HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0164.020 2024-2026Okanol]hana
P.O.Box 52
Pepe'ekeo.H|9G783
/808\937-1036
County ofHaVVai'i �-
CountyCounci|
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Re: Testimony imSupport Wf Resolmtiom#95 to begin negotiations to purchase the ^Sinaof
through the PONC process.
The Okano 'Ohana SUPPORTS the resolution for the County of Hawai'i to begin negotiations to
purchase the '5ina ofNaxvainui K4akai ([MK 2-7-011:001 and 2-7-Ol1:D27) for preservation and
stewardship ofthe shoreline area ofthe entire 'iUofPape~akeoand Hilo Pa|ikG.
Our family has lived inthe little town ofPepa'akeosince the early 197Oswhen the Hilo Coast
Processing Company created the Homestead for its plantation work force. Our country lifestyle
was built around family, friends, and neighbors, and enjoying all the fruits ofthe community xve
call HOME. From swimming and catching prawns in the streams, to exploring the sugar cane
fields and untouched forest land, tofishing, diving, and enjoying tirneattheahoreline.Three
generations of our family currently claim ownership of this special place.
Asayoung family, wewould often visit the shoreline tofish, to dive, topick opih' tocamp, and
just enjoy therefreshingoceanxvateramd gracious ocean breezes. More than just aplace to
gather food for our family, itisaspiritual place where vveoften find peace from the daily grind,
reconnect with our loved ones, and always leave feeling happy and renewed. This practice is
now enjoyed 6«theyounQestgenerationoftheOkanoc|an; apractice that warms the hearts of
their grandparents, authe grandchildren are now able toenjoy thisspecia|placeandprovide
the fruits ofthe shoreline totheir kupuna.
The younger generation has learned from their elders that extra fish and opihigathered are
shared with other family and neighbors. This practice helps build and reinforce relationships
and the community network, and adds to the resilience of the community, which is needed
more than ever in these challenging times. This proven resiliency has allowed our community to
persevere and remain connected while experiencing the changes from the plantation lifestyle
to the modern landscape and will be needed aafuture changes come our way. These networks
have persisted through generations offamilies inthe community and the harvesting and
sharing of the shoreline resources amongst neighbors strengthens these bonds.
|nour lifetime here, vve have seen the rise and fall ofthe sugar industry, and along with Uthe
management ofour precious lands and homes transform into what was once open and
available toenjoy, tonovvbeingb|ooked byprivate landowners. The landscape ofour shoreline
has already changed dramatically. Kawainui Stream has been an important gathering area for
the community for a thousand years. Without swift action, this property could be purchased
and blocked off toour community, severing longstanding relationships. The State ofHavvai'i
Legacy Lands program has matched funding for purchase at $1,000,000 and has rated the
application as very strong. It is paramount that the County of Hawaii acquires this property to
perpetuate the protection of this valuable resource and shoreline into the future.
One ofthe special things vve love about Hawaii. and our government here iathat they
acknowledge the importance of and support the perpetuity of historical cultural practices and
resources. Having the shoreline forever protected and available to our community will not only
protect this special place in our hearts, but it is also vital to maintaining the community network
and resilience. VVeurge the County Council toapprove this resolution toenter negotiations to
purchase loxverKavvainui as unique and beautiful estuary with strong community
involvement. To date there have been NO PONC purchases of '6ina in the whole moku of Hilo
and we would like to see that trend changed. Please help preserve Kawainui for the generations
tocome asapike /acenter) for our community.
Pepe'ekeo Residents for Four Generations
Melvin 0kano, Brendm0karo
RmnOkano, DamoOkano, Zion Okamo,kalaniva Okano
Lennie {Jkonn-Kendrick, keo6JKendrick Kole/Kendrick Koon/Kendrick Konmo Kendrick
Cullen {}kono,Rhemno(]kono,Elijah Okono, Jo/Dkono
Brendee(0kano) Estrada, Fabrin Estrada, RoidenKai Estrada