HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0493.046 2000-2002
To: I-Iawaii County Council
From: Susan Dursin
83-5545 Middle Keei Road
Capt. Cook, HT 96704
Date: June 19,200
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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.
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