HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0898.009 2014-2016 PIFG
R.E .S535-11
COM V4.gag
COUN ?
2016 JUN -2 PH 1: 35
May 29,2016
County Council Finance Committee
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street,Unit 209
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Aloha,
I wish to support Councilwoman Valerie Poindexter's resolution to acquire
TMK(3)2-9-002:079 and (3) 2-9-002:081 at Hakalau Point for a public park.
The proposal would utilize the County's Public Access, Open Space,and
Natural Resources Preservation fund.
Such a park would follow the purposes of the Fund,including:
• providing the general public with outdoor recreation and educational
opportunities;
• preserving historic and culturally important land areas and sites;
• protecting natural resources,including providing a buffer zone to
development along the coast;
• preserving the natural beauty of the coastline; and
• protecting water quality and the water supply.
Indeed,the historic resources of Hakalau,including the concrete warehouses,
cemeteries,coastal bluffs,the road to the Mill,view of the underside of the
steel bridge(listed on the State Register of Historic Places) and the Mill
foundations are important reminders of who we are. Hakalau is an important
connection to our past that needs preserving.
There are further benefits to be gained by acquiring this site. These can be
seen as effective elsewhere. The government of nearby California has already
organized a series of coastal waysides focused on natural topography and
government-owned parks along its coastal State Highway One. These
waysides provide many important functions in addition to those stated for
Hawaii County's Preservation Fund. Such benefits include maintaining a
sense of place,protection of distinct local wildlife,establishing safe places for
highway travelers to rest on long distance journeys,and encouraging visitors
to extend their explorations into less direct byways. Equally important,the
establishment of such waysides creates employment as local shops strive to
meet the new demand for goods and services.
Comm. No. V ! 1
Ref. To: 1 `tee
Ref. Date JUN 0 2 21116
I hope that the County will indeed acquire these Hakalau parcels at the
earliest opportunity.
Mahalo nui loa,
Ross Stephenson,PhD
Historian and former Keeper of the Hawaii Register of Historic Places
38 South Judd Street, Unit 24B
Honolulu, HI 96817
(808) 679-9060
rwaylands808@aol.com