HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0284.034 2020-2022 From: VVen6vNoritake
Sent: Sunday, June 13, 2021 8L30 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Pnesen/ingK4ahukona
Dear Council Member Matt Kanea|i'i-K|einfe|der,
Where do I begin? I support Resolution 145 so the County can negotiate public ownership and protection of Mahukona.
I have been a scuba diver since 1997, privileged to have a job where I could create a diving club and take members all over the world
onscuba diving trips.The marine life sights are all here atMahukona. Magical.Yes, I'm focused onthe marine life here, having
volunteered numerous hours to record cauliflower coral spawning,counting the collector sea urchins, or recording the vacant shells
of black-lipped pearl oysters for non-profit Eyes of the Reef. I saw the devastating bleaching that occurred in 2015 as well as the
comeback of the Yellow Tangs and other reef fish after the aquarium trade was halted.These fish are now flourishing at Mahukona. I
was able to swim with 75-100 spinner dolphins during the height of the Covid days when we had to hike from the upper parking lot
toswim,sometimes alone with noone insight.
I implore you to keep Mahukona the wild and natural area that it is. When I'm not swimming, I'm walking the paths between
Mahukona and Kapaa Park,always amazed by the landscape that is perhaps even more dramatic and beautiful than it was in the
sugar plantation days. I've had many lunches and sunset dinners with friends and family at what I think is the most beautiful place on
earth.
I'm glad to hear that there's no more talk about hotels and resorts there, but to ensure the natural and breath-taking scenery as well
as history that we incorporate in our lives,are protected and preserved for generations to come, means more to me than anything.
Moho|u nui |oa'
`
5=
VVendyNoritake
Kapaau
z� c
^
��.
L�J �
Comm. No.
Ref. Date— JUN 1 5 2021