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and prior to that it was a native forest ecosystem that continued into Waimea from our <br /> uplands. In the past year a pair of `lo (Hawaiian hawk) have been seen regularly in <br /> the vicinity of the proposed project site demonstrating the importance of the area as <br /> habitat to a revered native bird species not found on any other Hawaiian island. The <br /> agricultural and natural resource land uses are highly valued by our community and <br /> replacing these lands with commercial development directly conflicts with wise <br /> management of our natural and agricultural resources. <br /> Policy 4: Development of affordable housing projects for low and moderate income <br /> people of Waimea. <br /> Contrary to Policy 4, the application for the proposed project does not include any <br /> plans for affordable housing. <br /> Policy 5: Timely construction of transportation and circulation improvements to <br /> alleviate severe traffic congestion impacting Waimea Town. <br /> The proposed project is expected to contribute a large amount of additional vehicles <br /> to already daily gridlock traffic without providing adequate transportation and <br /> circulation improvements. <br /> The Planning Commission has a kuleana (responsibility) to the `aina and people <br /> of Waimea to uphold these principal values by rejecting projects that directly <br /> conflict and should therefore OPPOSE all applications submitted by Kaupulehu <br /> Land LLC. <br /> Waimea should be the strongest voice we all listen to. When I listen to her I hear her <br /> cry. She is saying my streams are running dry, my forests and kula lands are overrun <br /> with disease, invasive plants, and ungulates, my food systems and farms are <br /> dwindling, and the influx of people are overdeveloping and dramatically changing my <br /> fertile landscape. For these reasons I say enough, I say NO this project should <br /> not move forward, I OPPOSE all applications submitted by Kaupulehu Land <br /> LLC. <br /> I submit my final plea to the Leeward Planning Commission with my family at my side <br /> and my kupuna at my back. I ask you to restore faith in this system that was <br /> established to listen to the people and has not. I urge you to listen to the `aina and the <br /> people of this place. In closing, I will say it again and again, I OPPOSE all <br /> applications submitted by Kaupulehu Land LLC. I am asking all Commissioners <br /> to represent to my family and my community and reject these applications. <br /> Me ke aloha `aina `oia`i`o, <br /> Mia Akau-LaClair <br />