HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0493.112 2000-2002 I~To~th .ohala I~istori~ ~z Cul~ux~al
~'~°~s~ation ~rou~
T'he North Kohala Historic 8c Cultural Group joins with KOOK®'®
(Ka'makani 'O Kohala Ohana) in proposing aroom-cap of no
more than 500 visitor units for resort and associated facil-hies in the
North Kohala ®istrict.
Perhaps better than anywhere else on Sig Island, and in some
respects outstanding among all the Hawaiian Islands, North
Kohala has preserved open space, a favorable climate and a
culture that reflects the ancient, community values for which
Hawaii is famous throughout the world.
With these qualities to offer, it is no wonder that developmental
interests are targeting our district for the establishment of retreat
and resort centers. In addition to the 250 unit Mahukona resort
proposed by Surety Kohala (formerly Chalon International), a
Kohala Mountain Sanctuary, Hawaii Meditation Center and
Hawaiian Permaculture and Wellness Center are currently
projected. fibs last two of these projects are being challenged in
court by North Kohala residents who feel that both are an abuse
of the land and its sacred character.
In fact, a proliferation of such retreats and resorts will most
certainly, we believe, extinguish the very qualities that are
attracting these developments. Our open space will be
compromised, our rural nature sacrificed, our culture violated.
fibs developments will gain nothing. We will lose everything. Our
State motto clearly recognizes preservation of the land as being
of primary importance to Hawaiian culture. U ~ k~
i ka ~ - tie t ~ ~s °es~r~ t~ r its
When the land dies our culture dies with it.
ate..>~. r l n Gauncll _ ~.ef. T~: ~
ty -.......--~.,..~~,.__z.
The proposed General Plan acknowledges this reality, lout fails to
safeguard it with specific language. We therefore propose
that on page 416 of the General Plan, under "Courses of Action,"
the following changes be made:
(1 } In the following sentence, delete the words in brackets:
~r~ r ~ t small famil or load and breakfast
fiy[oe hotels andl k~r # ~ I~she~ts. The phrase
"small type hotels" is too vague and can lead to endless,
unnecessary conflicts.
(2) Following the sentence: Consider small-scale retreat resort
development that is consistent with the rural character and
cultural lifestyle of the district.
Add: ~r t r~l~r ~stli~~ ~ "r 5 visif t~~s ~~r
re , r~tr ~ - - s# f~~fit~~s #t f ~ K
'
Respectfully submitted,
Burt "®az" Alpert,
Vice-president
North Kohala Flistoric 8c Cultural
Preservation Group
July 18, 2002
2