <br /> Setback of 40 ft. rule 8 and 9 for the following reasons. <br /> Our South Kona reef system is a narrow shelf and Coastal Development severely impacts its growth <br /> which the i'a,that we harvest for subsistence to feed our families and pass on traditions, rely on for <br /> habitat and spawning. Any structure that is built too close to the shoreline will leech pollutants into the <br /> ocean causing irreparable harm to our way of life. <br /> Rule 8, in regards to Oahu and Maui, provides them with better protection as their setbacks are from <br /> 60-130 feet.The State's Initiative to protect our coral reefs and address the need for Climate Resiliency <br /> is undermined by this proposal. <br /> The families from Ho'okena, Miloli'I, Honaunau, and Napo'opo'o are striving to protect a way of life that <br /> has been passed to us from our kupuna. We were taught that our existence depends on a relationship <br /> with nature that is balanced and appropriate and have organized our communities to address the <br /> pressures of uncontrolled, unsustainable actions by people who have no lineal ties to our home. We are <br /> working with the DLNR to establish protections that will enable our keiki to survive in this world while <br /> practicing their culture and embracing a way of life that honors those who came before us. <br /> In addition to the inadequacies of this proposed amendment, rule 9 weakens protections for our sacred <br /> archeological sites thereby degrading cultural ties to our one hanau.These proposed actions are <br /> disrespectful, inappropriate and seems to benefit people and entities who exploit our 'aina without <br /> thought for the possible negative impacts to our natural and cultural resources or our families. <br /> These proposed amendments should not be passed and on behalf of our South Kona families we ask <br /> that you reject this proposal. <br /> Ke Aloha Nunui, <br /> Damien Kenison—President <br /> Kauhak6 Ohana Association <br /> PO Box 38 <br /> Honaunau, HI. 96726 <br /> http://namamo9.wixsite.com/kauhakoohana <br />