HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0186.057 2020-2022 From: Chad Villarin
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 7:51 AM :
(76
To: Council Testimony •
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Subject: RES 80-21 Keakealaniwahi of Holualoa (Banyans) 15,372 sq. ft. ,
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Aloha,
My name is Chadbourne Villarin and I supportthe county purchase of three properties in the Kailufoir�i district
for PONC open space! There are currently three properties that are being discussed, but this email pertains to RES 80-
21 Keakealaniwahi of Holualoa (Banyans) 15,372 sq. ft. During my short life of 30 years and being born and raised
on the Big Island, I've seen no shortage of development and desecration of historically rich Hawaiian land. Mainly all
--or most—of these large scale developments were aimed at one agenda in mind, and that was for monetary gain
for one individual or company. Rarely do the people who live in the area of concern ever benefit from these types of
projects. Aside from the benefits that the community will see if these lands are held true, we have to look at the land
itself! These designated ares are so cultural significant to Hawaii's history and the people that give that history life
and purpose through their cultural practices and devoted love for their kupuna and aina. Surf competitions, canoe
surfing, horse racing, farming, fishing, canoe building, general gatherings, and much more we may not even know
about were held in these ares. The lands played such and important role in the everyday lives of the people of old. We
can't forget that, and worse we can't allow that to be demolished with the erection of a concrete monument that pays
no tribute to them. It seems like that connect between human and the land beneath our feet is growing further and
further apart. Soon it will be like we have no relationship with the one thing that gives us sustenance, shelter, purpose,
and in a better word... LIFE! We need to hold true the practices that our kupuna before us layed the ground work for.
They have given us the blueprint for a system that works and it's up to us to see it through for our keiki and anyone
else who sees value in it. I work within the tourist industry, having close contact with the visiting population on a
daily basis, and I can tell you with all honestythat a theyare not comingto Hawaii to see another building, condo, or
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hotel, they are making the journey to Hawaii indulge themselves in the culture and deeply rooted values of I-Iawaii!
They seek to soak up as much of the history as they possibly can, whether it be visiting the historical parks that have
already been set forth by our state and county or converse with the locals and get there first hand accounts of what it
was like to grow up in such a beautiful place. What is that story going to look or sound like if all we are doing is
developing what little land we have left in Kona? "You should have seen it thirty years ago", or"There have been a
lot of changes since I was growing up", is generally how those stories start. I know there is no going back and it's
hard to undo what has already been done, but lets do our best to preserve what we do have and make sure that our
future generations of locals and visitor alike have that opportunity to experience how profound Kailua Kona can be.
There has been a consistent abuse of Hawaiian land and its people throughout the state of Hawaii, but lets take a stand
here in Kona and make sure that trend doesn't continue. So please, consider my testimony and allow the county
purchase these lands for for the sake of preservation, integrity, and most of all the future! Thank you!
Preserve and Protect
Destroy and Collect
Comm. No.
Ref. To: P AFL
Ref. Date
1 APR 2 0 2021