HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0459.157 2024-2026P/CCunG►f
Res. M Z
CCwM.951
Honolulu landing testimony
Aloha, my name is Jeannette Bento of Hilo. Thank you very much for considering my
testimony today. Thank you Ashly Keirkerwitz for proposing this resolution. I am a
descendant of a line of Kau chiefs and more specifically, Imakakaloa, a Puna chief.From
what I learned about Imakakaloa he was sacrificed at the Pakini Heeiau in Kau for
amongst other reasons, he was protecting the people of Puna. I also understand that
this Honolulu Landing has a path where AM walked. I'd imagine Imakakaloa and his
ancestors might have roamed Honolulu Landing.. To preserve this sacred site for
moopuna to come... I support this proposed resolution. I think Imakakaloa et al would
like that too.
Mahalo and aloha..
Aloha,
Jeannette Bento
471(aumana Drive
Hilo Hawaii 96720
Nettybebnto5@smail.com
8084434460
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Ref. To:
Ref. Date P 7 t2025
R�: SUPPORT Resolution 286-25 The use of PONC Funds for Honolulu Landing Acquisition
Aloha kakou. YZ r'7 P9
t ry name is _ Gyr' .and I toSidy today in strung suptrnrt cif the prote•'tion of
Honotutu, F� a l carte before You in deep kutil, re speck for tne'7ina, for our kfjpufNa, and
for the future of ou. keiki,
I strongly urge the Department, of Finance to use PONC funds to pt.rchase and protect
Honolulu Landing. This, wa15i pana is rot simpty land f7r sale, It is a living anCCS€D', 3 Qlh❑Yal
and&piritual foundation that cannot be comtnodified or replaced.
If Honolulu landing is sold to foreign investors or private dbvelopers, the consequences will
ripple far beyond this urie pace. For Puna as a whole, development means,:
- Overburdened Infrastructure; Our roads are already narrow and Iunit4d. Jet traffic is
increasing, Development at Honolulu Landing would funnel more cars into rural Corridors
never designed for such capacity
Water insecurity' Puna relies on e''ragile catchment and tintiten'water systems. Large scale
development will place unsustainable demands on Master resources, threatening troth
residents and ecosystems.
• Loss of Access and Heritage: Honolulu Landing ran€gins Nstoric coastal trails, village
and cultural features that tie US d:reeti,y to Our kfipuna. once covered by Concrete, our
mo'okf,'auhnu will be silenced forever,
community Displacement: Foreign investment drives up property values and taxes,
forcing local farnnres off the land their ancestors stewarded This;s not lust devetdpn5er't
- it is erasure.
Puna has already carried the heaviest burdens of unchecked growth. We fare msuff'icinnt
infrastructure, long commutes, limited heatthcareaccess, and fragile utilities. Adding; luxury
devetopnlents of Speculative Projects only deepens In€?quities and disregardsthe rural
character of our community.
More importantly, for Native Hawaiians '81fla 15 not a commodity, 1A,+na .5 kfrpuna To Sett or
destroy tiff place is to wound our ancestors and sever the living relationship that suNtains u5
The PONC Fund ex-sts to prevent this exact harm to protect wahr paria of rtiltural, historical.
and environmental impoi tance before they arc! lost to spf t=ulSktlOit and pfOfit
By purchasing Honolulu Landing with PONC funds, you affirm that this land is not for sale to
the highest bidder - it belongs TO the people, to our heritage. and to future generations. This
action will Preserve aiceSs. safeguard natural resources, and ensure that Honolulu Landing
remains a place of learning, ronniactton, and: healing.
I urge you to art swiftly ann decisively po nrit tet Honolulu landing barOnle another casualty
of foreign development Let it rernain, forever, as it was intended a place of life, culo.ire.
education, and aloha'aina
Mahato nui ror your time and for rinnoring this kuleaha.
Me ka na'ana'a, y L + +Oji r"'ii'/7�2>0