HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0559.018 2022-2024From: Ann Kobsa C')
Sunday,Sund�November 12.2O23 10:00PM
Council Testimony
Support for Reso.330-23
Aloha Honorable Council Members,
Mahalo for the opportunity to testify on Resolution 330, related to Kumukahi, a very significant place
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It is culturally
important, with cemeteries, heiau,ah4and the eastern gateway. Itisbiologically important, and the home ofrare and
endangered plants, birds and marine life. Fish, opihi and limu populations have begun to recover since Pele blocked the
road in2Ol8.
The main threat, as|see it, isvehicles. 1don't understand why, but some people seem todrive around off -road and
seem to see the land as just something to drive over to get wherever they want.
All the problems out there are caused or exacerbated by people driving there. I've seen destruction ofcuhura|features
and rare plants, dumping of opala, and pollution from burned cars and dump sites.
From 2O18to20ZO Kumukahi had a respite from all the problems caused by people in vehicles, but as soon as 132 was
opened in2O2Othe destruction began anew. 3Otrucks were seen atone time onthe new black sand beach, abeach
that may beadopted asaturtle nesting beach ifitwere undisturbed. |opaMaunakea,the Men of Pa'a and Lono Lyman
have tried hard tokeep the vehicles out, but they are very persistent.
This resolution is a good start --it recognizes Kumukahi and calls for its preservation. VVeneed funding for amanagement
plan and also for its implementation, before any consideration of opening Kumukahi Lighthouse Road, and if restored,
the road must be gated so that visitors can be regulated and held accountable for how they behave at Kumukahi.
There is much community support for preservation of Kumukahi, and that could be done either via a Cultural Preserve,
official designation asVVahi Pane, Historical District Natural Area Reserve, or PONC purchase.
Mahalo for recognizing Kumukahi as the very special and sacred wahi pana that it is.
Ann Kobsa, Puna
Ref. Date 'NOV 15 Z023