Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0126.005 2022-2024 p/ Council GOMM. 126 ,C,0 MVP( CLERIC COU;IT From: Tricia Strahler Sent: Monday, March 06, 2023 11:42 AM 7073 IiPR _G At4 U 47 To: Council Testimony Subject: Re: CRF Res 43-23 : Requesting $5000 towards the educational-related costs for the monument Aloha, members of our Hawai'i County Council, My name is Tricia Kaneko Strahler, and I am a supporter of Pulama Ia Kona Heritage Council located in Holualoa, Hi. I am testifying in support of receiving funding for our educational-related costs for the monument. Pulama requests $5,000 to fund the project's educational portion, including its nomination to the Hawaii Register of Historic Places and interpretive signage at the monument. Historic Hawaii supports this project and has awarded us a grant. Additional funds are needed. We appreciate your time, consideration, and support of our funding request to help shape a more thoughtful narrative in our community and future generations. Why are we preserving this landmark monument? On February 19th, 1942, Executive Order 9066 was issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The United States viewed anyone of Japanese ancestry as an enemy, and it became a crime to speak Japanese, be Japanese, gather as a community, and have any cultural practices. Over 30 monuments that used to be present along Mamalahoa Hwy from South to North Kona were destroyed by the U.S. Military with Executive Order 9066. For some reason, this monument remains standing along Mamalahoa Hwy, and many of the next generations do not even know it exists or the weight of its symbolism. It sits with corroded metal about to burst and break the concrete further. It is in the active process of being restored now, and we could use more financial support. You can visit our website to see our monument progress online here. Mahalo nui loa for your time and consideration, Tricia Kaneko Strahler Daughter of Ed and Kay Kaneko, Holualoa Hi. Castle Rock Co 80109 Tricia Strahler Community Outreach&Events Cell (303)328-7233 {� tvstrahler0gmail.com Comm. Na., instagram @triciainthecommunity Ref.To: cul 1 Ref. nate MAR - 8 2023