HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0315.046 2020-2022 August 2,2021
Chair David,Vice Chair Chung,and Members of the 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`u,utilizing the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural
Resources Preservation Fund:
Aloha County Council
I would like to express my sincere support for the resolution put forth by Councilwoman David (7)
regarding the utilization of PONC funding for the acquisition of Kiolaka`a by the Ala Kahakat
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.This land is where my -=
husband was born and raised,where my children are being raised,where we built our home,and
where we grow our food.
Not acquiringthis property for preservation 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
26o 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.
The aid that PONC funding would provide to purchase this property for preservation would
provide relief to not only humans and all inhabitants of the land, but to the land itself--
signifying
signifying that development would never again be a threat.The health of our communities are a
direct reflection of the health of our lands.To ensure that we have clean air to breathe, clean
water to drink, and an abundance of food and medicinal resources,we must first and foremost
protect this `aina and consider it first, everytime.
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).
You all have my sincere respect and appreciation as Council Members. 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, and for all of your hard work
and dedication to Hawaii County.
Sincerely,
Jodie Rosam
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