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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0189.075 2020-2022 ! i Setsuko Morinoue Res. 83-21: KE ALA KAKOU (HOLUALOA COMMUNITY FOREST) COUNTY CLERK TMK 76-004-003 Land Area (Acreage): 2.488 acres COUNTY OF AWAI®I RECEIVED i _10.0404A. By Good Morning!!! Date MAY 0 5 2021 I would like to thank you all for your consideration in acquiring the Ke Ala Kakou (Holualoa Community 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 Alii Drive. Living in the village of Holualoa town for a little over 50 years and have watched drastic changes from the Mauka 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 worsen and not get any better if we do not do anything to prevent it. The most of Holualoa town in the lower section is in a FEMA zone and this Ke Ala Kakou piece is considered small, but a very important property to be secured in order to help manage from any flash floods and major property damages in the lower and wider section of Kailua-Kona. I am very worried about the way these open lands are quickly sold in today's real-estate market, and the fact of 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. Come. o. 1 •t Ref. To V Ref. Bate MAY 15 20 1 These are just some examples of how important the location of this parcel is in Holualoa town and all of Kailua-Kona. 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 (Holualoa Community Forest)is worth the financial venture for the future of our land, our culture and our next generations that reaches beyond our village into our Ahupua'a connection. Thank you for your valuable time and sincere consideration. Setsuko Morinoue Holualoa, HI.