HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0557.003 2008-2010
Murashi e, Laura W . ~5 l P1 PC
From: Diane Aoki [ddkaoki@mac.com]~
Sent: Sunday, October 18, 2009 6:44 PM
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Bill 156 Q
Dear County Council, 4
I am a 4th and 5th grade teacher at Kealakehe Elementary Schoo"'` was first introduced to
the area called Alula (or Alaula) through hula. My kumu, Keala Ching, would have us go
there for hiuwai (cleansing) prior to ho'ike or at the beginning of the year. He has also
written oli and hula about this place, and we have danced there to honor the area. I was
upset when the area was reclassified to "urban expansion" in 2006, changing the intent and
spirit of the general plan, to make way for the Jacoby development. I did not know what I
could do as a citizen, but as a teacher, I knew I could teach my students about special
places in their own community, if not in their own ahupua'a. So, three years ago, I
started to bring my students to this area to study the anchialine ponds there. This year
is my fourth year.
The Bay itself is lovely and unique, laden with archeological evidence of ancient Hawaii,
but undetected by untrained eyes. When I point out that the stones mark house sites or
that there is a heiau right in front of their faces, they are shocked. There are no signs,
as there are on the National Park site, and unless people are taught, they do not realize
that the signs of ancient Hawaii are clear and evident.
The anchialine pond system is found past the kiawe bushes and through the pickleweed. In
May of 2009 and in September of 2009, my students cleared out the pickleweed in one of the
largest ponds in the system.
We expanded the perimeter by about 50 feet, and fished out hundreds of alien mosquito
fish. Our hope is to someday restore it to it by removing all alien plants and animals.
Though this is a monumental task, I hope that the students come away with the idea - the
idea that they are connected to this place, that they have a role in protecting these
places, and if they are damaged, to restoring them. We also spent a lot of time exploring
the tide pools. The students were also able to learn about the nearshore environment and
its creatures. We are learning about how the fresh water percolating through the aquifer
from the mountains to the sea also make this a very healthy and special ecosystem.
We have a chance to keep this place for our children and the future generations.
Anchialine ponds are unique ecosystems, found in very few places in the world. We have
already lost many due to development. We have a chance to prevent further loss and provide
our children with outdoor laboratories to learn about nature, especially the unique
ecosystem of the anchialine ponds, as well as the marine environment, and the
archeological features. Please pass laws that would ensure that this resource can be
preserved for children today and in the future.
My hope would be that the land would be zoned conservation in the future, but for now, to
change it from urban expansion to open is a good step in the right direction.
Thank you,
Diane Aoki
Kealakekua
Kealakehe Elementary School teacher
895-9040
Ref. To:
Ref. Date OCT 2
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