HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0186.051 2020-2022 ( )
From: TKS Productions .
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 11:26 AM
I To: Council Testimony
Subject: PONC Testimony: Resolution # 80-83 `O ,--
Dear County Council and Finance Committee for PONC,
Aloha, My name is Tifani Stegehuis, native resident of Kailua-Kona. I am emailing my written testimony urging you all to vote to
pass Resolutions#80-83 sponsored by council women Rebecca Villegas.
The 4 proposed Kona district properties proposed were carefully selected because of their cultural significance and the negative
impact that any urban development upon these areas would cause. Their integral preservation is urgent and the future of these
parcels are now in your/our hands.
Councilwomen Rebecca Villegas has done an outstanding job of presenting to you the unique importance of each land parcel
within her 4 resolutions#s 80-83 for land preservation and acquisition for PONC. The factual definitions of each land parcel
encompassing these 4 proposals before you, are thoroughly presented and deserve to be respectfully passed into fruition so that
these parcels shall be preserved indefinitely for future generations.
I am urging you-our County Council and Financing Committee to vote in favor of the purchase of the 4 historic and culturally
significant properties in Kona for PONC- Public Access Open Space.
These properties are unique and special, so special that we must preserve and protect them for the public's future and not for
future of private investors and commercial or residential development.
There are archeological and historical Hawaiian artifacts, burial sites, and indigenous plants found on each of these properties
which need to be respected and protected.
Properties near or on our fragile coastline need to be protected more now than ever. In order for us to sustain our future we
must care for and sustain our lands, reefs and oceans.
Development and its pollutants and changing of the land structure has lead to the destruction of our reefs and have drastically
altered the surrounding lands and habitat of our wildlife.
I humbly ask you all to protect and purchase these 4 special properties to insure no urban development happens on such unique
grounds. The acquisition of these 4 parcels shall insure that what little space Hawai'i has kept as "natural" shall remain as
intended- natural resources.
Kailua-Kona has been known worldwide for our natural beauty: beaches, sea life, clear air, and clear waters. I feel it is our job as
patrons of these lands, during our life times, to speak up against over development, speak out and advocate on behalf of the
precious plants and animals whom inhabit these lands, and do what is right- protect and preserve our surroundings as pono as
possible.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Tifani Stegehuis
Comm. No. WO•911
Ref.To: p FC.
Ref. Date PR 2 0 2021
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