HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0965.067 1998-200011408/2000 13:49 00000000000
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii
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To The Honorable Members of the
Hawaii County Council:
DEAN KAUKA PAGE 02
REVEREND DEAN T. KAUKA
IMIOLA CHURCH
"Seeking Life Through Christ"
November 3, 2000
P. O. Box 669
Kamuela, Hawaii 96743
(809) 885 -4987
se AV
r RECEIVED ~'
RE: Proposed Use of TMK: 6-5 -04:57
On behalf of Historic bniola Congregational Church,1 write in opposition
to the proposed use of the property identified by TMK: 6 -5 -04:57 as a gas
station /convenience store/car wash.
First, we are not opposed to development in our community. As with any
growing locale, there must be infrastructure, amenities and commercial development to
support it's people. However, there must be accountability and responsibility by
government, community, and proprietors to develop and design an effective and efficient
plan with regard to the historical, aesthetic, cultural and character of the community.
The subject property is on the edge of what the community has popularly
deemed — "Church Row". Historically, the sector began as a "church" area nearly two
centuries ago in 1832. The following excerpts are pertinent factors quoted directly from
the Hawaii Register of Historic Places:
• "During the mid- nineteenth century, Imiola Congregational Church at
Waimea, Hawaii, became the main base for missionary activities in the
Hamakua and South Kohala Districts of Hawaii. Reverend Lorenzo Lyons,
who came to Hawaii from New Bedford, Massachusetts in May 1832,
founded and helped build thirteen other churches in the communities
surrounding Waimea?'
Comm. No 4 1 16 1 0 (91
+'e No. PLX-1
: ekaasarao &unal
WV 2 2000
11/08/2000 13:59 00000000000 DEAN KAUKA PAGE 01
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• "The first Imiola Church was a grass hut built by order of the local chiefs for
traveling missionaries... Reverend Lyons wrote in his journal that at least one
hundred little grass schoolhouses were scattered around his church in the
immediate Waimea area"
• "On August 29, 1855, the cornerstone of the new church was laid."
• "The extensive use of koa in the church, including the structural members, is
an unusual feature."
• "The building of the Imiola Church figure significantly in Hawaiian
history since Rev. Lyons greatly influenced the religious, educational and
social development on Hawaii."
Historically, Imiota Congregational Church has been an intricate part of
this majestic community. Since the time of Rev. Lyons, many others have come to join
the family at "Church Row "; specifically, the First Baptist Church of Waimea, Kamuela
Iiongwenji Mission, Ke Oia Mau Loa Church, and New Hope Christian Fellowship.
Before any modern commercial development, "Church Row" has been a
domain of sanctuary for the community of Waimea. With the inclusion of various
churches and religions over the years, it still remains as a place for peaceful retreat and
fellowship.
In light of the proposed development, one has to look to the aesthetic
value of "Church Row ". It is bordered by the serene hills of Waimea and a conjointly
used park-like sector MI of Cherry Blossom trees. A gas station would surely violate the
lush peaceful setting of nature in this area.
Finally, it is imperative that we look at the practical application of having
such an establishment built in the "Church Row" area
• Serenity also extends to the peace one comes to expect while
respectfully visiting the grave of a family member. There are many
cemeteries in "Church Row ". Each day of the week, there are those
that come and visit the grave sites of deceased family members
• Safety also becomes a major concern with a commercial establishment
in close proximity to religious, social and family - oriented places of
worship. As with any church, there are many children at play in the
immediate area. In the event that the gas station is granted the
opportunity to build; it will certainly cause a hazard to the children in
the area. The "Church Row" road will become a by -pass for impatient
motorists. This will detrimentally impact the safety of our youth.
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11108/2000 13:49 00000000000 DEAN KALIKA PAGE 04
.My... • •
We appreciate your difficult task of coordinating commercial growth
Atilt attempting to preserve the sanctity of the cultural, historical and aesthetic
significance of a vibrant community such as ours. As stated above, we are not opposed
to growth and development. In view of the foregoing, it is our contention that the
proposed development of a gas station/convenience store/car wash is not an optimal and
safe use in the subject area We will be available to assist in working out a positive
solution to this perplexing issue.
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Mabalo & Aloha,
REVEREND DEAN T. KALIKA