HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.640 2024-2026CS L-1
From: Tamare Rubon CD n
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Sent: Tuesday, September 2, 2025 11:01 AM v r
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Written Testimony— In Firm Support of RES. 234-25
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Aloha Chair and Council.Members, wx
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My name is Tamare Rubon Jr. I am Hawaiian, a father, and I've called Hawaii island my home since I was
six months old. I didn't grow up with'Olelo Hawai'i or a full cultural education, but my children are in the
Hawaiian language immersion system. Seeing what it means to them makes my kuleana at this time
clear. I am submitting this testimony in firm support of RES. 234-25.
I'm not hereto argue every technical detail. I'm here as a parent with a straightforward responsibility to
protect the water our kids drink, the land they stand on, and the culture they're being raised in. Calling
harms like continued bombing and contamination "necessary" treats the very things that sustain our way
of life here as collateral. And this is something I could never stand behind.
Please pass RES. 234-25 and ensure that any future activity at Pbhakuloa (1) ceases bombing, (2)
requires real cleanup and restoration with independent monitoring and public reporting, and (3)
conducts the cultural due diligence needed to protect Native Hawaiian rights and resources. Our
decisions today should put'aina and wai first so our keiki—and the keiki who come after them —can
thrive.
I wasn't given the language when I was young, but I'm choosing the responsibility now. For my children
and for all keiki o ka'aina, please vote YES on RES. 234-25.
Mahalo,
Tamare (TJ) Rubon Jr.
Comm. �D
Ref. To:
Ref. Date - 3 20