HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0991.022 2016-2018 P/PWPRc
cotitActi
COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAII
From: F]Pustka
To: Council Testimony t n
Subject: Hawaii County Council Agenda item Comm.991-Aug.7,2018 1018 AUG -6 1 i : 30
Date: Monday,August 06,2018 11:01:16 AM
Re: Agenda item Comm. 991
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Hawaii County Council
I am here to request your support for our one and only sailing club on the East side of Hawaii
Island.
Our club,Na Hoa Holomoku, is in receipt of 2 letters from Hawaii County Dept. of Parks &
Recreation ordering us to vacate the Hilo Bay Beach site which we have occupied for 10 plus
years along side the University of Hawaii Hilo Sailing club.
The first order to vacate dated April 20, 2018 was tabled due to the Leilani eruption. In the
second letter, dated July 2, 2018, Parks & Rec. Director Roxie Waltjen, instructed us to
remove all boats, lockers and equipment from our Bayfront location by July 31st. The stated
reason for the order to vacate was for scheduled maintenance by Dept. of Parks and Rec.
personnel.
This may be a reasonable request however there is no mention of any return date to our beach
location. This is troubling for our club.
Na Hoa Holomoku is an active contributor to our Big Island community. We teach rigging of
various boats, basic sailing, capsize recovery, on water safety, rules of the road while on the
water& racing techniques. We provide access to a number of boats, PFDs, watchful
competent volunteer sailing instructors, 2 sail days per month along with radio communication
equipped safety boat stationed on water during these 2 sail days. This is available to all, young
and senior alike, for a fee of $ 5.84 per month. I point out, this is not per person but for the
entire immediate family.
Convenience of storing, rigging, launching and retrieval of our dingies and catamarans from a
designated beach location is a necessary factor in the ability to engage in these activities for
both young and old.
With an executed Memorandum Of Understanding, between Na Hoa Holomoku and the
County of Hawaii, both parties would be clear on expectations of each other.
Access to fresh water,permission to erect structures for the security of our equipment in the
designated location and a willingness to work with us regarding our scheduled classes,
workshops and races would be greatly appreciated.
I am asking Hawaii County to recognize Sailing as a legitimate sport, worthy of Dept. of
Parks an Rec. support in the same fashion the County recognizes and supports skateboarding,
soccer, baseball,pickle ball and canoe paddling.
This is not a plea for monetary contribution. It is a plea for recognition for our long standing
Comm. No `"IQI22
Ref. To:P i�W .0
Ref. Dote AUG 07 2018
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contributions to our community. It is a plea for us to be able to continue to engage in our
chosen sport by having a designated location on Hilo Bay beach front. Our chosen sport is
sailing. Sailing, like canoe paddling, is Hawaiian.
Please support this club's pursuit of a workable Memorandum of Understanding for this
location with the County of Hawaii.
Respectfully Submitted,
Frank Pustka
NHH member
Sailor
Captain -U S Merchant Marine (retired)