HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0349.276 2006-2008 Swallow, Linda
From: magn0172@d.umn.edu
Sent: Friday, June 15, 2007 2:55 AM
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Magnuson, 6/15/07 = strong support of Resolution 169-07, The Keolalani Hanoa
Today I am writing in strong support of Resolution 169-07, The Keolalani Hanoa Resolution.
I am a student at the University of Minnesota Duluth and just completed a study abroad
program in Hawaii this past May. We had the opportunity while we were there to visit Ka'u
for a few days as well as Punalu'u. I have to say that this experience has had a big
impact on my life.
Before we left the students read books called Ancient Hawaii and To Steal a Kingdom. The
information I learned about before arriving was interesting to learn about but also
upsetting to hear exactly how Hawaii became part of the U.S.. As we spent time there this
May and got to know the local Hawaiians my feelings grew stronger about the development of
their land and the culture that is being erased as this happens. I feel that the land and
the people are the two important sources that help maintain Hawaiian culture, if you keep
taking the land away how can the people continue their lifestyle?
We also had the opportunity to meet some younger Hawaiians who we had the chance to listen
and make music with for a few nights in Ka'u.One of the songs that moved me was Hawaii
'78, when I read the email it was those lyrics that came to mind. These are the children
you are taking the land from as well, by developing this land you are cutting off their
resources, their sacred grounds and forcing their lifestyle to become extinct.
If the intentions of the developers are to make Punalu'u a popular place to visit for
tourists by building units on this land I would like to say please step back and look at
what you have already. You don't need to build anything, the land is beautiful and people
who appreciate that should be welcome to visit, but they also need to respect the people
who live there everyday. I feel very strongly that this land I had a chance to visit, the
people that touched me and the beautiful lifestyle should be preserved. Once something
like this is done, you can never change it back.
Sincerely,
Caroline Magnuson
This message was sent using IMP, the Internet Messaging Program.
car. ~.3 y1. t76
Ref. Toi he~eere/ FG
1 Rsf. Dare .%UN