HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1015.008 2004-2006
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Murashige, Laura
From: Phyllis Tarail [ptarail@hawaii.rr.comi
Sent: Sunday, August 20, 2006 5:24 PM
To: Council Testimony; Safarik, Gary; Jacobson, Bob; Isbell, Virginia; Pilago, K. Angel;
phoffman@co.hawaii.hi.us, Ikeda, Donald; Arakaki, James; Holschuh, Fred, Higa, Stacy
Subject: Testimony in Support of Resolution 427
Importance: High
Dear Chairman Higa and Members of the County Council,
We are active members of the Kukuihaele community and feel that it's important for us to provide this
testimony. We live on Waipi'o Road 200 yards from the Waipi'o Lookout Park and the Rice property,
which is located across from the parking lot of the Park. About 6 months ago we attended a meeting in
Honoka'a of the new Open Space Commission to learn about the process of recommending property to
be purchased by the County for preservation. At that meeting we recommended the Rice property at
Waipi'o Lookout be placed on the list of properties to be preserved. Subsequently, the Commission
placed this property second on the list of recommended acquisitions. We are pleased that Councilman
Holschuh has now presented this resolution before the County Council.
This is the only easily accessible piece of property left in our neighborhood that is up for sale. Because
it is at the head of the road into Waipi o Valley, it is a gateway to the Valley. It is a very special piece of
property that hasn't been lived on for many years. This area is a culturally sensitive and pristine
location. It's a treasure for our community and our Island. However, if this property is not purchased by
the County, it will be sold privately and likely developed, probably with a large house, a wall and a gate,
which would be highly inappropriate.
We have spoken with many members of the Kukuihaele and Waipi'o Valley communities. They have
all told us that if the County owned this property these communities could together assist in creating a
place that would help preserve Waipi'o Valley. There are many options that could be considered that
would benefit our Island residents and the many tourists who come to see the Valley. Our community is
in the process of creating a position for a ranger to be situated in this very area. It is logical that the Rice
property is the ideal location for housing this ranger and providing parking. This property needs to be
protected. If it is sold to a private individual, the communities and the County would lose the
opportunity for any future use of the property.
We urge you to vote yes on this resolution to allow Mayor Kim to begin negotiations on the purchase of
this very important piece of property.
Sincerely,
~n
s
Phyllis Tarail & Joel Cohen
PO Box 5022 ro
Kukuihaele 96727 tr'
775-1306 0
oW
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Qn 10006 Ref, Uate , AU6 2 3 2006