HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0460.021 2022-2024September 29, 2023
County of Hawaii
County Council
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COMM. 40
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.
My name is Wanda Louis and I support the resolution for purchase of (TMK 328008100) for
preservation and stewardship of the shoreline area of the entire `ili of Pepe`ekeo.
I have been a resident for the past twenty years and have loved the shoreline of Pepe' ekeo since I
moved here. It was not until recently that I have been involved with the community concerns like
the preservation of the shoreline. I am glad that my retirement has allowed for this.
Growing up in Ka'u allowed many days spent down at a variety of shorelines from Punalu'u to
Kalualu. Out family outings most of the time was at these shorelines as my dad was a fisherman.
Being that he only had girls we became his fishing partners. These memories span five
generations that are irreplaceable. Though I have only lived in Pepe'ekeo for only twenty years,
I am sure there are long time fishermen who hold this shoreline as dear with precious memories
as I have in Ka'u. I cannot imagine.not being able to fish where my children and now
grandchildren learned how to fish.
Today, our shoreline is a precious commodity as many developers want to build on it, then
selling it to the highest bidder. Our shoreline needs protecting so that generations can share in the
building of family values not to mention endless memories they will have. As a Hawaiian,
respecting and preserving our resources is ingrained in us. Our shoreline is one of the last natural
assets that feeds our family, not to mention the cultural resource this shoreline holds.
Purchasing this `aina 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,
Wanda Louis
Pepe`ekeo Resident
808-895-2172
Email: auntiewans@gmail.com
Comm. NOAD0211
Ref. To: Ila I
Ref. Date OC T 1 8 2023