HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1011.014 2018-2020 COUNTY CLERK 0240
COUNTY OF HAWAIII C04M,10 1
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August 3, 2020 Date AUG 0 3 2020
Re: Testimony in support of Resolution 692-20, `Aina Aloha Economic Futures
Aloha Councilwomen Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy and the members of the Hawaii County Council,
I am a Native Hawaiian, mother and a concerned community member, speaking independently in
support of the `Aina Aloha Economic Futures. This four step process is a way to engage .
community, raise collective voice to build a collective, resilient economy that is grounded on
`aina aloha—"a deep and abiding love for Hawai`i's communities and natural environment."
As a Native Hawaiian mother, born and raised on Hawai`i Island, I feel deep connection with
this `aina. It is the land that raised me, taught me, sheltered me and loved me. It is the `aina that
my `ohana has chosen to return to and raise our keiki. It is important that we steward all
resources with the needs of ourselves and all those who call Hawaii home. Most importantly, we
must steward these resources for the needs of all future generations in mind. We believe in a
Hawaii Island where we are self-sufficient and eat and grow our own healthy, local foods rather
than rely on imported foods. We believe we can have diverse economy that supports our people
yet is pono and will malama this beautiful `aina we call home. We believe in and envision a
Hawai`i Island where my son will raise his children and their children and children's children
and they have the ability to work towards their greatest potential in life. We believe in the
greatness and creativity of our people. When we are engaged, active and heard, we are creative,
innovative, fearless and resilient people. And most of all, we believe that when we malama and
care for `aina, the aina will care for us.
Thank you for striving to `Opu Alii to work together for safe, healthy, thriving communities
with all engaged. Mahalo for taking the time to engage and listen to community. And most of all,
mahalo for taking time to listen to the `aina and all she has to say and teach us. I urge you to
support, approve and forward `Aina Aloha Economic Futures so we can make this vision a
reality for the future generations.
Malama pono,
Dawn Rego-Yee
No. 101l Iq
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