HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0327.008 2012-2014 PIWuNai.
CLzk4, 327
Council Testimony
From: Shorty <sbertelmann @aloha.net>
Sent: Tuesday, July 09, 2013 9:49 AM
To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: J Yoshimoto- Chairperson -Duane Kanuha confirmation
Aloha
I am pleased to learn of Duane Kanuha's appointment for the Planning Department.This response is in effort to
confirm his nomination.
in my past, I have been priviledged to watch and learn from the commitment and responsibility Duane has shown to
the community and to the organizations that he was afflilliated with and served under.
On both community and on the cultural side, his history shows his ability to merge the past to the present and future
to honor, preserve and perpetuate cultural values and its diciplines. These values go back to ancient times and are
shared and used today throughout all communities.
Two things stand out in my mind about his qualities. One is vision.
The ability to project far enough ahead so that you can acheive clarity. And two, to be able to find common ground and
quality needed to move foward.
A few years back in the 90's our non profit organization, Na Kalai Waa, was created with a small core of individuals,
including Duane and others from culture groups, to support traditional voyaging using non instumental navigation. Our
effort was to be community based, to build a voyaging canoe for the Big Island, Makalii, so that it could be used as an
educational platform to be available not only for Hawaiians but all races and for all people. Our crews have been
fortunate enough to be able to sail many thousands of miles throughout the South Pacific, Micronesia, and Japan. We
were also able to build another voyaging canoe in Kawaihae, Alingano Maisu, as a gift to Mau Piailug, master navigator
in Satawal in 2007.
Makalii, today, is used to serve needs in the international community and in the classrooms on the Big Island and
abroad With Duane's support, we have been provided with access to Holomoana, a sacred navigational heiau in
Mahukona, in north Kohala for ceremony and for traditional practices.
I am honored to have him as a friend and admire his qualities of fortitude, longevity and sustainability. He has served
on many levels.
Please accept my support and confirmation for Duane Kanuha as a good choice for planning director.
Mahalo,
Shorty Bertelmann
Traditional Navigator/Captain
Hokule'a
Makalii
Alingano Maisu
Na Kalai Waa -Vice Pres. o C7
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