HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL-REZ-2022-000033 C. TANGUAY TESTIMONY 12.13.2022 From: Cheryl Tanouav
To: LPCtestimony
Subject: I request to speak in opposition to Royal Vistas Housing Project
Date: Tuesday, December 13,2022 4:29:06 AM
Attachments: Harry Kim 191223.pdf
Chanae of Zone Ordinance-chervl.tanauay(abamail.com-Gmail.pdf
Gmail-Messaoe from the Plannino Director Cancellation of Upcomino Action Committee Meetinos.pdf
Gmail-GENERAL PLAN 2040 information 220222.pdf
Gmail-Pulama Ia KONA Historical Preservation Council Obiects to the Application No. PL-REZ-2022-000033.1)df
Tom K Stone Holua of Holualoa.pdf
I ask that you reject the ROYAL VISTAS HOUSING PROJECT application.
"Kona Three LLC" wants to extend their application for final approval to build 450
units over a decade, of "market rate" For Sale multi-unit 2 and 3 story townhouses
and units that will be purchased for use as short and long-term rentals on 2 parcels
TMK 7-6-021 016 and TMK 7-6-021 017, formerly zoned Ag. In the process, all
traces of Pre-Contact life (late 1400s) through important remnants of early industry on
this historic apuahua'a with its folklore connections to both King Kamehameha and
Queen Lili'uokalani will disappear forever.
Reasons to oppose this zoning change and this development include:
The Kona Community Development Plan, under which this Project was proposed in
1984, had been undergoing extensive review, soliciting community input, (as Harry
Kim noted in his response to the Kona Three LLC En svironmental Assessment in
2021.) until September 2022 when Planning Director Zendo Kern
suspended the Action Committee meetings. Our next meeting has now
been scheduled for Monday, December 19th
Royal Vistas, does not have the support of the Pulama la Kona Historical
Preservation Council. Please see the attached letter from Antu Harvey representing
the Historical Preservation Council which contains the 1953 report by Henry
KeKahuna stating the existence of an ancient mauka-makai trail near the
Holualoa Drainway and his knowledge of remnants of a holua run down along 10
Place and through the parcels we are trying to save.
In early 2019, 1 observed and photographed the parallel rock walls (typical of a holua
on the Big Island) on TMK 7-6-021 016 and TMK 7-6-021 017, Having visited the
Holualoa Inn property and witnessing the Holua remnants there, I was in awe that
sections of the Great Slide were present and readily seen on the parcels slated for
development by Kona Three LLC. Having captured several photos, 1, along with
other Kona Vistas homeowners, began researching the potential for and significance
of these particular holua. Tom Pahaku Stone, who was raised on the Inn's property,
will expand upon the significance of the rock walls on the Kona Vistas III property as
the developer'sTMKs align with the TMK for the Holualoa Inn.
We will also be hearing testimony on Thursday from Lamaku Mikahala Roy, Na
Mamaka o Ka Lama of the Ahu'ena Heiau attesting to these 67 acres being the
Repository of Especially Sacred Lands, protected by Akua along with ALL of the
lands from Kaloko through Honaunau, with a moratorium on development for these
lands.
Certainly, with the Community developing an understanding of the irreplaceable
antiquities that are being lost by reckless development, the expectation is reasonable
that these 2 parcels, TMK 7-6-021 016 and TMK 7-6-021 017, which have much
cultural significance as well as a number of archaeological artifacts that
have yet to be studied fully and must be preserved. Regardless, NO FINAL
DECISION is appropriately made BEFORE the report of the Action Committee of the
Kona Community Development Plan for the General Plan Land Use Guide has been
completed, as was also the position given to Kona Three LLC in 2021 by then-mayor
Harry Kim.
Please see the letter, Mayor Harry Kim's "Comments For Early Consultation for
Environmental Assessment for Proposed Royal Vistas Housing Project for the TMKs
in question", attached for your easy access, focusing your attention on the paragraph
numbered "2".
Will a sewage hook-up to serve 450 2 and 3 story, 3-4 bedroom units
overwhelm the capacity of the Kealakehe Septic System? What will 3 to 4
bedrooms x 250 (here I've used just a fraction of the 450 units) of children
added to our schools?
We know that Rainwater and Landscaping runoff will be an issue after the
repeated flooding of Kuakini below these TMKs. Last week's washout was
only Holualoa Rainfall: Kona Vistas saw no rain that day-yet the 2 streams
on these 2 parcels became rushing white-water.
We note that in recent history, we've already had multiple months of water
supply restrictions. The developer states that as he has pre-paid for 450
water supply hook-ups, he will build 450 units. With Kona consistently at
some level of Drought, will we further increase the incidence of grass fires
or create the possibility for house fires in this closely spaced "Housing-
Project" as Kona Three LLC has chosen to characterize it? Is a
housing project like this in keeping with the Kona where we choose to
live? Is it really what Kona needs?
Yet, our biggest concern with the creation of this development "Royal
Vistas Housing Project " must be with the inadequate highway
infrastructure. Will the County of Hawaii insist that the developer complete
all his required ingress/egress to Queen K before the construction
machinery tears-up Kekuanaoa Place? Will the County of Hawaii hold a
substantial builder's bond until the project has met the County's
requirements?
Undoubtedly, as the intersection at Lako and Kuakini has already received
poor grades for its lack of capacity, an additional 900 vehicles (x 2
passages each) through the intersection daily will be frightening. We're
definitely not creating the type of communities envisioned in the KCDP of
1984 where a community would live, shop, and work all within a walkable
radius. A new vision, more in keeping with the desired environment of
Kona's present residents, would keep Kona rural. From my long
perspective of first visiting Kona in 1981 just as Kanaloa was finishing its
first buildings, I long for the close, less-stressed community that existed
then. And, while there is no going back to the days without Queen K,
Costco, Lowes, Walmart, Home Depot, Safeway and other shopping
choices, we must remember and respect the a'ina. I hope we choose to
never become Maui or Oahu, but remain cognizant that the path that
welcomes dense neighborhoods will quickly destroy all of Hawaii's cultural
inheritance.
Having been a licensed Real Estate Broker in MA and NH, I understand the
diminishment in property values that the noise, air pollution, population density, and
the awful impact on our Kona Vistas roadways that the construction vehicles will
make upon our road surfaces as well as the huge traffic snags that will shortly exist
down Lako and through the intersection with Kuakina Highway just after Kuakini
merges with Queen K.
I feel the Royal Vistas Housing Project's name alone will have a negative impact on
Kona Vistas resale values. As a result, the tax base will be impacted, perhaps more
negatively than any property taxes assessed on Royal Vistas, especially when
weighed against the infrastructure upgrades, additional school building and staffing
increases, sewage treatment plant expansions and more than is lost in natural habitat
and culturally significant icons and artifacts.
Additional Considerations:
The impact of Multi-Year Construction on Quiet Neighborhoods will be daily and
dangerous
• • Impact of Multi-Year Construction on Remote Working
• Impact on our already at or above-capacity schools as these are 3 and 4
bedroom units.
• • Proposed Housing is Inappropriate for Local Needs
• Current "Market Price" is beyond the reach of the "target market"
• "Short-term Vacation Rentals are forbidden by CC&Rs in the
connected neighborhood
• Proposed Housing style not in keeping with abuting Community
-Further Information:
• Original developer had procured extensions through 2011. Kona Three LLC became
the next owner in 2015, submitting incomplete environmental assessments in its
attempts to secure approvals. It has exceeded time extensions multiple times while
still not fully addressing the required 4 lane access and egress through
Lako/Kuakini/Queen K installation, among other issues.
• The Kona Community Development Plan, under which this Project was proposed in
1984, was undergoing extensive review, as Harry Kim noted in his 2021 response to
the Kona Three LLC Environmental Assessment.
Conflict of Interest
Current Planning Director Kern was previously the spokesperson/consultant for
the then named "Kona Village", presenting the Kona Three LLCs plan for the
development to an assembly of Kona Vistas homeowners. The "Kona Village"
Environmental Assessment for "Kona Village", submitted in 2018, was produced by
Zendo Kern. It's only appropriate that Mr Kern should recuse himself from all
discussions and decisions regarding the development because of his obvious
relationship with Kona Three LLC. Mr Kern's consulting firm is now directed
by a family member.
Archaeological and Cultural Importance
• Multiple and significant archaeological sites and burials are located on the parcel.
• Archeological sites are spread across multiple adjacent parcels. Developments such
as this obliterate archaeological and cultural heritage one project at a time.
• Plan will destroy stone walls that appear to be a continuation of the Holualoa Slide
descending from the Holualoa Inn property. Oral history confirms this.
Preservation Council Support*
The Palama la Kona Heritage Preservation Council supports saving these parcels
from development.
Agricultural Zoning
• Land has historical significance*, evidenced by its location in line with both the
Holualoa heiau and the Kealakowa'a heiau in the Holualoa 1&2 ahupua'a. Historical
research indicates the land between the two heiau was used in the transport of huge
trees from Pihopono (the Holualoa Forest Preserve) by use of a holoa extending from
heiau to heiau, hence the name Holua loa "The long slide"
Water Supply
• Neighbors already experience low water pressure even at lower elevations.
• The developer insists that, having paid for 450 water meters, he will be constructing
450 units, despite our already challenged supply.
Drought
• Kona and all Hawai'i faces current and predicted increasing drought conditions;
climate change causes greater weather uncertainty, increasing drought risk.
Sewage Hookup /Wastewater Treatment
• The Developer had expressed his plan to connect to the Pualani Estates sewer
system, however the Kealakehe sewage treatment plant is already OVER capacity if
all current homes were hooked up, as required by law. The only reason there is
capacity today is because all current homes are not yet connected.
Rainwater / Landscaping Runoff/ Diverting Streams
• Because of the siting of Royal Vistas on the leeward flank of Hualalai's "shield"
configuration, well-defined drainage features are lacking, as noted under the FLOOD
HAZARD section on p3-1 of the Grey Infrasructure Report in the Kona Community
Development Plan. , will cause additional episodes of flooding and road wash-out
as noted in the runoff and pollution, harming coral reefs and damaging the ocean.
Horseshoe Bend and the Holualoa Stream on the parcels are listed in the second
paragraph of 3.1.1, (under the heading North Kona Flood Hazard Analysis,) as two
of the seven intermittent drainage ways studied by the North Kona Flood Plain
Management Study (1984) by the US Soil Conservation Service (presently Natural
Resources Conservation Service. (The developer has already diverted a portion of
these: see attached photo of "plywood".)
The Study proposed these among the 6 non-structural and 4 structural alternatives for
flood zone management:
Non-Structural Measures: #2. Establish and maintain appropriate vegetative
cover, #3 Enforce county grading ordinance to reduce erosion and sedimentation. #4,
Enforce land use zoning to restrict future development within flood plain areas. #5
Initiate state/county tax incentives for keeping flood plain areas in recreational and/or
open space use.
Structural: #1. Require all new developments to dispose of their runoff on site.
#3. Improve road culverts and bridges to carry larger discharge and provide additional
ones where needed.
Noting all of the details in the Study, one must be concerned at the potential for
property loss within the new development as a result of 1) removing huge amounts of
vegetative cover plus 2) eliminating much of the recharge by adding foundations and
paving driveways and roadways of a sufficient width to accomodate the inevitable
roadside parking and traffic passage. Makai of the developed area is the Queen K/
Kuakini intersection which could be impacted as well. .
Wild life
• Area is home to, and hunting grounds for, the endangered Pueo, Ground-nesting
Owls and Hoary Bats, as well as many other forms of valued permanent and
migratory wildlife.
• Birds and animals do not limit their territory to human map lines. Conservation must
be considered on a regional, not individual parcel, basis.
• Only "native" plants are considered important in the developer plans, but all flora in
the area are essential to valued local birds and animals.
Traffic Impact - Neighborhood
• Kona Three LLC has used low traffic periods for the timing of each new traffic
study.
• There will be at minimum, an additional 900+ vehicles making a minimum of 2
trips per day from Royal Vistas that will add to the already congested intersection of
Lako with Kuakina/Queen K multiple times daily following the months/years of
construction machinery daily passing in front of houses on Keau Street, Leilani,
Sunset and Lako Street, which surround the property will suffer huge increases in
traffic flow. Despite what the consultant from Stantec suggested, the
available public transportation with its route on AM is an unlikely and un-
workable alternative to private vehicle use.
• Destruction of walkability/safety of Kona Vistas streets. People of all ages currently
walk, push strollers, run, exercise pets, play ball and socialize, as well as do those
who park on Lako to utilize the Walua Trail on a daily basis. This lower section of
Lako is also a school-bus stop.in addition to the other stops within the community.
Traffic Impact - Community
• Cumulative traffic impact of yet another subdivision in the local area is unbearable.
Multiple high-end housing projects along Ali'i Drive are both proposed and in
development, and a 150+ room boutique luxury hotel is proposed at Keauhou Bay.
• Traffic study of Ali'i Drive was done during COVID-19 restrictions, when Ironman
was canceled, schools were remote, and tourism was limited. The numbers are
meaningless.
Impact of Multi-Year Construction on Quiet Neighborhoods
• Build-out of a new subdivision will be a multi-year undertaking, including ongoing
transport and use of pile drivers, bulldozers, graders, and other heavy equipment. A
10 year plan would be tortuous.
• Resultant noise pollution, dust, vibration, and consequent mental and emotional
stress to the neighborhood residents, including kupuna and keiki, cannot be
overstated.
• Kona Vistas, Iolani, and Pualani Estates homes were not built to withstand years of
adjacent construction, especially not the "shield"- transmitted vibrations of a decade-
long process.
Impact of Multi-Year Construction on Remote Working
• Kona Vistas, Iolani, and Pualani Estates residents working from home will be
significantly and adversely impacted in their provision of higher education, mental
health, housing, sustainable energy, architecture design, fine arts, and other services
to the community.
Housing Inappropriate for Local Needs
• While we do not agree that this property is appropriate for development, what is
needed in Kona is low- and moderate-income housing for local families (teachers, for
example). The price point of this project would exclude this demographic. Rental units
are not appropriate for this established community. The proposed housing density is
inappropriate for this island.
Kona Three LLC has cited the Kona Community Development Plan (KDCP) for
presumptive justification. The KCDP was a development-oriented aspirational
County document created in 1984, which has been under extensive review
because of Community concerns regarding its outdated "urban expansion"
I'm one of numerous very concerned homeowners regarding the additional stress on
Kuakini/Queen K traffic, challenged water supply, stormwater erosion and drainage,
and already over-crowded schools that the very-flawed proposed Royal Vistas 450
unit development, now in final approval status, will have upon several of our
completed residential communities. Envisioned as appropriate for the KCDP in 1984
when the entire area was raw hillside, Royal Vistas no longer solves more issues than
it creates, and threatens to destroy a valuable historic area along with its
irreplaceable archaeological artifacts. The traffic and run-off issues of themselves
should be game-stopping considerations.)
Respectfully submitted,
Cheryl Tanguay,
Kona Vistas
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Dcccmbe- ,3. ,019
Michele Lefebvre, PhD
Stantec Consultirrg Services In
P.O. Box 191
Hilo. HI 96721.
Dear Ms. Lefeb-Te_
SUBJECT: adornments for Early Consultation for En,#i.rornrnental Assessment for
Proposed Rov„aFi Vistas Housing Project
Tax Map Ker-s: 31 6-021:1i15 & 017, Flirltmrsloa 1t9 Bic ?''. .N. Bursa. Flawai`i
TFis is in .'csportge 10 VOUr letter dated Novernb4r 18, 2019 requesting early consultation
conimerts fo.ar ew,in ninental aassessrnent being prepare--d for a 450 multi-ramily residential
unit de' tlopinem and related irnpro%cment5 orl [lie above ,referenced prtaperty, including
drair�agi and rc�ci.+ay unprovcnients r ithin County-owriced parcels IS and 1 r1_
1. The subwt pri)perties are zonedMultiple-Family R;E�sidential. with a minimum.
building site (,t-+_OfV) square feet per dwelting unit (RM-5t, by the County of Hawai-i
and desianated as Urban bti the State Land L'sc Commission;, Refer to Cunt,, of
Haw i`i Ordinance No. 02-1 31, which ameri eJ rr.-vicius ordinances to establish the
✓.uniting on mlie properties. and Stator Land Use C-.: -:-.fission Docket No. A8a-f+49. -o
determmMe the status ut-condition compliance for th;-,: land use entitltmrrerrts.
2_ The General Plan Lana fuse Pattern Allocation Guide (L1_'PAG) map designation for
the pr xperties are 1jr-ban Expansion and Low Density Urban, Be aware that ttie
County General Plan is Lindergoing a comprehensive-review and Lhese lands use .
desttanations may change soon upon adop don of an arnertdcc General Plan,
3. The property is not located within the Special Managemem Area (5'1r A) and is
situated. about 4.500 feet rrmaul a of the shoreline-
M°L%"A �:', H=f,3Cr C,,unfy r.ian EgwlOppwtun 7vPrcw&-k,,lo Yd ky 1q)V'r
Michele Lefebvre. PhD
Sianiec Con5ulting-Services Inc.
December'23, 2019,
4. The propeM,is In an area affected by the Kona Community Development Plan,which
was adopted by the flaxa!'i County Council hy Ordinance No. 08-1 '71 and amended
in ,201 1) by ordinanec No. 19-9 1. Please indicate bo%& lht: prvpo�ed PrOjw meet$ the
goals.cbjectn,es, poheies- and actions of the CDP,
5, The EA should describe the specific drainage and madww, nnpro,,ements proposed
within the Count% property and anaiysis of itnpacts and alternatrvc-s Considered.
B. We strongly recommend you TLvIciv the Nanning Department files related to these
properties because aicy contain informanon related to land use perm aing hi�lory.
cultural and historic resources. flooding, traffic. and public sentiment regarding the
propowd project. Tice tales car he viewed in the Hilo or Kona office. Pleawe schedule
an appointment niment -w that we can CrISUre All the fi[eS are:W311abIC for
7, PleZ,e IFICILde M The EA consultation process, surrounding pToM,t% twners and
community, associations, Including but Tiot limited to , Kona Vistas Subdivision,
Pualani Estates SLbdivislon. Kuakini Makai Subdivision. and property owners
directly east of the subject properties-
NVe look fotivard to revie"Inu the di aft EA when It is a-kailable. If you have questloris.
please feel free to contact N I ali a Jackson it 9 61-L-,15 9,
sincendv.
MICHAEL YEE
Plamiinl-, Director
.\IJJ:tnads
P,A-p%Eno,ChX$ �111 4"A Viim
cc kv;wpy of letter. Ronald Kim Dcputy Corporation Counsel
12/12/22,6:55 PM Change of Zone Ordinance-cheryl.tanguay@gmail.com-Gmail
rnail label:kona-kona-vistas
ORecipients
_.... ---- ------ ,..... . 1.._-._.....--_...
Date: Mon, Aug 8, 2022 at 8.47 PM
Subject: Change of Zone Ordinance
To: <planning@hawaiicounty.gov>
TO: Planning Department Hawaii County
SUBJECT: Application No. PL-REZ-2022-000033 Change of Zone Ordinance
No. 02-131 regarding Tax Map Keys: (3) 7-6-021.016 and 017: N. Kona.
Hawaii for Royal Vistas
Dear Planning Department,
In December 2018 Kona Vista owners were invited to attend a presentation concerning the Kona Vi;
community. When questioned about traffic, safety concerns, road access, etc., we were assured by N
researching the 1980's Environmental Impact Statement(which was outdated by 30 years then) befr
Since then traffic along Queen Ka'ahumanu highway has increased, the greedy developers plan to sl
rocky ravine unsuitable for large multi-dwelling apartments. We request Planning Commission mere
We question whether Planning Director Zendo Kern, who slickly tried convincing Kona Vista owner
We aren't against single family homes with safe entrance and exit roads on this property. My family
reflects pure greed and exploitation by outsiders.
Please, Do the Right Thing. Restore Pono to our Aina.
Sincerely,
John Miki & Bonnie Hildebrandt-Miki
j miki@hawaii.rr.com
76-4344 Kinau Street
Sans Serif
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/O/#label/KONA%2FKONA+VISTAS/FMfcgzGgPph PnPdTtcLMgmhSPhPfzKTp 1/1
12/12/22, 11:13 PM Gmail-Message from the Planning Director:Cancellation of Upcoming Action Committee Meetings
alb
Cheryl Tanguay <cheryl.tanguay@gmail.com>
Message from the Planning Director: Cancellation of Upcoming Action
Committee Meetings
3 messages
CDP Team <cdp@hawaiicounty.gov> Mon, Aug 22, 2022 at 10.31 PM
Reply-To: elyse.stevens@hawaiicounty.gov
To: cheryl.tanguay@gmail.com
Message from the Planning Director: Cancellation of Upcoming Action
Committee Meetings
Date: 08/22/2022 2.49 PM
North
Kchala
Sa h
Kohala
H5.5kua
Kona
Puna
Ka'u
Aloha,
Due to recent staffing changes in the Long-Range Division within the Planning Department, it
has become necessary to adjust staff time and resources. This means staff will unfortunately
not have the capacity to organize or facilitate AC meetings for the foreseeable future. Please
know that this does not prevent your continued participation and involvement in community-
driven efforts to implement CDPs. In the time being, we aim to empower your active
involvement in community groups and Permitted Interaction Groups (investigatory
subcommittees)to continue working and moving forward. We will also continue to aid and
promote efforts of AC members to organize independent, official meetings. The CDP Team is
continuing to support the implementation of CDPs and to serve as your resource for news and
updates regarding our community planning efforts.
In the absence of County led AC meetings, the CDP Team will engage in a forward-looking
approach to help shape the future of this program. This will include a concerted effort to
connect with you and the broader community to gather feedback, along with consultation with
Corporation Counsel to assess the benefits and limitations relative to Action Committee
engagement. This effort will focus on the applicability of Sunshine Law and County mandates
that place constraints on AC community-based stewardship of CDPs, and the ongoing
challenge to develop a robust approach to Community Planning. In addition, the CDP team will
continue to collaborate on other planning initiatives, including but not limited to the continued
work of the General Plan Comprehensive Review.
We appreciate your ongoing advocacy and diligence in implementing the Community
Development Plans of our island. For the Planning Director's official memo, please click below.
Please reach out to the CDP team at cdp@hawaiicounty.gov if you have any questions or would
like additional information or guidance.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=a5l 8O6dd8e&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3Al 741917397902272221&simpl=msg-f%3A1 741 91 7397... 1/2
12/13/22,2:51 AM Gmail-GENERAL PLAN 2040 information
t Cheryl Tanguay <cheryl.tanguay@gmail.com>
GENERAL PLAN 2040 information
5 messages
Cheryl Tanguay <cheryl.tanguay@gmail.com> Tue, Feb 22, 2022 at 7.46 PM
To: "D. Blancett-maddoc" <dbmkona@aol.com>, john bennett <jwb1266@gmaiLcom>, markp50
<markp50@att.net>
Aloha All!
I have added my contact information to the site to receive updates on the General Plan
2040 as well as submitting a paragraph-long comment regarding Royal Vistas.
Maybe others would like to do so also?
https://www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/general-plan-community-planning/cdp
https://www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/general-plan-community-planning/stay-informeo
Keep the Faith! ! We SHALL survive this hic-cup!
Cheryl Tanguay
cheryl.tanguay@gmaiLcom
john bennett <jwb1266@gmaiLcom> Wed, Feb 23, 2022 at 1:15 AM
To: Cheryl Tanguay <cheryl.tang uay@gmai1.com>
Hey Cheryl!
Thank you for the information. I haven't been as active lately. However, I'm not done yet. Glad
to get this email from you. As you know the KV board changed hands last night. Fingers crossed
they all have good intentions.
High five to you for all your work in stopping / delaying the development. Hope to talk soon. All
the best, John
[Quoted text hidden]
cheryl.tanguay <cheryl.tang uay@gmai1.com> Wed, Feb 23, 2022 at 2.56 AM
To: john bennett <jwb1266@gmailcom>
And, I read 940 pages of the 1364 in the Royal Vistas DEA, for what that's worth. Any surprise that
Lester mis-stated the contents while instilling the Fear of Reading in the populace??.
Sent from my Verizon,Samsung Galaxy smartphone
[Quoted text hidden]
john bennett <jwb1266@gmailcom> Wed, Feb 23, 2022 at 7.53 PM
To: "cheryl.tang uay" <cheryl.tanguay@gmailcom>
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=a5l 8O6dd8e&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-a%3Ar-3183686062990281312&simpl=msg-a%3Ar47429274... 1/2
12/13/22,2:51 AM Gmail-GENERAL PLAN 2040 information
No surprise at all. I have to think that he just loves to stir the pot. It is very unfortunate that he
continues to meddle. I have asked both he and Susan Yandall to remove me from their email list.
I have read most of the last E A, but will need to revisit it to refresh my memory soon I fear. All the
best, John
[Quoted text hidden]
Cheryl Tanguay <cheryl.tanguay@gmail.com> Fri, Feb 25, 2022 at 1.06 AM
To: john bennett <jwb1266@gmail.com>
I think you're too kind in ascribing LS a label as neutral as "stirring the pot". He's a
control-freak! We've been here since 2008 and watched his routine. Rasputin?
Machiavelli? A puppet-master.... Rarely does Lester want that which contributes to the
common good. So, one wonders "What's in this for him?"... Follow the money???
Another email today from Susan & Mika......he lives on! Too bad nobody has reminded
the homeowners of Mika-tennis court repairs, with the contract not put out to bid but
"awarded" to Mika's friend who gave us "a deal".....
I'll email you a copy of the EA breakdown when I finish it, as around 500 pages are
devoted to affidavits (and Stantec's mostly scripted replies,) most fairly limited to filling
in the form but several, like yours, Wayne Hemby's, Mark Powell's, and Daniel Malakie's
provide outstanding information and several are personal bio's of those with local
history. The comments from David Blanchett Maddoc and Atty Strauss added the legal
perspective in calling-out the boilerplate filler and incorrect data.
[Quoted text hidden]
Cheryl Tanguay
cheryl.tanguay@gmail.com
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=a5l 8O6dd8e&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-a%3Ar-3183686062990281312&simpl=msg-a%3Ar47429274... 2/2
12/12/22, 11:14 PM Gmail-Pulama la KONA Historical Preservation Council Objects to the Application No. PL-REZ-2022-000033
alb
Cheryl Tanguay <cheryl.tanguay@gmail.com>
Pulama la KONA Historical Preservation Council Objects to the
Application No. PL-REZ-2022-000033
1 message
Cheryl Tanguay <cheryl.tanguay@gmail.com> Tue, Aug 9, 2022 at 2.13 AM
To: planning@hawaiicounty.gov
Bcc: "D. Blancett-maddoc" <dbmkona@aol.com>
Aloha, Planning Department,
The Application No. PL-REZ-2022-000033 Change of Zone Ordinance No.
02-131 regarding Tax Map Keys: (3) 7-6-021 :016 and 017: N. Kona.
Hawaii for Royal Vistas, does not have the support of the Pulama la
Kona Historical Preservation Council.
Please see the attached letter from Antu Harvey representing the
Historical Preservation Council which contains the 1953 report by Henry
KeKahuna stating the existence of an ancient mauka-makai trail near the
Holualoa Drainway and his knowledge of remnants of a holua run down
along 10 Place and through the parcel we are trying to save.
As the Kona Community Development Plan is undergoing a
comprehensive review and are seeking this type of input as well, I will be
forwarding this to them shortly. Certainly, with the Community developing
an understanding of the irreplaceable antiquities that are being lost by
reckless development, the expectation is reasonable that treasures on the
TMKs referenced here need to be preserved and NO FINAL DECISION is
appropriately made BEFORE the review of the Kona Community
Development Plan for the General Plan Land Use Guide has been
completed, as was also the position given to Kona Three LLC in 2019 by
then-mayor Harry Kim.
I have also attached Harry Kim's "Comments For Early Consultation for
Environmental Assessment for Proposed Royal Vistas Housing Project for
the TMKs in question" for your easy access and draw your attention to the
paragraph numbered "2".
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=a5l 8O6dd8e&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-a%3Ar5575816669964059994&simpl=msg-a%3Ar7l 365422... 1/2
12/12/22, 11:14 PM Gmail-Pulama la KONA Historical Preservation Council Objects to the Application No. PL-REZ-2022-000033
Respectfully submitted,
Cheryl Tanguay
cheryl.tanguay@gmail.com
Kona Vistas
2 attachments
An KV Royal Vistas Objection220809.pdf
353K
AiA Harry Kim 191223.pdf
297K
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=a5l 8O6dd8e&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-a%3Ar5575816669964059994&simpl=msg-a%3Ar7l 365422... 2/2
12/13/22,3:42 AM Gmail-Fwd: Holua of Holualoa
alb
Cheryl Tanguay <cheryl.tanguay@gmail.com>
Fwd: Holua of Holualoa
2 messages
john bennett <jwb1266@gmail.com> Mon, Jul 1, 2019 at 11:50 PM
To: markp50 <markp50@att.net>, Cheryl Tanguay <cheryl.tang uay@gmail.com>, "D. Blancett-maddoc"
<dbmkona@aol.com>
A little piece of history if nothing else.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Tom Pohaku Stone <pohaku@hawaiibc.com>
Date: Mon, Jul 1, 2019, 9:34 AM
Subject: Re: Holua of Holualoa
To: john bennett <jwb1266@gmail.com>
No'u ka hau'oli! Pleasure is mine to share.
On Mon, Jul 1, 2019 at 9:29 AM john bennett <jwb1266@gmail.com> wrote:
Truly remarkable! The insight you have given me is beyond expectations. It is such a
fascinating part of the Hawaiian culture . I have some work cut out for me to keep learning more!
No matter what becomes of my effort, I am happy to pass on what I am learning. Thank you
TOM!
On Mon, Jul 1, 2019, 8:55 AM Tom Pohaku Stone <pohaku@hawaiibc.com> wrote:
To answer the question regarding the walls -YES. Not all holua slides had walls but nearly all
those on Hawaii Island do. The purpose was to hold the rock in the slide in some sections and
in areas that needed to be raised. When you mention moving of logs from mauka-makai that is
an important point because the koa forest line was at a lower elevation when we were gathering
the great trees for our wa`a, papahe`enalu, etc. This was the main purpose of the slides
thousands of years ago, which overtime changed to reflect an association to the gods of the
wao kele (upland forest) and the spirituality we connected with then and now. The physical
cultural landscape found of the holua slides is the telling of the story what made these specific
areas important to our cultural practices especially since this massive complex is connected to
Pa`ao, his lineage, and the great Ali`i Nui of this mokupuni (island). There were several
significant complexes along this coastline but none as grandeur. Kaneaka in Keauhou/Kahalu`u
is another. Waha`ula, Mo`okini, and Kahikinui (Maui) were the earlier complexes established for
migration purposes and the change in religion. The Holualoa complex solidifies the complete
adaptation to the established religion of Pa`ao.
On Mon, Jul 1, 2019 at 8:15 AM john bennett <jwb1266@gmail.com> wrote:
Tom,
Thank you for taking the time to educate me. It is greatly appreciated. The history of
Holualoa is truly remarkable, and I know I have only scratched the surface.
One question I have, the intact portion of the holua at the Holualoa inn has a rock wall on
both sides. Would these walls have been built at the same time? Perhaps to keep the logs
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=a5l 806dd8e&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3Al 637917078304009755&simpl=msg-f%3A1637917078... 1/4
12/13/22,3:42 AM Gmail-Fwd: Holua of Holualoa
contained as they traveled down. I have found, in the proposed development area a
section, of parallel rock walls. Do any of the other Holuas have walls?
I again thank you for all your help. Very respectful and grateful, John Bennett
On Mon, Jul 1, 2019, 6:35 AM Tom Pohaku Stone <pohaku@hawaiibc.com> wrote:
Aloha John,
I know I have not been in contact for some time but I have been going through all my
records and info for this area. You are not going to find much in any library about that slide
because I'm the person who did the study of that area. A lot of development has changed
the cultural landscape in the area over the years ( past 200 yrs.) and with it my native
cultural and architectural landscape so it's a puzzle. H61ua has been part of my 'ohana and
it has been my academic focus archaeologically and culturally. I have spent years providing
cultural education to our community regarding the significane of the remaining architectural
landscape. The effort is to integrate the cultural landscape into the development process if it
will save the physical cultural landscape. With that said, there is a direct correlation
between the "H61ualoa slide, Keolonahihi, Keakealaniwahine, Kamalumalu, Kealakowa'a,
and Kamoa (Lyman)". The development of Kona over the years has separated (destroyed)
the physical connection of the slide to the greater complex that had existed. The coastal
area of this complex has now been protected but not the mauka sections that are still
undeveloped. It's at this point the emphasize should be on protecting what is left of this
great complex. We do know that Kamehameha I was trained in this complex which included
learning to h6lua slide and surf. I would advise you to look at the greater picture and focus
on what is left of the entire complex and how this would benefit the cultural history of Kona.
Sorry I'm not on island to assist, but at this point I believe the development will destroy
more. I would make contact with Council rep Rebecca Shute-Villegas. If you need someone
with Hawaiian cultural/traditional architectural/archaeological background let me know. I can
assist but if you need someone to do in-depth research, prepare presentations, or provide
community education we can discuss this. Henry Kekahuna provided the most detailed
archaeological record of this area. Knowledge, interpretation, and understanding of these
cultural sites and how it's all intertwined is significant if the community wants to stop this
development.
Me ka ha'aha'a
Tom Pohaku Stone
On Sun, Jun 30, 2019 at 1:38 PM john bennett <jwb1266@gmail.conrv1> wrote:
Tom, I have attached a satellite image of the area highlighted in yellow are the Holualoa
Inn (where a portion of the Holua remains intact). The Kealakowaa Heiau and Lymans.
Assuming if you connect the yellow dots we have a general idea of the "path of the
canoe". I have not had any luck at the local Kona library finding any information
regarding this Holua. The pink outlined area on the map is where a planned 60 condo
500 unit buildings are to be developed. Do you think or know if the Holua went through
that area? Thanks again for you time, John Bennett
On Mon, May 6, 2019, 8:56 AM john bennett <jwb1266@gmail.com> wrote:
Tom,
Thank you so much for getting back to me. I am trying to figure out the routing of
the Holua and more of the cultural importance it has for the area. With paddling being
the largest and most popular sport of the islands, it would only make sense to preserve
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=a5l 806dd8e&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3Al 637917078304009755&simpl=msg-f%3A1637917078... 2/4
12/13/22,3:42 AM Gmail-Fwd: Holua of Holualoa
and educate the future generations of such monumental pieces of history. Any insight
and references would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, John Bennett
Kanalu (K38) is a 501 c 3 non profit organization dedicated to cultural & ocean education
based on traditions of our kupuna.
Kanalu (K38) is a 501 c 3 non profit organization dedicated to cultural & ocean education based
on traditions of our kupuna.
Kanalu (K38) & Hawaiian Boarding Co. (A 501 c 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the cultural
education & ocean safety/awareness of our community)
Cheryl Tanguay <cheryl.tanguay@gmail.com> Tue, Jul 2, 2019 at 3.27 PM
To: john bennett <jwb1266@gmail.com>
Cc: markp50 <markp50@att.net>, "D. Blancett-maddoc" <dbmkona@aol.com>
John,
You've relayed the insights of a truly remarkable source regarding these parallel rock
walls. Thank you! !! !
Again, at the very least, this man's input allows us to sow these as logical connections
to or at least insinuations of the parcel's archaeological significance, in this instance
dating back into King Kamehameha's likely usage of the Holualoa Slide. Additionally,
because Tom Pohaku Stone has noted that, in general, these upland connectors to the
makai cultural site preservations have been destroyed. This one remaining upland
swath, especially with the waterways and heiau within relative proximity and its
probable connections to the cultural/archaeological history of not only Kona but of
Hawaii itself MUST be preserved so that the whole of the story can be memorialized.
There might also be native flora that we should identify and preserve: it's possible that
the University of Hawaii might be interested in helping with that.
I (and, I'm guessing, many others) would love to further connect with living-resources
such as Tom, in order to create a site-based walking/hiking tour that could be run as a
non-profit, perhaps under the auspices of the Kona Historical Society (Executive
Director was Joy Holland in 2017.) Other than the initial research and development of
sites (beating the least intrusive pathway) and instructional materials such as a geo-
tour (by paid phone app), a location designated and prepared for visitor parking
(perhaps the church parking lot could be used?) I see the site as needing minimal
maintenance, save walk-throughs to keep the area "original".
The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau may have some one particularly focused on
a new adventure on the Big Island, too. I seem to recall seeing articles in WHT about
organizations seeking to invest in tourism ideas post erupting-volcano to supplant that
in attracting visitors to the Big Island.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=a5l 806dd8e&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3Al 637917078304009755&simpl=msg-f%3A1637917078... 3/4
12/13/22,3:42 AM Gmail-Fwd: Holua of Holualoa
But, I rattle on.....
[Quoted text hidden]
Cheryl Tanguay
cheryl.tanguay@gmail.com
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=a5l 8O6dd8e&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3Al 637917078304009755&simpl=msg-f%3A1637917078... 4/4