HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0189.036 2020-2022 From: Setsuko Morinoue
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2021 12:56 AM c=z KT),
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Res. 83-21: KE ALA KAKOU (HOLUALOA COMMUNITY FOREST) :,_,„:
Res. 83-21: KE ALA KAKOU (HOLUALOA COMMUNITY FOREST) '
TMK 76-004-003 Land Area (Acreage): 2.488 acres
I would like to thank you all for your consideration in acquisition of Ke Ala Kakou (Holcicrlocr Corninunit>>
Forest) piece for a conservation of nature and its healthy environment since it is one of major FEMA zones on the
slopes of Mt. Hualalai, running through a central part of Holualoa town through a major part of populated area in
Kailua-Kona to the area of Holualoa Bay on Ali'i Drive.
Living in the village of Holualoa town for a little over 50 years and have watched drastic changes from the Mar.uka to
the Makai. I have noticed a big change in the weather pattern, we have more rainfalls than before and so we have
serious flash floods threats more often. This situation will be worsen and not get any better if we would not do
anything to prevent.
The most of Holualoa town in the lower section is in a FEMA zone and this Ke Ala Kakou piece is consider small,
but a very important property to be secured in order to help managing from any flash floods and major property
damages in the lower and wider section of Kailua-Kona.
•
f am very worried about the way these open lands are quickly sold in today's real-estate market, and the fact for losing
control of any major flash floods.
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 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, along with 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.
These are just some example to how important the location of this parcel in Holualoa town and all of Kailua-Kona.
Comm. No. VI 1)
Ref. To: r
1 Ref. Dote 2 0 2021
It will be a very tough position for you to conclude the decision, but I would like to ask you to save this parcel being
lost control of future possible major disasters with financial damage cost which will be much greater, I would
imagine.
This small lot has multiple potential in impacting all of our lives, if given the chance that goes beyond just
a green open space. For that reason I feel this Parcel, Ke Ala Kakou (Ho/ua/oa 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 valuable time and sincere consideration.
Aloha and Mahalo,
Setsuko Morinoue
2