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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0991.026 2016-2018 P/PUPRC TI I From: bds@aalava.com To: Council Testimony Subject: Comm 991 Na Hoa Holomoku Sailing Club Date: Sunday,August 05,2018 9:39:57 AM Re comm 991 : C") Aloha Honorable Council Members, I am writing to express my hope that the county council will sv to the viable continuation of the Na Hoa Holomoku sailing club of Hawaii at the Hilo beachfront where it has been for well Met a la-'710 decade. Recent actions by the Parks and Recreation Departm = to remove the club's small beach launched boats without any plans for their return threaten this club and will cause it to cease its vital community efforts The Na Hoa Holomoku sailing club is the only available access on the Big Island of Hawaii for those of us that love to sail but can't afford to own and operate our own boat. It provides its hundreds of family members through the entire Big Island an affordable way to get into the water, teach their children to sail and now provide a relief from the fissure 8 horror to those of us like myself, a kapoho farm lots owner dealing with lava inundation on my property. Na Hoa Holomoku also provides free sailing lessons to (non member) teens from around the island having just finished a week's long sailing course. This youth outreach not only helps to train teen sailors but provides a welcome outlet for their time as opposed to sitting around without sporting activities. While I am no expert, as I sail in the bay and look back at the beach, I see a community of canoe clubs and our sailing club all in harmony back at the beach. We are all aware of the importance of canoes and outriggers in our state's heritage, i think it is important to remember the influence of sailing in Hawaiian culture. After all, the Hokule'a couldn't have made the vast voyages it has without sails. comm. No. NI*2-6 Ref. To:Pi pwpRc Ref. Dote AUG 0 7 2 018 I k , I ask the council to help ensure the viability a:ndvitality of this popular Hawaii Island club which provides much needed recreation for all of the island's residents and outreach to youth with an agreement for a permanent place on the Hilo waterfront from which to launch our boats mahalo nui loa is 'oe Barrie Soloway Joan Woltmann Kapoho lava refugees bds@aalava.com j dw@aalava.corn Typtnmy mbl, pls xcus typos n odda funny tngs