HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0349.155 2006-2008
June 4, 2007
Aloha Councilmen and Councilwomen:
Thank you for taking the time to come to the district of Ka'u for this very important
issue, and for allowing me to speak again.
l am Debra Wong Yuen, along-time resident of Ka'u, and married to the Wong
Yuen family, who for generation dating back to the early 1900's, have lived,
worked and owned a business in Ka'u.
I am not one to come out in public and testify at a hearing. I was one of our silent
majority. But I've been lead by God to be courageous and stand up for my
ohana and the future of my grandchildren, the young adults and youths of Ka'u.
On May 1S` when I came before you and testified against this resolution and said
the real people of Ka'u want jobs and a better future for their ohana and for all of
Ka'u, I was asked "who are the real people?" I was stunned speechless with
such a question, because anyone with common sense would know that the real
people of any district, are the people who are residents of that district
...individuals, those with families, and generations of ohana that live, work, raise
their keiki and die there...those who have a home to come home to each day.
I share the same concern as the many people I've talked to this past
month... how can 3,000+ signatures from people who do not even reside here in
our hometown-our district, speak out for us, the real residents of Ka'u, and
decide what our needs and wants are...what is good for our communities, our
ohana...and the future of our keiki.
This resolution does not represent what the residents of Ka'u want and need. It
is only fulfilling the dreams of one group of people from Ka'u and many outsiders.
This resolution does not help Ka'u to become the thriving, self-sufficient
community it once was and so desires.
Mr. Jacobson, the author of this resolution, has no empathy for the real needs of
the residents of Ka'u and only listens to, fully supports, endorses and pumps
money into Ka'u Preservation, of which he is a member.
Another huge park for our district does not answer the concerns and needs for
the residents of this hurting, struggling district. Hear our cries...we need and
want more.
I urge you to take heed... if all the residents of Ka'u were in favor of this
resolution, if the development by Ka'u Preservation is what we need1and want for
Comm. No. s 1•
Ref. To:
Ref. Date .1#J~-
Ka'u...there would have been no need for this public hearing and any petition
whether for or against what this resolution is proposing.
I was encouraged on May 16~ to get the real people to come to this meeting to be
heard and or seen. It was even suggested to me that I get signatures from
people who are against this resolution and for me to present it for the people.
This has been done by myself and others. And look around me and before you,
are these people who agree with me. We are against Res. 169-07.
Will you be able to sleep peacefully each night knowing a resolution like this
would hurt the real people...the residents of Ka'u forever?
So Council members...do not rush in making a hasty decision for this district by
voting for a resolution that has so many flaws, it's now in it's 3`~ draft. I pray that
Ke Akua will lead you to making the right decision for the real people of Ka'u.
Mahalo,
Debra A. Wong Yuen
96-1130 Pa'auau Place
PO Box 29, Pahala, HI 96777
Ph. 808-928-8039