HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0189.055 2020-2022 P/Fc
Rcs.85.21
CO1414.I 89
From: Arne JinAn Wong
Sent: Monday, April 12, 2021 11:22 PM
To: Council Testimony COUNTY CLERK
Subject: Holualoa Community Forest COUNTY OF HAWAI'
RECEIVED
Time 11.22 p.M• By
Holualoa Community Forest Date _ APR 1 2 2021
Sugg.23-o13(21-oo2)-TMK 76-004-003
I want to thank you for your consideration in the acquisition for Ke Ala Kakou (Holualoa Community Forest). As
a local, 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.
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 precious time and sincere consideration of the impact will make.
Aloha,
Arne JinAn Wong
Comm. No t 0q•6.9
Ref. To:
1 Ref. Date
i z 11 2021