HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1063.001 2004-2006
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-
SFP-18-2006 MON 04;56 PM COM County Clerk Office FAX NO. 808 961 8912 P. 03
Allotment for funds could be re-allocated to better suit the cultural needs of the
Hawaiian people who have Royal Patent Lands and Land Commission Awards
within the defined area of aquisition. The funds for acquisition could be called rather a
"Preservation Fund" with allotment towards the following:
1. The Konohiki and others have requested bathrooms and trash/recycling
centers placed with permission and planning with RP/LCA Heirs.
2. The Konohiki and others have suggested a school or type of learning
environment.
3. The possibility of the Hawaiian Historic Preservation Officer training and
outpost are for Traditional Cultural Places, etc. of Kawa. (see NATHPO:
Tribal Historic Preservation Officers with Historic Preservation Section
106 NOTE: Hawaiians separated from American Indians and are federally
recognized according to letter from DLNR Peter Young.
***Please call NATHPO President Bambi Krauss who would like
telecommunication conference See also report includine lettertransmittal
from Mr. Lindsey requesting information on Hawaiian Preservation Officer
Program and the responding letter from DLNR Peter Young in support of
Hawaiians Fledglinn Program and with suggestions for contact with National
Park Service, {which includes the Hawaiian Volcano Advisory Committee)
Pres. Krauss of NATHPO would like to establish a workine "BUDGET"
which part of the Preservation fund could be allocated in matching funds or at
least partial fnndin
4. Funding for native Hawaiian plants and other issues under Habitats of
Particular Concern
5. Work toward the reopening of Hilea Stream/River and other waterways
diverted by the sugar cane water fluke
6. Construction of desirable structure as designated for public and
preservation, approved by the Konohiki and RP/LCA heirs.
7. Other concerns not voiced here by the Konohiki, Kubina Nui, Alii Nui, et
al
References and appendix for this Public Testimony are available, including copies of
letter transmittals and other supporting documents.
Most sincerely, / , e n
VS ~f,5,Lt4/ Maka'ala Nakoa