HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0156.007 2004-2006
4/6/04 Honuapo Testimony
Aloha Chairman Safarik, County Counsel members, ladies and gentlemen.
My name is Frank Castagnetti. I am here to provide testimony in support of Bill 53 on
behalf of my fiance Lourdes, our ohana and myself. I would first like to thank Mr.
Jacobson for sponsoring Bi1153 and having the courage to closely scrutinize plans for
development that have negative impacts here on the Big Island. My fiance and her family
were born and raised in the Na'alehu and Ka'u districts. Her ohana includes sisters,
brothers, children and grandchildren. In essence, you have three generations with direct
ties to the Honuapo area that are very concerned about the impact that would likely
happen should this pristine waterfront land be developed.
In the last several years, we have spent many days picnicking, swimming and enjoying
the serine beauty of the Honuapo and Whittington Park azeas. My fiance will reminisce
about the times she would frequently take her kids to the same areas that are currently
threatened with commercial development. These same keiki, all whom aze now adults,
also recall fond memories of those days spent at Whittington Pazk and along the shores of
Honuapo swimming, fishing, playing and relaxing in the sun under the coconut trees.
While we aze not against all progress and development, we believe that there aze areas of
the Big Island that must be preserved for kama'aina and our Ohana. Honuapo,
Whittington Pazk and the adjacent areas are one example of what we want protected and
preserved. Development with rights of way will not, in any way, provide the same type of
environment that we currently enjoy.
As Governor Lingle, Mayor Kim and Congressman Case have stated, and I am
paraphrasing: development must be done in a responsible manner. The Big Island's
appeal to locals and tourists alike is based largely on the vast expanses of different
environments unlike anywhere else in Hawaii or the world.
Professionally, I am employed by the State Department of Health, Child and Adolescent
Mental Health Division providing services, support and case management for some of the
most intensive and difficult Ohana on the Big Island. I am specifically responsible for the
Ka'u district, along with the Puna and Keaau districts. I bring this to your attention as I
frequently encourage our families to use the natural supports that are already available.
Beach and outdoor activities which build and strengthen the family is part of our culture
and way of life. To interrupt or dramatically change the landscape of the Honuapo area
would essentially be another negative blow to the protective factors for my families in an
already "thinly stretched" geographic location that already has a long standing struggle to
have county and state supports in the community.
The monies for this preservation project is monies well spent. This investment will be
well worth the expense of purchasing the land.
I thank you for your time and consideration of this important step to preserve our aina.
Mahalo. Sb
Comrr. No.
Ref. To:
Ref. Uate Q 6