HomeMy WebLinkAboutBIL 132 Draft 01 2022-2024AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITY SCHEDULE, CHAPTER 15, ARTICLE 8, SECTION 15-68.1 OF THE HAWAI‘I COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), BY RENAMING KAHAKAI
PARK, THE “WAIAKAHIʻULA BEACH PARK” IN RECOGNITION OF ITS ORIGINAL PLACE NAME.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I:
SECTION 1. Purpose. The purpose of this ordinance is to rename Kahakai Park, located northeast of Pāhoa, situated in the region of Puna, Island and County of Hawai‘i, State of Hawai‘i,
in recognition of its original place name.
Kahakai Park is located within the historical boundaries of the Waiakahiʻula ahupuaʻa, adjacent to the Keonepoko, Kahuwai, Nānāwale, and Honolulu ahupuaʻa. The Waiakahiʻula ahupuaʻa
encompasses the present-day Hawaiian Shores and Hawaiian Beaches subdivisions in Puna. The park contains remnants of the ancient Hawaiian village of Waiakahiʻula, a once densely populated
settlement with dispersed structures. Among the notable cultural and historical features are a well-preserved canoe shed, foundations of a house, and various agricultural sites.
Waiakahiʻula, means “the place where the water runs red,” which comes from cascading streams along the cliffs that take on a reddish hue during the season of Hoʻoilo – Hawaiʻi’s wet
and rainy season, which spans from November to April.
Waiakahiʻula gained notoriety for a tumultuous battle that unfolded in the neighboring Keonepokoiki ahupuaʻa during the reign of the Hawaiian aliʻi, ʻAhia. A prominent and oppressive
leader of the Puna region in the late 1700s, ‘Ahia imposed harsh taxes and labor on the local populace, leading to discontent and resistance. Faced with noncompliance and rebellion,
ʻAhia ordered his men to slaughter the makaʻāinana (commoners). However, prepared to resist, the makaʻāinana of the ahupua‘a of Keonepokonui, Keonepokoiki, and Waiakahi‘ula came together
and engaged in battle.
During the battle, the maka‘āinana invoked the rains of Puna through ritual, resulting in a torrential rainstorm and a flood that carried the fallen bodies of ʻAhia’s men toward the
ocean. Despite the success of the makaʻāinana in battle, the coastal area of Waiakahiʻula also became the final resting place for many ʻiwi kupuna.
It is believed that the battleground is located in the ahupua‘a of Waiakahi‘ula, where the present-day Keonepoko Elementary School stands.
Renaming Kahakai Park to honor its original place name of Waiakahi‘ula, reflects a dedicated commitment to preserving the profound cultural and historical significance of this ‘āina.
It also ensures that its mo‘olelo (story) is not only preserved, but also endures, allowing it to be appreciated by future generations.
SECTION 2. Pursuant to chapter 15, article 8, section 15-67(a)(1) of the Hawai‘i County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), that establishes requirements for naming County parks and
recreation facilities, to “retain any existing name which has been historically accepted through common usage,” or “be named, preferably in the Hawaiian language, in a manner which
describes significant features or the geographic location of said aesthetic area,” the Kahakai Park in the region of Puna is hereby renamed, the “Waiakahiʻula Beach Park.”
SECTION 3. Chapter 15, article 8, section 15-68.1 of the Hawai‘i County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), is amended by amending the parks recreational facility schedule, “Puna”
section by renaming “Kahakai Park” to “Waiakahiʻula Beach Park”, to read as follows:
“[Kahakai Park] Waiakahiʻula Beach Park”
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SECTION 4. Material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New material is underscored. In printing this ordinance, the brackets, bracketed and stricken material and underscoring
need not be included.
SECTION 5. Severability. If any provision of this ordinance, or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions
or applications of the ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end, the provisions of this ordinance are declared to be severable.
SECTION 6. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval.
INTRODUCED BY:
_____________________________________ ___
COUNCIL MEMBER, COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I
_______________, Hawai‘i
Date of Introduction:
Date of 1st Reading:
Date of 2nd Reading:
Effective Date: