HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0493.040 2000-2002 P.O. Box 186
Pahoa, Hawaii 96778
27 June 2002
Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd, Chair REcs~i~
Committee on Planning - gv
Hawaii County Council ~ pro z _ -m
25 Au uni Street
P aunty Council ~ `
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Subject: Proposed new Hawaii County General Pdan
Dear Madame Chair and Council Members:
Aloha! As a Native Hawaiian, born and raised in Kaueleau, growing up living the Hawaiian subsistence
lifestyle, which has become increasingly difficult in this day and age, I implore this body to protect the fragment
of natural 'sine and shoreline along the Puna coastline. The area at blessed Oneloa and Ahalanui (now a Hawaii
County Beach Park) has been revered by Hawaiians over time immortal.
A & O International Corporation, on 494-acres plans to construct a 18-hole golf course, 40-unit lodge, 30 unit
beach club, 125-unit chalets, restaurant, upscale retail complex and numerous onsen (hot bath ponds). Given the
porous geological nature of this 'aina, the opals will filter down severely impacting the warm pond, anchialine
ponds, and the prime fisheries. Known, is the fact that Pohoiki fisheries are the second largest economic
continuance in the Hawaiian Islands. Additionally, the fragile ecosystem will be affected with golf course
pesticide runoff, which will destroy all living organisms. All species are dependent upon a clean natural
environment. Nature is interconnected.
This land is zoned `important agriculture' and `extensive agriculture' and it should remain in that land use
classification! Urbanization is incompatible with agriculture lands.
The proposed new Hawaii County General Plan needs to protect the Puna shoreline and accomplish
guardianship of the last enduring Open Space along the Kapoho-Kalapana Highway.
I am not interested doing away with our lifestyle, our environment, and our oceanfront. Tourists want to come
look at something that is natural. The environment should remain natural and pristine.
We want our 'aina intact for our mo'opuna and great mo'opuna. They are our stewards of the 'sine for the
continuum of being Kanaka Maoli. As a Kupuna, I strive to keep the 'aina the way it is. Which is a difficult
task. Malama the 'aina as the 'aina will take care of us.
We don't want new changes; alteration of the 'aina by pouring concrete and asphalt, which is likened to the
horrific sacrilege that the islands of Oahu and Maui have experienced. Much desecration has raped the 'aina
and fisheries. VVe d®a~'t went to sell ®ur berth right f®r pr®gress.
I don't want to see any face changing in Pohoiki. Not only Pohoiki, but also the whole Puna coastline.
Leave the Hawaiians alone, go elsewhere. Land speculators and real estate agents should be ashamed of
themselves; they're only looking out for their `all mighty dollar' . `They don't care about the 'aina and the
people.
@Ve don't want changes in Pohoiki harbor. We don't want pleasure boats because the sea is for the lively hood
of the fisherman. Luxury Fishing boats rape the sea, and make it harder for the local fisherman. Then they have
to go farther out to fish. This should not happen; as this belongs to the local fisherman.
Please no special permits, development agreements to provide A & D International with approval tg Qbliterate
one of the last surviving Hawaiian places. ~oax~~ea.
Mahalo, Le' ani Chow and 'Ghana File No.
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