HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0541.002 2014-2016Murashige, Laura
From: Fredrico Cachola <fredcachola@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, November 16, 2015 12:52 AM t--)
0
To: Council Testimony `SCD
Subject: Fwd: Resolution 327-15 Authorizing Negotiations for Hapu'u to Kapanai�orri_d r.
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---------- Forwarded message ---------- = �'
From: "Fredrico Cachola" <fredcachola@gmail.com> ® ��=J
Date: Nov 15, 2015 10:30 PMS,
Subject: Resolution 327-15 Authorizing Negotiations for Hapu'u to Kapanaia Corridor
To:<counciltestimoM@hawaiicounty.gov>
Cc: <sundownertonigyahoo.com>, "Gail Byrne" <gailbyrnebaber@gmail.com>, "Joe Carvalho"
<kohalal (c.,yahoo.com>, <wlaunco.hawaii.hi.us>, "Ku'auhau Moku O Kohala" <kuauhaukohala gmail.com>,
<infoa or northkohala.>
Aloha Council Members:
I am Fred Cachola, born and raised in Kohala and a true kamaaina of this historic district. I am a Hawaiian
historian and have conducted years of study in the history of Kohala and its most notable son - Kamehameha
the Great. I am submitting written testimony in support of Resolution 327-15, calling for the start of
negotiations by the County to purchase the lands at the Hapu'u to Kapanaian Corridor, for the following
reasons.
1. This coastal land area is directly associated with Kamehameha the Great. It is his aina pono'i, the land of his
chiefly Kohala ancestors. When he was a warrior in the chiefly council of his aging Uncle Alii Nui
Kalaniopu'u he was appointed as the high priest of his family war god Ku, which made him a revered custodian
of the feathered Ku image and gave him the responsibilities of all the heiau dedicated to Ku on the island of
Hawaii. This appointment took place while Kalaniopuu's court was in Kau. However, because of the intense
political and personal rivalry between Kamehameha and his cousin Kiwalao, Kalaniopuu's son, he was ordered
by Kalaniopuu to take Ku and go back to North Kohala and to maintain peace in the island kingdom until he
died. So Kamehameha and his entourage/followers went to Kohala, settled in their ancestoral lands at
Hapu'u/Kapanaia/Halawa and close to the sea cliffs just above Hapu'u Bay, he dedicated his first heiau to Ku;
Heiau Haleokaili. The ruins of Heiau Haleokaili, Kamehameha's first heiau dedicated to Ku is stll at
Hapuu. It was damaged by the Kohala Sugar Company, but not completly destroyed. The "niho pohaku", the
foundation stones are still there and quite visible today. This significant site MUST be preserved, and there are
many Kohala citizens who have volunteered to keep this site safe from harm, and from being vandalized by
unknowing folks who do not know or have little respect for such a sacred and significant site.
2. The landowner is aware of the siginificance of this site and is ready to sell it for for preservation, protection
and perpetuation..
3. When Kamehameha was born, he was taken by his kahu Naeole to a safe secure area at Awini, a remote
mountainous area in the uplands, When he was about 3-4 years old Naeole felt it was safe to allow the younster
Kamehameha to his "home" village - at Halawa and the coastal lands at Hapuu and Kapanaia. This is the
coastal area where Kamehameha learned to swim, surf, fish and farm. This is where he worked in the taro
fields at Halawa, and where he grew Noni plants before he had a beard. Kapanaia was his favorite rest and
recuperation area during the 10 -year battle with his cousin Keoua. And Kapanaia is still a favorite beach site
for all of Kohala residents, for picnicing, swimming, surfing, fishing and just a wonderful place to rest and
recuperate; just as it was when Kamehameha was a child.
4. The road way that provides access from the top of the sea cliffs down to Kapanaia Bay was built by
Kamehameha and his Kohala followers. It is one of several "public works" that Kamehameha engineered,
along with irrigation tunnels and ditches and another beach road -way access at Kauhola Point. These "public
601�m No.
Ref. To. t'
04. Dote 7
works" are significant demonstrations of Kamehameha's engineering featsl, his managerial/administratve
leadership skills and his dedication and service to Kohala's populace. Kamehameha's road to the beach is still
used today, it is still the best and safest access to Kapanaia Bay. The County must maintain this road way and
the entire Hapuu to Kapanai Corridor as a historical/cultural significant area and as one of Kohala's most
popular beach, picnicing, surfing area.
5. This corridor as contains the remains of Kapalama Heiau, which was described by Bishop Musuem
anthropologist/archaeologist as one to the largest heiau he surveyed during his historic study of hieau on the
entire island of Hawaii. It's origins and purposes have yet to be fully studied and researched, but by it name
"Ka -pa -lama"... it describes a large enclosure made by lama posts; and lama was considered and used for
sacred purposes by Alii and other high pries. One such purpose was to enclosure a special training place for
young alii to learn the special sacred ceremonies and ritutals which they would have to conduct as adult alii. So
Kapalama Heiau could have been a special enclosure used for a "finishing school" , or like a "prep academy"
for aspiring young alii.
The Hapu'u to Kapanaia corridor is truly one of the most significant areas in the entire island that is most
directly associated with Kamehameha the Great during his childhood and most of his adult life. It must be
protected, preserved for future generations, to revere, respect and perpetuate.
Me ke aloha,
Fred Cachola