HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0609.033 2022-2024 P/Gourd I
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January 10, 2024
Hawaii County Council Representatives
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
(808) 961-8255 •
email: counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov
RE: Opposition Testimony
y Support to Amend Bill No. 107 PMAR into DHHL Trust Lands. ,`,
Aloha kakou,
I hereby submit written testimony by email to represent (5) generations of`ohana beneficiaries
to Hawaii Island's Keaukaha-Pana'ewa Hawaiian Home Trust Lands. We have witnessed and
lived a lifetime of relentless challenges dating back to the original lessees of my maternal
grandparents of 90 years. From the relocation of their homestead to satisfy the alignment of
the Hilo International Airport that still presents challenges for their legacy today. Added to
their already full-plate of raising a household of children and grandchildren has been the
County Refuse polluted dumpsite and the Pana'ewa Racetrack for sports`entertainment.
When will these impositions to the Native Hawaiian lifestyle S-T-O-P? Have you wondered?
Please also reference State Representative Ilagan correspondence dated January 2, 2024 to
Hawaii Council Chairperson which although acknowledges the fact that the rapid Puna growth
population's need for improved roadway infrastructure and yet recognizes the "a'ole" absolute
"no"from community that live and reside on their Pana'ewa homesteads of the Dept. of
Hawaiian Home Lands conflicts. It will trigger a whole range of issues, I believe your study
records will confirm. The budget proposed for identifying an alternate route must exclude the
Keaukaha-Pana'ewa Hawaiian Home Lands Trust Lands as an option and Bill 107 must be
amended to reflect a clear message to stand-down on its' intent to cause more burdens.
Another point of concern is that District Council of Keaukaha-Pana'ewa#3 was not present at
the time this bill was voted on —this is an absolute unfairness in all due respects and fails as
non-representative. This bill should be amended if nothing else lack of consultation on behalf
of its constituents (this is totally a broken trust). Please be mindful of what you say and do.
Mahalo a nu loa; me ke Aloha pumehana,
Legacy Matriarch
Keaukaha-Pana'ewa Homestead Lessee
Current Association Member and BOD Representative
Hawai'i Island (East Hawai'i)
Comm. N
Ref.To: Wan
Ref. Date ON I 0 2024