HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0460.023 2022-2024October 17, 2023
County of Hawai'i
County Council
20B OCT 17 PIN 1,9: Gp
p Gourlci l
823.263-23
COMM. qX
Re: Resolution 263-23: 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.
This letter is being written by Randall and Carol Nakasato and we support the resolution for purchase
of (TMK 328008100) for preservation and stewardship of the shoreline area of the entire 'ili of
Pepe'ekeo.
We were on the Pepe'ekeo Community Association and for over 15 years, we took care of the access
to the Pepe'ekeo shoreline, on the Hamakua side of Hu Honua. People would complete the forms,
drop it off to our home and we would give out the combination to the gate whenever someone who.
was authorized would call. We also would be in charge of buying and changing the locks every time
it was damaged or stolen. It was a lot of work be wanted the access to the shoreline to remain for the
people of our community and felt this was very important.
This was also an important place with a lot of history as we were growing up and for our own family.
We have memories of going there with our parents to go fishing and gather'opihi, ha'uke'uke, limu,
`opae in the stream (when we still had `opae) and a lot of other things and kiloi 'upena (throwing net).
We used to take our children to the shoreline often and it was something we enjoyed doing together.
Our children enjoyed swimming in the stream before the roadway got washed away. Today, my
children and their families still enjoy the shoreline. It is a very important place to us and we are happy
that we still have access to this area (the Hamakua side of Hu Honua). We believe that these
valuable experiences made our 'ohana who we are today, and we want this access to be available for
our children, grandchildren and the generations to follow.
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 for generations to come.
Mahalo,
Randall and Carol Nakasato
Pepe'ekeo Residents
27-1049 Old Mamalahoa Hwy.
Pepe'ekeo, HI 96783
(808) 238-0691
COMM. N . 400.1)
Ref. To:In
Ref. nate'OCT 1 2023