HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0315.021 2020-2022 i
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Post Office Box 785
Na'alehu,HI 96772
Phone 808.929.9735
Fax 808.929.9735
khandro@juno.com
July 20, 2021
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County Finance Committee
Re- Resolution 161, PONC funds to preserve Kiolaka`a: support of Ala Kahakai Trail
Association's Efforts to Protect Kiolaka`a in Ka'u, Hawaii
'Ano'ai a me ke aloha, County Finance Committee Members,
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Mahalo for this opportunity to testify on behalf of the acquisition to protect and
preserve 1,841 acres at Kiolaka'a.
My name is Wendy Scott-Vance. I am President of Ho`omalu Ka'u, a 501(c)3
organization in Na`alehu, Ka'u, Hawaii Island. Our mission is to "perpetuate, protect
and conserve the land, culture, knowledge and history of Ka`u and its people." I
was a "founding mother" of Ka 'Ohana O Honu'apo and a board member from 2005-
2013. 1 was also the Ka'u representative for the effort to get the 2% for the Land
program (now the County's POMC program) on the ballot. I've lived in Hawai'i for 45
years, and am a long-time Ka'u resident living at Wai'oma'o, Ka`u, since 2000. While
my mo'oku'auhao does not connect me to this land, my na'ao and my pu`uwai do. I
love this place; it is my home.
The Ka'u community (as expressed in the Community Develpment Plan) is united in
its desire to see the last 80 undeveloped miles of its coastline protected. The
beautiful Kiolaka`a stretch of the costliine is an important piece in realising this
vision. It is now threatened with a large-scale subdivision which would impact
important cultural sites, native (and endangered) plant habitat, open space and
public access. The state BLNR through the Legacy Lands Commission has already
approved grant funding for the preservation of this wahi pang. I implore the Council
to the same.
I would also like to express my support of the Ala Kahakai Trail Association (ATA).
They are committed to community input in a management plan for community-
based management which will include public access, education and resource
protection.
Mahalo for your time and consideration of this crucial land acquisition,
Wendy Scott-Vance
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