HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0620.052 2022-2024 P/Courici(
Res r2-23
COUNTY CLEM GOMM.C,20
• COUNTY OF HAWAfl
Subject: Urgent Appeal to Reject Funds for Legal Ba i rd Pio{itie §ettlement in
Hui Malama Honokohau v. County of Hawai'i.
Aloha Char Kimball and members of the Hawai' County Council,
I hope this message finds you well. My name is Apryl Sasaki, and I am a concerned
resident of Kailua Kona, writing to you today to strongly urge against the approval
of funds requested by the mayor to hire outside counsel to fight the ongoing legal
battle in Hui Malama Honokohau v. County of Hawai'i. Instead, I implore you to
consider directing these funds towards the exclusive purpose of hiring outside
counsel to engage in negotiations for a settlement with Hui Malama Honokohau.
The longstanding issue with the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment plant has led to
the release of millions of gallons of treated sewage into groundwater, adversely
affecting our Honokohau Harbor and causing irreparable damage to the
surrounding nearshore waters. The impact on the ecosystem and the lives that
depend on it is immeasurable.
I draw you attention to the costly and lengthy legal battle undertaken by Maui
County over their Lahaina Wastewater Treatment Plant, which ultimately resulted
in an unfavorable decision by the. US Supreme Court in County of Maui v. Hawai'i
Wildlife fund. This case has set a precedent for similar situations, including the one
we face with Kealakehe. It is crucial that we learn from past mistakes and avoid
unnecessary financial and legal burdens.
I implore you not to endorse the mayor's request for funds and to leverage your
influence to encourage the administration to pursue a more constructive path.
Instead,.let us prioritize a settlement in the ongoing litigation, commit to upgrading
the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant, and take decisive action in the best
interest of Hawai'i's environment and its people.
Please consider this urgent appeal and play a pivotal role in steering our
community towards a more sustainable and responsible future.
Sincerely,
Apryl Sasaki
4/04,,5'ad.a4
Comm. N'. .I St
Ref.To: ' I(IL'I!I1
Ref. Date :-EC v 6 I.