HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0493.043 2000-2002 June 26, 2002
808-524-8221
Chair Flanning `~'oihm 'tt~e' Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd and Members of
the Council
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Subject: Support for Kohanaiki Open Space Designation
Dear Chair Planning Committee Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd and
Members of the Council:
Again the people of the communitites of Hawaii are faced with
the threat of losing another important beautiful area of
coastline to development. If people dont start taking action in
preserving what is left of our beautiful places, pretty soon
there will. be no more. It will just get developed and the
natural beauty will be destroyed. So I urge the decision makers
of this bill to consider preserving the 'Aina for our future
keiki.
I am writing in full support of Mayor Kim and Planning Director
Yuen's proposed amendment to the County General Plan tc place
the shoreline at Kohanaiki into the Open Space designation.
As a resident of Hawaii, I fully support the broad community
that regularly accesses this area for surfing, fishing and
camping and their longstanding stewardship of this precious
community resource.
It is important to ensure that Kohanaiki is protected from the
impacts of exclusive / resort development along the coast for
the following reasons:
1. This area is rich in native Hawaiian cultural sites
including village areas, sacred/ceremonial areas, anchialine
ponds, wetlands and trails as well as habitat for endangered
plants, birds and reef fish.
2. The land is adjacent to the Kaloko Honokohau National Park
and a portion of it has been designated to be within the
Congressionally Authorized Park boundaries.
3. The local community as well as visitors enjoy the beach
and coastal area as a prime surfing, fishing, day use and
camping spot.
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4. The Kohanaiki 'Ghana, Na Keiki He'e Nalu and the Kona
community have demonstrated commitment to stewardship of the
natural and cultural resources for over 12 years, providing
bathrooms and trash pick up, beach clean ups, trail and pond
restoration projects.
Thank you for considering my vote for Open Space along the coast
at Kohanaiki. and my full support of Bill #163.
Designating open space today is a guarantee of access to our
beaches for our future generations.
Yours truly,
Mary Diehl
P.O. Box 240
Pahoa, HI 96778