HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0333.006 2020-2022 I
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From: Ann Kobsa
E
Sent: Monday, August 02, 2021 9:58 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Support for Reso 170-21
Aloha Honorable Council Members,
I am a subsistence farmer living in the community of Koa'e, Puna, for 22 years. Mahalo for reading my testimony in
favor of Reso 170-21.
Wai`ele is a special and cherished place in our community. It was clearly a special place in the past also, for pre-
contact Hawaiians. The area contains many archaeological features and natural beauty, and was the site of 2
Hawaiian villages. It has served our community as a place for nature appreciation, recreation, foraging and
fishing. The ancient trail to the village of Wai'ele features paving stones, rock walls and raised sections, and this trail
is referred to as the property boundary in a land grant dated 1852. It has been used by current residents for over 30
years and is an important part of the community, especially since the 2018 lava flows took so much coastal access in
Puna. The native and cultural forest is full of beauty and food. The coconut grove at the shoreline must be hundreds
of years old. It is crucial that this trail and the shoreline and forest be protected and remain accessible to the people of
the community and beyond.
Over the years, I have organized several beach cleanups at Wai`ele and intend to continue to do this, as well as
serving in any way I can to help steward Wai`ele long into the future.
Please vote for Reso. 170-21,to advance the PONC purchase and preservation of Wai'ele.
Mahalo nui loa
Ann Kobsa
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community resident and
Vice-President of Malama O Puna
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Comm. No
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Ref. Dates U 3 202