HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0349.261 2006-2008 Resolution 169-07 Page 1 of 1
Swallow, Linda
From: Chris Haley (Finegand) [c.haley@ppcs.co.nz]
Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2007 10:59 AM
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Cc: msunnafr@d.umn.edu
Subject: Haley, 6/14107 = Resolution 169-07
I write in strong support of Resolution 169-07, The Keolalani Hanoa
Resolution.
A few years back I was fortunate enough to spend time in this area of the Big Island and immerse
myself within the local community. I can still remember vividly my first impressions of Punalu'u,
one of mystifying beauty. But it was not only this beauty that captured my attention, but the way
the community is able to utilise this area while maintaining the special relationship between
people and land that is so often ignored. As i_s visible on many of the other Hawaiian islands,
massive hotels and condominiums have ruined the aesthetic beauty of a particular beach or
coastline and the subsequent number of visitors have spurned the area for the local people. This
type of development has also raised the cost oY living, essentially driving away the locals from a
particular community and forcing them else where. Ka'u is too special a place for this to
occur.
Upon leaving this area, I was definitely changed for the better. The kindness and acceptance
shown by the people Punalu'u was overwhelming. By preserving the beach and thus preserving the
community, it allows the special visitor a glimpse into what Hawaiian life should be. Not about
large developers capitalising on every single beach, but on the people, who by showing generosity
and warmth, make the islands not just a "neat" place to visit, but a place where people can be
changed for the better. After my time on the islands, I came away more respectful of the Hawaiian
people and their culture. I have since tried to learn more about other pacific island cultures and
find myself these days in New Zealand, learning about and experiencing Maori culture on a daily
basis. As sappy as it sounds, Hawaii left one heck of a lasting impression on me and I know many
others who will say the exact same thing. Please do not allow this wonderful place to become
another over-developed, over-commercialised area. Preservation is the key for the sustainability
of the Hawaiian people, for the Hawaiian culture, and for the wonderful plethora of plant and
animal species present in Ka'u. Thanks for your time.
Chris Haley
Environmental Engineer
PPCS Limited
Tel: 64 3 418 0150
Mobile: 64 21 070 5823
email: c.haley@ppcs.co.nz
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Ref. Dore JUN 19 200)
6/14/2007