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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0460.005 2022-2024September 18 2023 County of Hawaii County Council 1073 SEP 20 M 9: 32 P/ LAAO R,es. 263-23 COMM. ybo Re: Testimony in Support of Resolution to purchase (TMK 328008100) or the entire shoreline of the `ili of Pepe`ekeo by the County through the PONC process. Aloha, Dylan Crawford and Ohana supports the resolution for purchase of (TMK 328008100) for preservation and stewardship of the shoreline area of the entire `ili of Pepe`ekeo. I am a longtime resident of Hilo and Hamakua, and currently serve as Secretary on the Makahanaloa fishing association board. My connection to this coastline began in 1994, my senior year at Hilo high school. I was shown this majestic coastline by a friend during a very large swell. Over the years, I would return periodically as a friend of the coastline and fisherman. I have watched the landscape change as houses continually pop up inside of the gated community. The fear of losing access to this coastline always looms, which is exactly why this parcel of land is so critical for the county to purchase. Our local families deserve to rest at night without the unsettling reality of another gate popping up with no tresspassing signs posted. This is a perfect fit for PONC. We already have organizations and agreements in place to give this land the stewardship that it deserves. We also see it as a good opportunity to purchase lands close to Hilo. Ka'u has seen most of the PONC funds go their way, which is awesome, but it is time to utilize these funds in more densely populated areas where open natural spaces are being gobbled up by wealthy individuals and developments. Mahalo for taking the time and energy to read and consider my testimony. Purchasing this 'Rina under the County of Hawaii PONC process would fulfill long-standing promises to the Pepe`ekeo community of protecting this shoreline into the future. Mahalo, Dylan Crawford Secretary of Makahanaloa fishing association Resident of Papaikou 808-217-3591 dylan@islandaquascapes.com Comm. NQ..YNJ Ref. To: LW Ref. Date