2016-05-05 Hearing Transcript - PD Initiated Puna Pono Alliance et al Presentation by Claims Adjuster

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the lacking that was sponsored by Billy Kenoi and the administration to do this study? And the recommendation at the end of the study was exactly what we talking about? How can we forget about that? That was funded by the County or was it funded by County money or geothermal money? How that $50,000 get to Adler and then the decisions at the end was the same thing we're making a claim now? You cannot tell me you guys just hearing about that claim now. The reason why we're here is because of that. And, Puna Pono Alliance is an organization in Puna. Pele Defense Fund is a legitimate organization, too. Why aren't we looked at and talked about or correspond to as a legitimate organization. We've been around way before Puna Pono Alliance? Been making these claims for years! So, I'm just saying that I think it's way off, and you guys gotta make your adjustments. You guys know it's been a year, and you're not gonna tell me that this is the first time this has ever happened about dealing with money and studies. You brought it up. You've done it before. So, I think you should correct things and make it right and pono. And, I appreciate the opportunity to talk. Thank you. HEAUKULANL Thank you, sir. Mr. Jensen? Good morning. JENSEN: `Ano`ai, malihini kipa, kama`aina. Ko`u no [`O ko`u inoa `o] Rocky Ka`iouliokahihikolu`Ehu Jensen. I live in Puna on `Ohi`a Drive, Ainaloa. My practice is an artist. I've been doing this as a carver for 50 years. I had no resources until I came here, and once I came here, I became involved with the concerns of the community. And, my concern was to educate the children—they're the next one in line. But, I appeal to you gentlemen because somehow, we are in that same, not translation or interpretation, but understanding, maopopo ia`u. So, I'm hoping at this point in this hearing that these things have impacted me tremendously. If I was an artist that was just dealing monetarily, I would have said I don't give a rip. But, it affects me culturally. It has affected me psychologically. It's affecting me spiritually because our churches, our temples are gone. I'm not a Christian. I was Morman. I was Catholic. But, it didn't do me any good because my practice was creating idols. So, as an oxymoron, how can I live my life if my passion was to create spiritual and religious relics from the past so I could teach my children how to accept them easier? I find that because of these kinds of distractions, it reminds me of Houdini saying how do you get the elephant off the stage? Misdirection he said. And, sometimes I look at my culture. I look at me as a person. You know, we talked about the metaphors. Artists are really good at that. We tell lies to reveal the truth while people involved with government tell lies to hide it. I'm disappointed because I'm 72 years old. I thought in coming home that I would pursue the life, liberty, and happiness as a Maoli person, as a Native Hawaiian. But, these kinds of distractions defer and move me from my place of practice. It isit is psychologically damaging. It's spiritually damaging. I don't know how to explain it. I just continue on because my whole motivation is, hopefully, to keep these things out there, so I can anchor the youth of Hawaii to be aware of it. 13 EXHIBIT D