HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0493.111 2000-2002 I cannot sleep at night. There is no way that I can stop thinking about North Kohala and
the families that live here. Life is changing, not always for the hatter. Not always for the
worse. Yet, the one problem that haunts me day and night is this:
North Kohala as a district has the least open space under the general plan. It has 27 acres
compared with the district of South I-Iilo, which has 32 acres of open space.
North Kohala's population is growing rapidly. Shoreline properties are being bought for
development.
A culture is being lost. Endangered plants are becoming extinct before they are
identified.
Many people who come to Ilawaii and buy property here are not aware of the importance
of the ruins, burial caves, petroglyphs, ancient trails, stone placements and plants and
animals that are unique to I-Iawaii. i~hen these items are moved or changed, bulldozed,
or killed through the introduction of other species and destruction of habitat a culture
with no written language is being lost.
That culture should be perpetuated through observance of and adherence to the laws of
the state of I-Iawaii and the state constitution. 'This should be done through active
enforcement of access on trails, access through public rights of way and observance of
Kuleana rights.
Planning for tax incentives to grow endangered and native plants and tax incentives for
developers to keep significant cultural artifacts and native plants in place is proactive.
Insisting on access when permits are obtained and zoning requests are made is
imperative.
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Patricia A. Benjamin County Council ~P- P ~ '
7-18-02
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