HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0315.020 2020-2022 July 18, 2021
Chair Kaneali'i-Kleinfelder,Vice Chair Kimball, and Members of the Finance Committee,
Hawaii County Council
counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov
Re: SUPPORT for RES 161-21: Authorizes the Director of Finance to enter into
negotiations for the acquisition of lands and/or conservation easements for all or a portion
of the properties identified as Tax Map Keys 9-4-001:008, 009, 016,,017, and 023, situated
in the Ahupua`a of Kiolaka`a and Wai`oma`o, District of Ka'-d, utilizing the Public Access,
Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund.
Aloha Committee Members,
I would like to express my sincere support for the resolution put forth by Councilwoman
David regarding the utilization of PONC funding for the acquisition of Kiolaka`a by the Ala
Kahakai Trail Association (ATA) to ensure that this `aina is protected for future generations.
My name is Jodie Rosam,and I am a resident of Kiolaka`a Ahupua`a. My family and I live
about less than a half-mile from the mauka boundary of the Kiolaka`a parcel. First and
foremost, I am the mother of two young boys who call Kiolaka`a their backyard. Beyond
that, I am an educator, an ecologist, a conservationist, a botanist, and a lover of all things
Ka`u.
The conservation values within Kiolaka`a are too numerous to list. From rare and
endangered plant species and an intact lowland dry forest ecosystem to anchialine pool
complexes and coastal marine resources, Kiolaka`a has a bit of it all. The archaeology that
blankets the landscape unique to these undeveloped Ka`u lands is so precious. Individually,
each conservation value within this `aina should warrant its protection, and collectively,
they should end the conversation here.
From a conservation standpoint, habitat fragmentation and habitat loss are the two most
devastating effects on both species and landscape scale conservation. To interject
development into an otherwise continuous and intact (and protected) coastal and lowland
landscape essentially negates the benefit of the preservation of ecosystems present on the
adjacent lands. The ahupua`a in Ka`u are intertwined and interconnected, and the plant
people within them rely on each other - much like humans - for support (in this case,
genetic diversity and sources of seeds) during times of drought or fire. Furthermore,
Kiolaka`a is home to rare, threatened, and endangered plant species, as well as a critical
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habitat for the future re-introduction of previously extirpated species. It truly is a piko of
Ka`u's lowland dry forests and commands the preservation that it so humbly deserves.
Not acquiring this property simultaneously opens up an opportunity for development, for
subdivision, and raises the threat level of destruction exponentially. It is no secret that this
area is under development threat. In fact,in only the past three months, another 260 acre
parcel (already subdivided into 11 lots) just across the street from the mauka portion of the
Kiolaka`a property was listed for sale for 2.4 million dollars. Properties in this area are
being purchased, cleared, and developed quicker than they have ever been in recent history.
We are lucky that kupuna have stood up for what is right and kept our coastlines and
lowlands wild and free, and I am grateful to them for the opportunity to stand up for the
same.And with the unprecedented growth in the local real estate market,the time to make
movements is now.
Utilizing POMC to protect this one-of-a-kind landscape would benefit the land as well as the
community. The perpetual restrictions set in place by POMC purchase agreements assures
both humans and creatures alike that development will never again be an issue. Ka`u is a
strong and active community, and I am confident that a community-based management
plan will be the key to perpetuating culture, protecting species, and promoting sustainable
recreation.
I wholeheartedly believe that our community can come together from a deep place of love
for the land and stand together using the tools available to Protect Kiolaka`a,with the
constant reminder that He ali`i ka `aina, he kauwa ke kanaka (`Olelo No`eau from Mary
Kawena Pukui).
Please use your vote to approve Resolution 161-21, and help the community move forward
in the protection of Kiolaka`a. Mahalo for the opportunity to express my testimony.
Jodie Rosam