HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0898.002 2014-2016 PIS
COK4124. Egg
Murashige, Laura
From: Cyr Pakele <cpakele001@hawaii.rr.com>
Sent: Wednesday,June 01, 2016 10:12 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Hakalau Testimony
Attachments: HPPA testimony.doc
Please find attached my testimony re: Resolution 535-16 re: Hakalau Point.
Mahalo nui loa
Cyr Pakele
t-1;
Comm. No. sellg
Ref.
Ref. Date JUN 0 2 2016
1
June 1, 2016
Honorable Karen Eoff, Chair, Finance Committee
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
RE: Resolution 535-16 Related to Hakalau Point
Chair Eoff and Members of the County Finance Committee:
Mahalo nui loa for the opportunity to speak in support of Resolution 535-16 before the Council Finance
Committee.
I am new to the Hakalau Community, after living in Honolulu the majority of my life. As a lifelong
resident of the state, it saddens me to see much of our coastal lands being privatized &developed for
residential or commercial use. These properties are prime real estate for development and are often
out of reach for a great majority of people. This scene is never more evident along the Hamakua
coastline.
At the same time, such private residential properties deprive the public of its open spaces where
grandeur sunrises&sunsets are seen,the rights&access to beaches&favorite fishing spots become
shut off or closed, &families lack the opportunity to enjoy our islands' beauty& richness of its place
surroundings.
One of the unique pleasures of living in Hakalau is learning of its distinct history in early Hawaii,the
impact of the great Mahele, &the sugar plantation era.
Hakalau Points plays a significant role in this past. Its 2 warehouses,the Korean cemetery,the
manager's home across the street,the concrete steps of the Hakalau hospital,the Japanese cemetery,
the sugar mill at the bay below...these are remnants of the past that tell the story of this'aina. It is
distressing to learn that graveyards have been disturbed—headstones destroyed&graves dug up& re-
interred elsewhere. Headstones tell a story too. It is not Pono to disturb`iwi. ... in the interest of
development. The sited of the Japanese graveyard &Hakalau hospital now reside on private land—shut
off from public view.
Hakalau Point preserves a significant history that must be retained, shared & kept for future generations
while allowing the public to enjoy its natural beauty.
Cyr Pakele
Hakalau Resident