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amendment to change the land use designation from ÐUrban ExpansionÑ to ÐOpenÑ, especially those lands immediately adjacent to the National Park boundary. Kaloko-Honokohau was created in 1978, through the efforts of the Kona community, to preserve, interpret, and perpetuate traditional Hawaiian activities and culture. In particular, the community was concerned that this place of great significance to Hawaiians would be lost to urban development. These concerned citizens prevailed in 1978, but even today the imminent threat to the ParkÓs resources from urban development continues. Any large-scale development project on lands adjacent to the National Park will significantlits cultural landscape, traditional and customary practices by Hawaiians in the Park, an In 1974 the Hono-k-hau Study Advisory Commission recommended in their report to Co ÐThe Spirit of Ka-loko Hono-k-hau,Ñ that the Hono-k-hau National Historical Landmark and its adjacent waters be preserved for the benefit of the Hawaiian people and the nation as a part of the National Park System. Even at that time in the early sevent Congress, the Advisory Commission was concerned about future land uses adjacent to the National Park. The Advisory CommissionÓs report and the ParkÓs 1994 General Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement point out that Kaloko-Honokohau is a small and fragile portion of the larger environment that has influenced its history, and that continues to affect it today. The Park Service is seriously concerned that urban development projects on lands adjacent to the Park and the Historic Landmark, especially the cumulative effect a long-term degradation of the Park, threaten the integrity of the Honokohau Settlement National Historic Landmark, and further diminish the rapidly disappearing Hawaiian cultural landscape. Large-scale urban development adjacent to the Park will fundamentally affect the water, air, sounds, sights, and traditional and customary practices by native Hawaiians. The urban expansion foreseen by this Advisory Commission 35 years ago is now underway. This proposed amendment to the General Plan provides a rare opportunity for outright protection and preservation of the last remaining undeveloped coastal lands in Kona. As you are well aware, commitment of coastal lands for development has irreversible and far- reaching consequences. The National Park Service greatly appreciates your careful consideration of zoning of these sensitive and fragile lands. We strongly support the proposed amendment; and we respectfully urge the County of Hawaii to take further steps and increase the proposed area of Open designation in the General Plan to more closely reflect the current zoning of ÐOpenÑ for the makai coastal lands. Preservation of coastal open space will benefit the quality of life in the Kona community, Native Hawaiian values, and traditional and customary practices, and nationally significant natural and cultural resources. Mahalo for the opportunity to speak to you on this important issue. WOODWARD: Thank you. Do we have any questions for Ms. Bell? BELL: No more, Mr. Chairman? 7 EXHIBIT B