HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0126.011 2022-2024 p/Counci f 1
Res.01-23
CNN. 126,
From: Shaula Tualaulelei
Sent: Monday, March 06, 2023 10:24 AM
To: Council Testimony ((��COUNTY CLERIC
Subject: Re: CRF Res 43-23 : Requesting $5000 towards tai°ec i Ye reIaiteed costs for the
monument Time 10:24 a n1. Bydt'O
Date MAR 0 6 2023
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 Shaula Tualaulelei, 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,
Shaula Tualaulelei 1110.1
74-5126 Haleolono Street Comm. No.
Ref.To: QI NAVA
1 Ref. Date MAR — 8 2023