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Kanuha’s. I worked at Pacific Vibrations as a teenager with the McMichael’s and grew up with
<br />them and their family. They came to my wedding. That’s how, how long I’ve been here and lived
<br />in this community that, this is my family. Ali‘i Drive, White Sands, Kahalu‘u Beach, they were
<br />my stomping grounds. My children, my grandchildren, we’ve all grown here. I may not be native
<br />Hawaiian, but I am proud to be from Hawai‘i and call this my home.
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<br />I am also the Project Coordinator for Towne Realty of Hawai‘i. I’ve been employed by this
<br />company for almost 14 years. I was asked by my supervisors to attend the last hearing so I would
<br />be ware of this contested case and our company’s part in it. I do not work in land acquisition area,
<br />so I’m not totally knowledgeable or versed in how this process works, but I do know that Towne
<br />Development of Hawai‘i is an honorable and respectable company that is caring and sensitive to
<br />the community, culturally and environmentally. The history of this company is admirable. It’s a
<br />majority-owned by a charitable foundation for non-profit grant-making institution that seeks to
<br />improve the well-being of individuals, families and neighborhoods. This is a very good
<br />community, or company, to work for, excuse me. They take care of my, my family, their
<br />employees and the community, and are continually giving back to us and to local communities.
<br />This is how I make my living, take care of my family, allowed me to live and prosper here and be
<br />in Hawai‘i.
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<br />I was not asked to be a witness by either side of this case, but after attending the last hearing I was
<br />so emotionally affected, and my heart and my conscious has called me to say something and to
<br />speak my truth. I shared with my company how this affects me and what close ties I have to this
<br />community and all the parties involved. I was encouraged by them to speak my mind, and again,
<br />regardless if it was for or against, good or bad, without the fears of repercussions. This alone does
<br />show me the integrity and respect that my company has for me and trust in me.
<br />
<br />This is one of the hardest positions to be in, one that puts me literally on both sides and forces me
<br />to question and justify my beliefs and my part in all of this. I hear, and I feel, all of the
<br />testimonies, because it is my heart and it is my truth that you are speaking. It breaks my heart to
<br />see all the wrongs that have been done, the disrespectful and uncaring construction that has been
<br />going on for years all over Kona. And I also see that progress is inevitable. We are all affected
<br />and in some way tied to this progress. I personally see the jobs that are created by development.
<br />Our local people, including my family members, are in construction – carpenters, electricians, you
<br />know, they work in the local tourism and hotel industry. My husband is a native Hawaiian. He is
<br />family with the Kahulamū’s and his trade is a diesel mechanic, and he will be working on the
<br />machines that will clear the land. I wish we lived in a utopian society where we could be
<br />self-sufficient and live off the land and not need Costco or Walmart or our jobs to pay our bills.
<br />But unfortunately, this is not our reality; living here we are all somehow forced to compromise our
<br />beliefs and lifestyles to survive. Ultimately, we are all accountable and responsible. I’ve asked
<br />myself why my life path has brought me here, placed me in this position with this company. And
<br />I have to believe it is for purpose, and however this all unfolds, it is meant to be. If this project is
<br />approved to move forward, I don’t know the exact part I will play, but I do know that I am a very
<br />spiritual and culturally sensitive person, and I believe that this will give our company the
<br />opportunity to set a precedent for this development, as well as future developments, that things are
<br />done correctly, respectfully and right. I can speak for myself personally and for my project
<br />superintendent, Earl DeLeon, who is my family, that we will ensure that this is done pono. I
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<br />2017-05-15 Public Testimony on SMA 16-063 Contested Case
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