HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0189.004 2020-2022 P/FC
COW IVI
From: Barbara Bosz
Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2021 12:36 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Holualoa Community ForestSugg. 23-013 (21-002)—TMK 76-004-003
t.1tr-
Aloha Commissioner and County Council Members,
I am so glad for your consideration in the acquisition of Ke Ala
Kakou (Holualoa Community Forest)! What a wonderful asset it
would be all!
As a long time community member, having more green open space is
so important!
This Ke Ala Kakou, Holualoa Community Forest, all though small can
potentially have great protective and nourishing impact on our
community here in Kona. Nature is one of the best healers for all
ailments and all around health.
Holualoa is only 2.5 miles from the ocean, if we can preserve a
community forest, it could help slow down the water flow in this
FEMA Flood hazardous PONC parcel. The community forest could
assist by slowing the flow and filtering the water back down into
our 'aquifer system to protect our village and our ocean
quality. This forest has the potential to reflect our cultural
background, giving our local people a sense of place.
The walking path would connect two major educational civic spaces
(Kona IMIN Community Center & Holualoa Elementary School). It
could support our community economically, assist in flood
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mitigation, create community connection and help build Kupuna,
Keiki to teens programming during and after school hours. It could
also enhance support to all existing cultural events and classes that
already exist in Holualoa like our weekly Lauhala weaving group,
Hula, Mixed Martial Arts and our church/temple/ school
members. Our annual events like Bon Dance, Children's Festival,
New Year Ceremony, Holualoa Elementary School ' s Spring/Winter
Festivals, Kona Coffee Cultural events, Music & Lights Festival and
the Arts. The walking path could build a stronger community to
support potential natural disasters from Mauna Loa eruption or
tsunami by preparing and connecting these civic spaces.
I do not envy your tough decision for which parcel to save and
protect.
This small lot has multiple potential if given the chance that goes
beyond just a green open space. For that reason I feel this PONC
Parcel, Ke Ala Kakou (Holualoa Community Forest) is worth the
financial venture for the future of our land, our culture and our
next generation that reaches beyond our village into our Ahupua'a
connection.
Thank you for your time and sincere consideration of the impact
will make.
Aloha
Barbara Bosz
Big Island Brochure, Inc
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