HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0460.007 2022-2024P /L,AAC
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From: Edward Johnston
Sent: Friday, September 29, 2023 11:27 AM w
To: Council Testimony,`,
Subject: Testimony for Tuesday October 3rd meeting y
Aloha: Testimony in Support of TMK 328008100 (Gault's
Gulch) for purchase by the County through the PONC process.
Hamakua and South Hilo have been consistently passed over for protection
of the shoreline trails when the rest of the island was provided access with
the alanui and ala kahakai. Protecting access to this `aina, is crucial
for the general public, Pepe`ekeo community groups, descendants, and
stakeholders, community-based management of these lands and their natural
and cultural resources. TMK 328008100 contains the entire shoreline of the
`ili of Pepe`ekeo, which is within the ahupua`a of Makahanaloa. This area is
linked to the people's historic farewell to Joseph Nawahi in 1892. The
shoreline
includes two streams, Lonoka`eho and Waima`au`au and several fishing sites.
These sites have been fished for generations for moi, chole, ulua, and a
multitude of other food. Limu, `opae, h1uwai, and prawns are gathered from
the streams. Native `ope`ape`a (hoary bats), pueo, and i`o nest in the
shoreline trees. The identity of the Pepe`ekeo community is woven into the
health and names of these places. Protecting this coastal area under the
County of Hawaii PONC process would finally fulfill the
Pepe`ekeo community's long standing goal of protecting this shoreline in
perpetuity. A fisherman always finds fish nearby, but we must ensure that
these special places are preserved for all time.
Ed Johnston
Kahua/Pepe'ekeo
Box 636
Pepeekeo, HI 96783
Comm. No �• l
Ref. To:
1 Ref. Dot* OCT _ 3 2023