COM 1063.001 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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SEP-18-2006 MON 04:55 PM CofH County Clerk Office FAX NO. 808 961 8912 P. 02 Shelley Stephens PO Box 5547 r~ r7 C7 r Hilo, 1-11. 96720 Dated Sept. 19", 2006 r_o County Finance Committee RE: Public Comment for RESO 451 06 Acquisition of Kawa and adjacent lands~'a Preservation, Royal Patent/LCA, and Fledgling Historic Preservation Offcersry I am submitting written testimony concerning the acquisition of Kawa and adjacent lands. I believe it is very admirable that Bob Jacobsen has sought to preserve the beautiful coastline of Majestic Ka'u. The Hawaiians that I have spoken with, are in support of the conservation of Kawa without development. The RP/LCA heirs have expressed their concern over repeated attempts to buy and sell Kawa. Also they have told me that they are greatly concerned that the County will bypass their rightful claim to their Royal Patent/LCA lands. At the same time they are in support of conservation of Ka'u. It is my opinion that the facts and suggestions of this Public Testimony will save the County money if the Royal Patent Lands and their heirs are acknowledged who are willing to work with the County and must be contacted under NHPA. Rather than buy land that has a history of clouded title, the County can adapt an alternative for monies toward preservation by establishing a Preservation Fund for the care of Kawa, to help the local residents, and so that the Hawaiian people do not diminish, Also, besides saving the County money: I also believe that an integrated Preservation Plan that includes working with the Royal Patent Heirs of Kimokeo o Keawe of Kawa and others with LCA awards. Cultural relief may be found by honoring the Hawaiians rightful claim to their original source of title for the Fee lands of Kawa. This public testimony is part of a larger Cultural Resource Management Report called the "Blue Book Report"_ I believe that the implementation of this type of Preservation Plan will also: A. Resolve cultural conflicts by working with RP/LCA heirs for preservation rather than an outright purchase of lands that the Heirs consider not for sale B. Reduce the risk of the County of Hawaii's Clouded Title problems C. Comply with National Historic Preservation Section 106 (see Federal Undertaking" turtle studies) D. Greatly assure the Hawaiian People and existing heirs, that are themselves living treasures and the RP lands, traditional cultural places, and Wahi Pana are preserved for all their future generations F. Provide jobs for people in the community through the "fledgling" Hawaiian Historic Preservation Officer Program and other associated Programs Comm. No. Ref. To: prOg" Ref. Date 9LUIML-