HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0315.024 2020-2022 July 18, 2021
TO: Hawaii County Council
From: Deborah Ward, representing Sierra Club Hawaii Island Group
RE: Resolution 161 Support purchase of Kiolaka`a with PONC funds
My name is Deborah Ward, and as Chair of the Hawaii Island Group of Sierra Club, my testimony
represents the support of over 800 members,some of whom are Native Hawaiian practitioners, hikers,
scientists, recreational users and conservation activists. One of many services our club offers is hikes
that are led by certified leaders to wild lands at no cost to the public. I am writing today to ask you to
support the purchase of Kiokaka'a, coastal property in Ka`u.
Many of us have known and loved this area for many years. We feel very strongly that it is a resource
that is too precious to lose to development. I have recently been appointed and confirmed as
representative to the Hawaii County Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation
Commission (PONC)for District 5, and have had the opportunity to review the files on this proposal.
Sierra Club members and hundreds of others worked hard to protect the lands that include "Road to the
Sea", prized by local fishers in Kahuku, and we believe this would be a significant and valuable addition
to the protected natural landscape.
Protection of the Ka`u coastline has been a long-standing goal of our community. With only a handful of
privately owned properties at risk of development,this vision of protecting the entire Ka`u coastline can
be achieved. A preservation purchase would protect this beautiful stretch of coastline which has been
threatened by development interests for many years. This and other properties have been targeted for
large scale subdivisions. These developments would impact numerous cultural sites throughout the
landscape as well as sensitive native plant habitat,open space and public access. As part of Sierra Club's
commitment to community-based stewardship and management,we are willing to work with the
community to create a management plan for the land. The management plan will address elements
such as public access, education and resource protection. This property is currently listed for sale and it
is possible that either the existing owner or new owners could continue with development plans if we
are unable to raise the funds.
Many of us took part in a virtual community discussion (2.16.21)to be sure that our community does
have consensus about the high priority protection of our critical lands.John Replogle led off the
discussion, reminiscing about kupuna Pele Hanoa,who pledged to protect this land in perpetuity. Brent
Kakasako and Bob Agres facilitated the discussion. The following is a list(but is not comprehensive) of
Ka'u residents and supporters who took part in the community meeting: Leah Lani Rothbaum. Angelica
Peneran, Reyna Ramolete Hayashi, Kaleo Paik, Fred Kanali Meinecke, Leilani Rodrigues,Jodie, Rosam,
Annie Bosited, Pelehonuamea Suganuma, Keoni Fox, La'akea, Suganuma, Flora Krivak-Tetely, Scott
Mahoney, Nanea Bekeart, Richard Taylor, Leivalyn Kaupu, Michelle Galimba, Pua Yang, Ethan Souza,
Kala Keahealani Wright, Otis Salmo, Lea Hong,Angelica Penaran, Pua Yang, Mel Yokyama, Brown
Leiokeko'olani, Lynn Hamilton,Julia Neal, Carol Fong, Luana Fox, Leimana Damate, Melanie Seyler,
Nohealani Ka'awa, Bob Martin,Aina Akamu, Kaimi Kaupiko,Wendy Vance,Jackson Bauer,Jon Oshima,
Kaohi Mokuhali'i, Rae, Donna Ambrose, Monte McComber, Katie Graham.
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Comm. No.
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Ref. Date JUL 2 0 2021
The outcome of the meeting was a consensus that the purchase of the land is of the highest importance,
and that the specifics of management, pedestrian and vehicular access, kupuna access, and
maintenance are all aspects of care that can and will be addressed in meetings with community
members to follow. We agreed that if this land were to be developed for private holdings,significant
cultural, archaeological and natural resources could be lost forever. For this reason we believe that the
Legacy Land grant is in the best interest of the Ka'u community,the Hawaii Island Community, and the
state as a whole.
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Thank you for considering this testimony in support.
Deborah Ward, Chair, Hawaii Island Group,Sierra Club
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