HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0573.008 2020-2022 Pf FC
CLERKCOUNTY
COUNTY OF HAWAII
2811 JAN 14 M 19- 18
January 13, 2022
Dear Finance Committee Chair and Members of the Council:
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I have worked with literally hundreds of people on the Papa`ikou beach access issue since
2010. We have had more than 4 well-attended community meetings in Papa'ikou gym and the I
gym annex building. The Sierra Club, Global HOPE and Surfrider have taken a stand in support
of this purchase. It has passed the County Council 3 times. Over 5,500 citizens have petitioned
the government to make a public access to Mills Beach. Most recently, about 250 citizens
submitted supportive testimony to the Council.
Moreover, State Law demands this purchase. H.R.S. §115-2 and §115-6 says that counties f
shall use eminent domain to provide public access to the shoreline.
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In other words,it's the law, and it is the right thing to do.
But now Mayor Roth is apparently obstructing this purchase. This is wrong. To support
using eminent domain for public beach access is just following the law and the overwhelming
will of the people.
I can't help but notice that our nation is in the throes of a similar struggle with what it means
to be"a democracy." The laws and the greater public good and public rights must transcend
personal and private benefits. If they do not, the foundations of our democracy are destroyed by
what is obviously corrupt, self-serving, individual interests. So much is at stake.
Here in Hawaii, let us do the right thing with the public's right to access to Papa`ikou Mills
beach. Mayor Mitch Roth must act as an agent for the law, the public good, and for the public's
rights. He has no right to overturn Council decisions and the legally correct and the clear public
interest in using eminent domain for access to Papa`ikou Beach.
Please vote to ensure long-term public access to Papa`ikou Mills Beach.
Yours truly,
Noelie Rodriguez, Ph. D.
Comm. No.
Ref. To; PIP&
Ref, Date JAN 18 202