HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0460.026 2022-2024P/ Cpurci
Res. %-143
COMM. 460
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.
The Okano'Ohana SUPPORTS the resolution for purchase of (TMK 328008100) for preservation
and stewardship of the shoreline area of the entire 'ili of Pepe'ekeo.
Our family has lived in the little town of Pepe'ekeo since the early 1970s when the Hilo Coast
Processing Company created the Homestead for its plantation work force. Our country lifestyle
was built around family, friends, and neighbors, and enjoying all the fruits of the community we
call HOME. From swimming and catching prawns in the streams, to exploring the sugar cane
fields and untouched forest land, to fishing, diving, and enjoying time at the shoreline. Three
generations of our family currently claim ownership of this special place.
As a young family, we would often visit the shoreline to fish, to dive, to pick opihi, to camp, and
just enjoy the refreshing ocean water and gracious ocean breezes. More than just a place to
gather food for our family, it is a spiritual place where we often find peace from the daily grind,
reconnect with our loved ones, and always leave feeling happy and renewed. This practice is
now enjoyed by the youngest generation of the Okano clan; a practice that warms the hearts of
their grandparents, as the grandchildren are now able to enjoy this special place and provide
the fruits of the shoreline to their kupuna.
The younger generation has learned from their elders that extra fish and opihi gathered are
shared with other family and neighbors. This practice helps build and reinforce relationships
and the community network, and adds to the resiliency of the community, which is needed
more than ever in these challenging times. This proven resiliency has allowed our community to
persevere and remain connected while experiencing the changes from the plantation lifestyle
to the modern landscape, and will be needed as future changes come our way. These networks
Comm. N 1 VO • V
Ref. To:
Ref. Date 0C.T 1 8 2 23
Okano 'Ghana
P.O. Box 52
Pepe'ekeo, HI 96783
(808) 937-1036
c--
lennieokano@gmail.com
September 29, 2023
County of Hawai'i
County Council
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.
The Okano'Ohana SUPPORTS the resolution for purchase of (TMK 328008100) for preservation
and stewardship of the shoreline area of the entire 'ili of Pepe'ekeo.
Our family has lived in the little town of Pepe'ekeo since the early 1970s when the Hilo Coast
Processing Company created the Homestead for its plantation work force. Our country lifestyle
was built around family, friends, and neighbors, and enjoying all the fruits of the community we
call HOME. From swimming and catching prawns in the streams, to exploring the sugar cane
fields and untouched forest land, to fishing, diving, and enjoying time at the shoreline. Three
generations of our family currently claim ownership of this special place.
As a young family, we would often visit the shoreline to fish, to dive, to pick opihi, to camp, and
just enjoy the refreshing ocean water and gracious ocean breezes. More than just a place to
gather food for our family, it is a spiritual place where we often find peace from the daily grind,
reconnect with our loved ones, and always leave feeling happy and renewed. This practice is
now enjoyed by the youngest generation of the Okano clan; a practice that warms the hearts of
their grandparents, as the grandchildren are now able to enjoy this special place and provide
the fruits of the shoreline to their kupuna.
The younger generation has learned from their elders that extra fish and opihi gathered are
shared with other family and neighbors. This practice helps build and reinforce relationships
and the community network, and adds to the resiliency of the community, which is needed
more than ever in these challenging times. This proven resiliency has allowed our community to
persevere and remain connected while experiencing the changes from the plantation lifestyle
to the modern landscape, and will be needed as future changes come our way. These networks
Comm. N 1 VO • V
Ref. To:
Ref. Date 0C.T 1 8 2 23
have persisted through generations of families in the community and the harvesting and
sharing of the shoreline resources amongst neighbors strengthens these bonds.
In our lifetime here, we have seen the rise and fall of the sugar industry, and along with it the
management of our precious lands and home transform to what was once open and available
to enjoy, to now being blocked by private landowners. The landscape of our shoreline has
already changed dramatically with the cutting of historic pine trees and less open space; our
access to the places that was once part of our daily lifestyle is no more.
One of the special things we love about Hawai'i, and our government here is that they
acknowledge the importance of and support the perpetuity of historical cultural practices and
resources. Yes, our community has an agreement with private landowners in place to allow
some limited access to the shoreline, but our biggest fear is that one day, that agreement will
be no more, and along with it, the lifestyle we've lived for over 50 years now and the
opportunity for our future generations to live as we live. Having the shoreline forever protected
and available to our community will not only protect this special place in our hearts, but it is
also vital to maintaining the community network and resilience.
Purchasing this 'aina under the County of Hawai'i PONC process would fulfill long-standing
promises to the Pepe'ekeo community of protecting this shoreline into the future.
Mahalo,
The Okano 'Ghana - Pepe'ekeo Residents for Four Generations
Melvin Okano, Brenda Okano
Ryan Okano, Dana Okano, Zion Okano, Kalaniva Okano
Lennie Okano-Kendrick, Keola Kendrick, Kalei Kendrick, Kaoni Kendrick, Kanoa Kendrick
Cullen Okano, Rhema Okano, Elijah Okano, Jai Okano
Brendee (Okano) Estrada, Fabrin Estrada, Raiden Kai Estrada