HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0349.067 2006-2008
06/Ol/2007_FRI 10:01 FAX 808 599 1765 OFFICE, OF NAW'N AFFAIRS ~]FUI 1001
PHONE (808)594-1888 ,w 4.{ Fri-~i59~111E5
STATE OF HAWAII
OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS q(+^ ) '~{1 C"'?
711 KAPI'OLANI BOULEVARD, SUITE 500 U"~~ ~ '
HONOLULU, HAWAI'196813
i;
May 30, 2007 1*la)f,;
RE: Testimony for the Hawaii County Finance Committee Regarding Ilr' I'.rrficn
]69-07, Punalu`u Ahupua`a, Hawaii Island.
Deaz Committee Members,
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) SUPPORTS Hawaii County Finance Corr In; tee
Resolution 169-07, which would protect coastal Punalu`u through the utilization o f hil:. c!.:: i
Count y'sPublic Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund
The secluded and [Ural ahupua'a of Punalu'u now faces great development pressten:. T r i s :z t~ c
pressure has plagued and dramatically altered the cultural landscapes of Native Hawaiian ]daces
such as Kittei on Maui, Koloa and Po`ipli on Kauai and Kailua-Kona on this great LL r,c. Ii
Hawai `i.
While, in this day of pragmatism, we all must accept and find places for real es. ah: e xl; ns cr
we must also be mindful that there are areas in UIe State that are not appropriate f~ n ar.
development. Punalu'u is one of these places.
As a kipuka of Native Hawaiian culture, Punalu`u provides sustenance, both phys ca:] ~ ~.ni
spiritually for a great number of people. From its much revered archaeological ~itc: Ic is I Ir nre
fishing grounds to its critical habitat for several threatened and endangered specie.!. Pr. r.h.` 1, is
it exists in its current natural state, is a crucial component for the survival of Na.i ; e I'I, : icn
culture in the district of Ka`u. Simply put, Punalu`u can not sustain a sharp incr:aa~: in
population such as has been proposed. Once Punalu'u is gone, it is gone forever.
Now, as [he current stewazds of the `aina, it is our turn to make decisions that will try atfEax
future generations. Let us not be indifferent, let us be righteous in our decisions arc h I ~ r
legacy be one that our grandchildren will be proud of. This sentiment has been rcl ~oetl ni nn
highest levels of Hawaiian government, including our Governor, the Honorable LiwJ~ Li n;l e.
It is with this in mind that OHA urges the Committee to PASS Resolution 169-(l"7. I' I:.nR: ynu r"or
the opportunity to offer testimony.
Aloha,
Clyd W. Namu`o~
Administrator
Comm; Na~T~. ~i
Ref. To,
Ref. Date UN O7