HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0728.012 2022-2024 P/ Gounci
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Testimony in SUPPORT of Res. 438-24 regarding AWARD FUND Pli iR -5 1111 I :.
VARIOUS NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS THROUGH THE KILAUEA
RECOVERY GRANT PROGRAM
Aloha Council Members,
My name is Su Champeny. I am Vice President of the Lele'iwi Community Association, a
founding member of grassroots group Wai'uli We Count and Data Coordinator for the Keaukaha
Stewardship Program.
I am also a proud former resident of Puna, at 14-3731 Holo Lio Road. I last saw my home on
May 30, 2018, 10 hours before it was taken by lava.
I gratefully support Resolution 438-24 regarding lava recovery and specifically the restoration of
Holo Lio Road,which has been awarded partial funding.
My next door neighbor and I tried three times to hike to our land over the margins of the lava
river. It was horrible hiking, where the pahoehoe was more dangerous than the a'a - being thin
layers with large pukas hidden underneath. We never knew when a step would result in firm
ground, or a sudden drop through layers of razor sharp stuff. We also never knew if we set foot
on our land or no. After the third time, we stopped. We are old and it wasnot worth risking
ourselves on what was gone. More important things loomed: getting housed,finding places for
our farm animals, moving on.
Without a road,we would never set foot on our lands again. My neighbor was Tier 1, and took
the county buyout. My place is Tier 2, and without access, I felt buyout was the only option,
especially while digging out of the financial wreckage of lava loss followed by the pandemic.
Jenny Perry and Amadeo Markoff are my heroes:through dogged determination and amazing
energy, they created a new option for lava-locked Holo Lio Road. I fully support this project—it
is so important to rebuilding community, food security, and stewardship of these lands.
Without access, none of these things can happen, which is a loss to all of Puna and Hawaii
Island.
Please release these funds as soon as possible. The plan was to start work in March -all the bids
are based on that. Every week of delay adds costs to those bids—an additional burden to all of
us who are committed to pay the substantial funding gap.
I have a personal date with my land:to stand there on May 31, 2024, exactly 6 years from when
it was taken by lava. I humbly ask that you please make this possible.
Mahalo Nui for all your time and hard work on the Kilauea Recovery Grant Program. I am
grateful for all you do.
Su Champeny
Comm. 1g.
Ref. To:
Ref. Date 1A m 6 2024