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To: I-Iawaii County Council From: Susan Dursin 83-5545 Middle Keei Road Capt. Cook, HT 96704 Date: June 19,200 Mme------ - - ~ r v ~te --------•-~bJ-~--~-~•-b-=~-- Re: Change of land use designation for Kohanaiki, North Kona cau~~;i J;=x ! - I would like to voice my support for the change to "Open" from "Resort" and "Medium Density Urban," If the designation is not changed now, development undoubtedly will occur before the next revision of the general plan, Interest in protecting this area from development has been high for years. Starting in 19$7, the Keahole-Kailua Village Plan included recommendations for protecting Kohanaiki. Unfortunately, no concrete steps were taken. The area has come close to development during the past decade - or at least close to arrangements that might have severely restricted access. Now, with the cooperation of the Planning Department, this proposal reflects public interest. The Council needs to consider its responsibility to set aside Kohanaiki for future use. The arguments for approving the "Open" designation seem very strong, Hundreds of people use it every week for surfing, picnicking, camping, hiking, family parties and field trips. The more accessible shoreline our island has, the more tourists will be attracted to The Big Island. The more shoreline we have, the better plants and wild- life will prosper. The more open, natural areas we have, the happier both residents and tourists will be. I recognize that this is a time of economic difficulty. With increasing population and increasing identifiable social problems, the economy may not look more promising for a long ti~~e. Nevertheless, the next generation and the next will continue to be born on the Big Island. A.nd if current elected officials have the foresight to protect what remains of our treasures, they will surely have the gratitude of those generations to come. 'alp ~8a, .h„ ~~f~ a