HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0349.798 2006-2008 Murashige, Laura
From: Alyson Barrows [abarrows@hawaii.edu)
Sent: Monday, July 09, 2007 9:23 AM
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us ~ ' q q r_ r
Cc: danny@kaupreservation.org ~<U( JUL ~
Subject: Ka'u Preservation- testimony
Ka'u Preservation ,
I have been following this fight to preserve Ka'u In the process have spoken to Pele
Hanoa, Danny, and other local residents of Ka'u. I have read the testimonies in support
and the news of what developers invision for Ka'u.
It is not surprising that the council members are not coming to any decision to protect
and preserve this sight. With all the development that is occuring around (justl the
island of Hawaii, you hope that a portion could be spared. A portion for the sacred
sites, for a unique marine environment, for open land space, for the last of the ahupua'a
land division unit that still exist, and especially for the people, the people of Ka'u.
The ahupua'a land division of Ka'u still exist. The people of Ka'u have the right to live
their Hawaiian culture. They are exercising their rights by deciding how to manage the
use of their lands. They have shown you what they want and are not waiting for you to
give your support. Why? Because it is in their power as the indigenous people of Hawaii
to have a place to live their culture without hesitation or fear of being critize of being
an Hawaiian.
It is in the law that they have the right to use the lands for sustainability.
What does this word sustainability mean? To provide for oneself. Does this mean gathering
food from the land, and or farming of items such as kalo? Does this mean caring for the
forest and all living things within? Does this mean caring for the waters that feeds the
forest, lower lands, and shorelines? Does this mean gathering food from the sea. Does
this mean "open land space" should remain open?
Yes, "open land space" is exremetly essential for the environment but exspecially for the
people. It is a spiritual connection which the people need. It is the sacred sites of
their ancestors. It is the training grounds for the young and old. It is place of
learning. It is a place of rejuvenating oneself.
The new resorts in Kona are building estates with "open land space."
Why? Developers understand the "human man" needs and wants are wealth and "open space."
Two reasons for open land space: wealth and spirituallity. The first reason is because
they have the money to buy the "open land space."
Why? Should only the wealthy have "open land space?" The second reason the need to
connect with their spiritual side. Of course, this is the unspoken realism behind the
open land space. It is man's nature to feel free from stress of work. Where do you go to
escape the work scene? Right! We look for comfort and open space.
To denied support to the people of Ka'u, you are literally ignoring the law that gives the
right, to the host people to exercise and practice their culture. Correction! They are
exercising and living their culture and must continue to do so in order to hold on to
their lands; and the natural resources which makes up the unique enviornment found in
Ka'u. You are dening their rights to LIVE!
I am in support of Ka'u Preservation Resolution 169-07
comm. No,_3~q•?98
Ref. To: heeseNeA F~
Ref. Date~9
Malama pono a me a hui hou.
A Napua Barrows
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