HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0189.008 2020-2022 P/F�
Rcs.0-21
COMM.lag
From: Jennifer Choi
Sent: Saturday, April 10, 2021 10:33 AM
COUNTY CLERK
To: Council Testimony COUNTY OF HAWAI'I
Cc: Maki Morinoue;Antu-Harvey •
RECEIVED
Subject: Holualoa community forest Time 10:5,0411. By
Date APR 1 0 2021
Aloha Commissioner and County Council Members,
Holualoa Community Forest
Sugg. 23-013 (21-oo2)—TMK 76-004-003
I want to thank you for your consideration in the acquisition for Ke Ala Kakou (Holualoa Coinmminity Forest). As a
local girl, the Banyans parcel is also important to my heart to protect.
This Ke Ala Kakou, Holualoa Community Forest, all though small can potentially have great protective and
nourishing impact on our community here in Kona.
Holualoa is only 2.5 miles from the ocean, if we create a riparian 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 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 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.
l 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 precious time and sincere consideration of the impact will make.
Much Aloha
Jennifer Choi
Sent from my iPhone
Comm. No. li
•u
Ref. To:
Ref. Date ��i�R 2 0 2021
1