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

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firsthand the desecration of our sacred heiaus. In one day we had two different people climbing on top of the heiau and 146 kids informing them to get off. If the kids come here to learn protocol and history, and me as well, of this area, I think it’s only right for the public to understand protocol and history as well. An opponent to the SMA stated the following: “That rich history is very much an asset, but not just an asset of Kamehameha Schools; it’s an asset for everyone. And for that reason I think everyone should be allowed reasonable access. It definitely worries me that the school zone cutting off access completely.” I agree that it is an asset for everyone, but it is KS who is taking stewardship of this area. As Kā‘eo Duarte has already stated, “KS has not and will not prevent any lawful makai-mauka or lateral public access along the public areas of shoreline.” In other words the school zone will not cut off access to the shoreline. KS proposes a balanced approach to public access that will uphold the rights of Hawaiian practitioners and learners to engage in cultural education and activities, while allowing lawful access to the shoreline. I hope you make the decision to allow us to continue practicing our culture by granting the SMA and allowing KS to move forward in the process. I am in full support of removing the hotel. Mahalo. UNGER: Mahalo. OKUMURA: Aloha mai kākou. My name is Cathy Okumura. I live in Kailua-Kona, and I am the Unit Manager of Queen Lili‘uokalani Children’s Center in Kona. Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop and Queen Lili‘uokalani both had the wisdom and foresight of the needs of the Hawaiian people. Not just in their present time, but for the future of each succeeding generation. They are ‘ohana to one another and both continue to lead through their will and legacy. I formally and strongly am in support of Kamehameha Schools’ effort to re-establish Kahalu‘u Ma Kai as an educational hub for co-learning amongst, not just Kamehameha Schools students, but for all haumāna, cultural practitioners, educators and visitors. Advocacy for this project means advocacy for our future, our future leaders, and is an investment towards building a community that is healthy and thriving. The land plan that Kamehameha Schools has set forth for Kahalu‘u Ma Kai is but a building block towards limitless capacity building of our future. The real work starts with our children, work that must be done with utmost care, for our kids are precious. We, as a community, must uphold the integrity in which the work is done and ensure the safety of all those that come. Though I understand shoreline public access is important, must that convenience impede upon the safety of our keiki? I trust that the managed access plan that has been proposed adequately addresses the needs of our schools, children and visitors alike. It is also deliberate and intentional so that there is protection and respect for the cultural sites. It is an opportunity for visitors to be more than just passersby, but to gain knowledge and understanding of the strength and will of the Hawaiian people. All too often the cultural and natural resources of Hawai‘i have taken a back seat to tourism. I look forward to the innovative design and plans for Kahalu‘u Ma Kai, to seeing our community flourish with each passing generation. Hawai‘i is more than just a beach upon which to sunbathe and an ocean in which to snorkel. It is the future of our leaders. Mahalo. 6 EXHIBIT A