HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0590.002 2006-2008 ~u ~ 1_ _ d ,nom New Century Public Charter School
661170 0peb Road • P.O. Box 398 • Kamuela, Hawaii 96743
Phone: 887-8144 Fax: 887-8148 email: kukahakalau~kab.org
August 13, 2007
Aloha mai kakou,
We, the students of Kanu o ka `Aina New Century Public Charter School, representing
the Waipi'o Water Study Project, support the request to move the Rice property from
the #2 position to a tie with Kawa'a Bay in its #1 position, to assist in purchasing the
Waipi'o Valley lookout parcel this year, from the Open-Space fund. The purchase of
the Rice Property at the immediate entrance to Waipi'o Valley is but a small part of a
larger effort in caring for Waipi'o Valley-the breadbasket of Hawaii nei and the home
of our great ali'i (chiefs).
For the past few years, the Waipi'o Water Study Project has worked in collaboration
with various organizations, such as: Halau o Waipi'o, Kanu o ka `Aina Learning
`Ghana, Na Lei Na' auao -Native Hawaiian Charter School Alliance, Queen
Lili'uokalani Childrens Center, Kamehameha Schools, Bishop Museum, DLNR-
Department of Aquatic Resources, the Waipi'o Circle Association, the Waipi'o Taro
Farmers Association and many more, in perpetuating the cultural traditions of the
native people, especially those still living in Waipi'o Valley today. This specific
Project focuses upon the respect and care of the: 70'3 (kalo fields), kahawai (streams),
`aina (land), kai (sea), and Papahanaumoku ("environment/earth"). The interactive
hands-on experiences in wahi pana (sacred places), such as Waipi'o Valley has enabled
us to learn about our ancestors and their way of life. As the youth of today, we are
involved in taking responsibility for caring for this sacred place, and all sacred places,
in which to continue our traditional practices.
We support keeping all sacred places, like Waipi'o Valley and Lookout, Kawa'a Bay,
Punalu'u Beach, etc... in the hands of the native people, who holy appreciate the value,
beauty and history of these lands and the sacrifices made to care for them. These are
the lands of our ancestors, worked upon and loved by generations and generations of
long ago, which we would like to continue to do so as well, for generations to come.
Please consider moving the Waipi'o parcel in a tie with Kawa'a Bay to the #1 position.
We appreciate your efforts and support in keeping these sacred places in the hands of
the families and communities of Hawaii.
Mahalo nui loa,
Lei'ohu Santos-Colburn
`I'ini Kahakalau
Polani Kahakalau
Kawai'ani'ani Plunkett
`Iokepa Akina
Kaniela Anakalea-Buckley
Grades 8-10
Comnx ~ 5gD.2
Ref. To:~
Ref. Date AdG 22 2007•