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Murashige, Laura M 15,57 PC
From: alihilani@hawaii.rr.com {
Sent: Sunday, October 18, 2009 6:12 AM . OCT Rat
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us Rt r
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Cc: Carleen Ornellas; David Kimo Frankel; Alan Murakami; 'Kalko Chun'
Subject: Support Bill 156...
Attachments: Kaloko-Honokahau testimony.doc
All:
Attached is my testimony in support of Bill 156. 1 am unable to be at the Hilo meeting in person
to testify due to my recent role as the primary care-giver for my companions health needs.
With respect,
Alihilani
Comm. No. S-7.1
Ref. To. L
(oaf. Data OCT 2 0
10/19/2009
TO: Hawaii County Council Planning Committee
FROM: Richard Alihilani Nelson III
SUBJECT: Testimony in support of Bill 156 (Honokahau General Plan Change)
DATE: October 17, 2009
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Aloha:
I was born near the shores of Kalia,Waikiki in the year 1933 on the island of Oahu. I am
a Hawaiian and I share my personal testimony recalling what my birth place once looked
liked ...its pristine shoreline, abundance of fish for meals without end, roads without
traffic snarls.
Today, there is nothing left to remind me of my place of birth. Two major hotels,
Hawaiian Village, Ilikai Hotel and the Waikiki Yacht Club dominate the area surrounded
by an endless supply of high-rise condominiums. Vehicle traffic is unbearable during
daylight hours and into the mid- evening activities. No more sustenance fishing, the
waterway is cluttered with pleasure boats and tourists. The once clear blue water is no
longer. "Progress" for our benefit has replaced the natural beauty it once was.
Over time, I chose to move to a place called Kona, which reminded me of my childhood
memories. It was rural and uncluttered with "Progress". As we all know, Kona's steadfast
climate, calm waters and an attractive shoreline eco system is being challenged with
"Progress" designed to enhance our lifestyle and our community.
In 1974 the Honokohau Study Advisory Commission recommended the establishment of
the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. The Commission recommended that
the southern park boundary extend to Noio Point, south of Honokohau Small Boat
Harbor. The study further stated that ..."most of the land in the ahupua'a of Kealakehe is
owned by the state, and its use will have direct impact on Kaloko, Honokohau". The
study further stated these lands... "should be given special zoning limiting their uses to
activities compatible to a cultural park." The Commission also recommended "The
County General Plan and zoning ordinances of the area should limit the uses of lands
immediately surrounding Ka-loko Honokohau to compatible activities. Lands further
mauka should be restricted in density in order to preserve the integrity of the park and
protect its water resources. " That recommendation was fulfilled.
There are significant cultural resources within the Kaloko-Honokahau National Historic
Park including Kaloko Fishpond, burial sites, heiaus, anchialine pools and other sacred
sites. Our Hawaiian rights are protected by the Hawaii constitution that are practiced
within the area I described including pole, spear and net fishing, the gathering of limu,
wana, opihi and he'e; gathering opae' in the anchialine pools for bait for offshore fishing
and finally, opportunities for religious ceremonies near shore waters.
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A few years ago, the State Land Use Commission concluded that Kaloko-Honokahau
National Historical Park is a "natural and cultural resource of the utmost value both to the
State of Hawaii and the nation as a whole representing some of the State's most
important natural systems, habitats and cultural, historical and natural resources."
The State Land Use Commission determined that, 'for all proposed development
adjacent or near a National Park that raises threats of harm to the environment, cultural
resources, or human health, precautionary measures should be taken to protect the
National Park cultural and natural resources, even if some cause and effect relationships
are not fully established. "
In 2006, Hawaii County re-classified the adjacent to and south of Kaloko Honokahau
National Historic Park from "open " to "urban expansion This change to the general
plan failed to properly consider impacts to traditional and customary practices and to
public trust resources. The change simply reflected a desire to accommodate the demands
for development and failed to be based on all the studies documented as a deterrent to
destroying the natural resources and cultural beauty of this area.
The proposed Honokahau General Plan Change (Bill 156) would amend the General Plan
by changing the land use designation from urban expansion to open at Kealakehe. As a
concerned community member, and in particular, a Hawaiian indigenous to these islands,
I fully support the Hawaii County Planning Committee's decision to convincingly pass
Bill 156.
Mahalo.
Alihilani
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