HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0189.054 2020-2022I '
From: Kaleo Wassman
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 8:51 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Res. 83-21: KE ALA KAKOU (HOLUALOA COMMUNITY FOREST) TMK 76-004-003 Land
Area (Acreage): 2.488 acres
'r'
Aloha Commissioners and County Council Members,
My name is Kaleo Wassman and this is my statement for
Res. 83-21: KE ALA KAKOU (HOLUALOA COMMUNITY FOREST)
TMK 76-004-003 Land Area (Acreage): 2.488 acres '"`,'
I want to thank you for your consideration in the acquisition for Ke Ala Kakou (Holualoa Community
Forest). As a local girl, all parcels up for voting today is important to save in my mind and heart.
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.
I do not envy your tough decision for which parcel to save and protect.
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 (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 it will make.
MAIIALO I
Kaleo Comm. No. l�Q`'91
Ref. To: f •
��
1Ref. nate PR 2 0 2021