HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0189.051 2020-2022 Aloha Commissioners and County Council Members,
Res. 83-21: KE ALA KAKOU (HOLUALOA COMMUNITY FOREST)
TMK 76-004-003 Land Area (Acreage): 2.488 acres
Mahalo for your consideration in the acquisition for Ke Ala Kakou (Holualoa Community
Forest). Generations of my ohana has been raised in Holualoa, and I am writing to
voice why it is important to save this parcel because of the importance and impact it
has in saving the greater community. I feel this 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.
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= c
into our aquifer system to protect our village and our ocean quality. This forest has the
potential to reflect our cultural background, givingour local people, a sense ofplace,_
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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 ti'
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. It is also where Holualoa School's
evacuation drill is housed for safety if there was a need to evacuate the school campus.
Mahalo for your time and consideration to hear my written testimony and to take to
heart what it will do for the greater community and our commitment to our Keiki and
families.
With a grateful heart,
Shaula Tualaulelei
Comm. No. ` U l' I
Ref. To:
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Ref. Date A R 2 0 2021