2015-10-22 Leeward Exh A (SMA 15-060)

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environment for our students is of utmost importance. Protecting our keiki from any possible threats must be considered among the most important priorities, and as such must override any need for public convenience. One must always be prepared for the worst case scenario when working with children, and therefore we must consider this in the overall master planning of our educational facilities. The Kamehameha Schools understands this and has carefully integrated safety into their master plan for the Kahalu‘u Ma Kai educational complex. Allowing unfettered access through the complex would cause an increased threat level for the students who utilize the site. As a Master student in Heritage Management, Kahalu‘u Ma Kai also provides opportunity for research, and gives us the opportunity to introduce children and young adults to our profession, as well as to the kuleana that we are given as heritage management officers. This educational complex is unique and should not be forced into a box that does not fit; current planning regulations may not fit this particular development. From a heritage management perspective in an effort to preserve the sacred places we must control access to this area just as it was maintained in the past; these areas were, and continue to be, kapu. This is our responsibility as heritage managers to help maintain the sacredness. Mahalo. UNGER: Mahalo. Jill Vasconcellos, Shane Nelsen, Annette Honola \[sic\]. HONDA: Good morning. My name is Annette Honda. UNGER: Honda. HONDA: And I’m from Hōlualoa. I’m here as a private resident and also as a student, okay? I was born and raised here in Kona, and it’s where I’ve seen the tremendous modern growth in Kona and it sort of saddens me. But when I pass now where they are restoring Kahalu‘u, the area of Keauhou, it reminds me of my past, my past ancestors and where my roots are from. Even if I am not a Hawaiian descent, it still reminds me that there is a past and it’s, and I really support this happening. The other part about being a student, I do support Kamehameha Schools in setting a – what is the word – setting an area where there is access to the land but not the whole area, being that it is for the protection of the students who participate in the program. Thank you. VASCONCELLOS: Aloha. My name is Jill Vasconcellos and I work for Queen Lili‘uokalani Children’s Center but I’m also here representing myself. And I would first of all like to say that I’m in support of Kamehameha Schools’ plan to recommit the area for education and the managed access. I would like to add that KS is moving forward in Bishop Estates and Bernice Pauahi’s mission to educate children, but they are opening it up to every ethnicity, every culture, and not limiting it. They are creating a safe environment and investing in each child that comes through that parcel of land there for the future of every child, every ethnicity, every culture. So I ask for your openness in looking at the future of this place, the future of our children and the future of Hawai‘i. Mahalo. NELSEN: Aloha. My name is Shane Nelsen. I come from the Ahupua‘a of Kalamawaiawaawa, which is in between Kealakekua and Kaawaloa Ahupua‘as. My family connection is the Kealakekua Bay area, which has a significant connection to the Keauhou Kahalu‘u area as well. Today I speak in support of Kamehameha Schools’ plan as is, as submitted as is. When we take a look at, you’ve heard throughout the morning the significance of the area, the significance of the cultural practices, the intricacies of the revitalization of the spiritual aspect of the area as well, and the practices. Myself working in the Hawaiian community, I rarely find any safe spaces for these kānaka to practice 18 EXHIBIT A